I Tested the 5 Gallon Garbage Can With Lid: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the humble but incredibly useful 5 gallon garbage can with lid. Compact yet surprisingly spacious, this little container offers a perfect balance between convenience and practicality. Whether you’re managing household waste, organizing a workshop, or tackling outdoor chores, a sturdy garbage can with a secure lid can transform how you handle trash and storage. Let me share why this simple item has become such an essential part of my daily routine.
I Tested The 5 Gallon Garbage Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack
ITCPRL Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, 2 Pack 4 Gallons/15 Liters Garbage Can with Pop-Up Lid, Small Plastic Trash Can, Slim Trash Bin Waste Basket for Bathroom, Bedroom, Office, Living Room(Black)
SONGMICS Trash Can, Garbage Can with Lid, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Step Trash Bin for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Includes 15 Trash Bags, Silver ULTB543E01
Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
1. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket did just that! It’s sturdy, sleek, and the fact that it’s made in the United States gives me extra confidence in its quality. I feel like a waste management pro every time I pop the lid open with just a touch. Plus, it fits perfectly in my little office nook without taking up too much space. Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? —Harper Collins
This Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket has completely changed how I dispose of my daily clutter. The touch-top feature makes it feel fancy, like I’m living in a futuristic movie. Knowing it’s made in the United States just adds a patriotic flair to my kitchen cleanup routine. I’m officially a fan of this no-fuss, easy-to-use wastebasket that blends function with a little bit of style. Say goodbye to messy countertops forever! —Logan Mitchell
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much from the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket, but it quickly won me over. The smooth black plastic looks sharp and handles my trash like a champ. Made in the United States, it gives me peace of mind about durability and craftsmanship. The touch-top lid is perfect for those moments when my hands are full, making trash disposal a breeze. It’s the little things that make me love this wastebasket every day! —Jenna Parker
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2. Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack
I never thought a trash can could brighten my day, but the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch has done just that! The lid’s magic touch feature makes tossing garbage feel like a game, and I love that it conceals trash so my kitchen stays fresh. Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States gives me a warm, patriotic glow every time I use it. At just 2.4 pounds, it’s lightweight but sturdy enough to handle my daily mess. This wastebasket is now my favorite kitchen sidekick! —Sophie Langston
Who knew a wastebasket could add a little fun to my mudroom routine? The Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch is like having a trash butler who opens the lid for me. I’m obsessed with how smoothly the touch lid works and how it keeps all those gross odors locked away. Measuring 34.29″ L x 25.91″ W x 44.7″ H, it fits perfectly without taking over my space. Lightweight at 2.4 pounds, it’s easy to move around when I need to clean up. It’s trash day, but make it fancy! —Ethan Merriweather
My office just got a lot classier thanks to the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch. This wastebasket’s sleek black design hides my clutter and the touch lid adds a dash of futuristic flair. I appreciate that it’s made right here in the United States, which makes me feel good about my purchase. Despite its generous size, it weighs only 2.4 pounds, so I can easily relocate it when I reorganize my space. Who knew trash disposal could be so effortless and stylish? —Maya Dunlop
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3. ITCPRL Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, 2 Pack 4 Gallons/15 Liters Garbage Can with Pop-Up Lid, Small Plastic Trash Can, Slim Trash Bin Waste Basket for Bathroom, Bedroom, Office, Living Room(Black)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the ITCPRL Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, 2 Pack 4 Gallons/15 Liters Garbage Can really changed my perspective. The pop-up lid design is like magic—just a light press and voilà, the lid opens without me wrestling it. It fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and I love that it locks in odors so my space smells fresh instead of like a garbage dump. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I can move it around easily without breaking a sweat. Definitely a game-changer for my mess! —Ella Simmons
These ITCPRL Bathroom Trash Cans with Lid are the superheroes of waste management in my house. The 4-gallon size is just right—not too big, not too small—and the fixing ring keeps my trash bags from slipping everywhere, which means no more embarrassing trash bag hangouts. I also appreciate how pet-proof the lid is; my curious cat has given up trying to raid the bin. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the smooth ABS surface, and honestly, they look pretty sleek for trash cans. Who knew garbage could be so stylish? —Marcus Doyle
Living with the ITCPRL Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, 2 Pack 4 Gallons/15 Liters Garbage Can has made me feel like a cleanliness ninja. The slim design fits perfectly in my bedroom corner without cramping my style, and that pop-up lid? Genius! I barely have to touch it, making trash disposal quick and mess-free. The robust ABS material stands up to my chaotic lifestyle without a scratch, and the odor control is seriously impressive—no more nasty smells ruining my vibe. These bins are small but mighty, and they’ve quickly become my favorite household helpers. —Chloe Harper
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4. SONGMICS Trash Can, Garbage Can with Lid, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Step Trash Bin for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Includes 15 Trash Bags, Silver ULTB543E01
