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The 10 Best RV Garbage Cans and Trash Bag Holders [2024]

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Amar Hussain
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Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

777 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63U.S. States Visited: 9

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
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Jessica Merritt

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A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
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For an authentic RV experience, you will want to cook, clean, and enjoy spending time in your RV the same way you would at home.

Prepping for dinner, using the shower, and even camping outside all create waste. You’ll need somewhere hygienic to store it.

Slimline, compact, and even cute, there are lots of awesome RV garbage cans and trash holders for outdoor adventurers to choose from.

Things To Consider With RV Garbage Cans and Trash Bag Holders 

Being limited on space doesn’t mean you need to be without your home comforts. There are lots of compact garbage cans available, but before you buy, consider the following:

Design

RV Trash Can Design
Rectangular-shaped trash cans fit into the smallest of spaces, Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Rectangular-shaped containers are more efficient and give you access to every last inch of internal storage space. These super-slim waste savers can slide into the smallest of spaces.

Some come with interior buckets that can be pulled out for easy cleaning, and others include useful additions such as toilet brushes or lids that can open on either side.

While some trash cans are designed for floor placement, others come with hooks and accessories that allow them to be hung over cabinet doors. These useful little garbage disposal solutions make it easy to scrape in your food waste and come with lids to keep odors in and flies at bay.

Size and Capacity

RV Trash Can Size
RV trash cans typically offer just a few liters or gallons of storage space. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Most RV garbage cans are designed to be small enough to sit under your kitchen cabinets, slide into small spaces, or be placed on top of your table or kitchen counter.

Typically, these trash cans offer just a few liters or gallons of storage space and will need to be emptied and cleaned regularly.

Hot Tip: Collapsible trash can holders can be used with standard 13-gallon trash bags. These trash can holders are usually kept outside while you camp.

Lids

RV Trash Can Pedal Lid
RV trash cans are sometimes operated by a foot pedal that flips the lid up. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

As with your garbage cans back at home, waste disposal can get messy. With this in mind, an RV trash can with a good lid can keep your waste well-contained without requiring you to get too involved with touching it.

Hygienic and easy to use, there are a few ways you can keep your garbage neatly hidden away at all times.

  • Pedal (Step-on) — These types of trash cans are operated by a foot pedal that flips the lid up when you step on it. They are very hygienic but can be a little noisy.
  • Push Button — Just a quick press of the lid will flip it open. Not completely touch-free, these types of lids are still very popular, and they tend to have a smooth and quiet operation.
  • Sealed Lids — An excellent choice for kitchen composting and food waste, these are often found on under-counter and cabinet trash cans and are designed to fit nice and tight to keep unwanted odors out.

Interior Bucket

Always buy a trash can that comes with a removable interior bucket with a handle. Trash cans that come with removal buckets are the most hygienic and easy to clean. Simply remove the bucket when you are ready to empty the can and give it a wash before placing back in the garbage can.

The 10 Best RV Garbage Cans and Trash Bag Holders 

There are many great RV garbage solutions available, from compact cabinet cans to collapsible frames for everyday trash bags.