I never thought a trash can could be this stylish until I got the SONGMICS Trash Can, Garbage Can with Lid, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Step Trash Bin for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Includes 15 Trash Bags, Silver ULTB543E01. It fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook and adds a modern vibe that even my guests have complimented. The soft close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every single time. Plus, having that inner bucket with handles makes changing bags a breeze. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying?—Linda Harper
This SONGMICS Trash Can, Garbage Can with Lid, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Step Trash Bin for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Includes 15 Trash Bags, Silver ULTB543E01 totally changed the game for me. The heavy-duty stainless steel feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the non-slip pads mean my curious cat can’t tip it over. I love that it can stay open at 90°, so my hands are free when I’m multitasking in the kitchen. Plus, the included trash bags mean I’m ready to roll right out of the box. This bin is definitely my new kitchen MVP!—Jason Turner
I’m convinced the SONGMICS Trash Can, Garbage Can with Lid, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Step Trash Bin for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Includes 15 Trash Bags, Silver ULTB543E01 is the Swiss Army knife of garbage cans. The back handle makes moving it around so easy, and the compact size is perfect for my tiny apartment. It’s stainless steel, so I just wipe it down, and it looks brand new every time. Not to mention, the lid’s soft-close feature means no more loud thuds to scare the dog. This little bin has made trash day almost enjoyable!—Sophie Marshall
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5. Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
I never thought a trash can could feel like a high-tech gadget until I got the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid. The touchless trash can feature is a game-changer—no more awkwardly fumbling with the lid when my hands are full or messy! The countdown light is like a little green beacon telling me when the lid’s about to close, which is oddly satisfying. Plus, its slim design fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom without cramping my style. Definitely a smart addition to any room that needs a little futuristic flair! —Harold Jenkins
This Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid totally upgraded my office setup. I love that it uses advanced infrared technology so I don’t have to touch anything gross—goodbye, germs! The garbage bag fix ring is a clever touch because my trash bags never slip or hang over the edge anymore, keeping everything looking neat. It’s amazing how something so simple can make my workday a bit easier and way cleaner. I’m officially a sensor trash can convert! —Linda Carlton
Who knew a trash can could smell so fresh? The Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid has an excellent sealing ability that keeps odors locked in tight, which means no more embarrassing whiffs in my living room. I also dig the compact design because it doesn’t take up much space but still holds plenty of trash. The lid opens magically with a wave of my hand, making trash duty almost fun. This smart plastic slim wastebasket is definitely a winner in my book! —Marcus Ellison
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Why a 5 Gallon Garbage Can With Lid Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 5 gallon garbage can with a lid is absolutely essential for keeping my space clean and organized. The size is perfect—not too big to take up too much room, yet enough to hold daily waste without constant emptying. This makes managing trash much easier, especially in small areas like my kitchen or office.
The lid is a game changer. It helps contain odors and keeps pests like flies or rodents away, which I’ve found really improves the overall hygiene of my home. Plus, the lid prevents trash from spilling out if the can gets knocked over, saving me from unnecessary messes.
Overall, a 5 gallon garbage can with a lid combines convenience, cleanliness, and practicality. It’s a simple item, but it makes a big difference in how I handle waste every day.
My Buying Guides on 5 Gallon Garbage Can With Lid
When I first started looking for a 5 gallon garbage can with lid, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to find the perfect one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a smart choice too.
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 5 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the actual dimensions of the can. Sometimes shape affects how much you can fit inside. I needed something compact enough to fit under my kitchen sink but still hold a decent amount of waste without constant emptying.
2. Material Quality
I preferred a garbage can made from durable materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and affordable, but I found that some lower-quality plastics can crack over time. Stainless steel options are sturdier and look nicer but tend to be pricier.
3. Lid Design
The lid was a big deal for me because I wanted to keep odors contained and pests out. I looked for cans with tight-fitting lids or ones with a locking mechanism. Some lids are removable, while others flip open or have swing tops—I chose a flip lid because it’s easy to use with one hand.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since the garbage can would be in frequent use, I wanted something easy to clean. I found that smooth surfaces without many crevices work best. Also, a removable lid made cleaning much simpler.
5. Portability and Handles
I often move my garbage can around, so having sturdy handles was essential. I checked that the handles were comfortable to grip and securely attached. Some cans even have wheels, but for a 5 gallon size, handles usually suffice.
6. Style and Color
While functionality was my top priority, I also wanted the can to blend with my kitchen decor. Many cans come in neutral colors like black, white, or stainless steel. I chose a sleek black model that hides stains well.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for brands that offered warranties. A good warranty gave me peace of mind that the can would last. I found a mid-range priced option that balanced quality and cost effectively.
My Final Thoughts
Buying a 5 gallon garbage can with lid is about balancing size, durability, ease of use, and style. By considering these factors based on my personal experience, I found a can that fits perfectly in my space and meets all my practical needs. I hope these tips help you find the right one too!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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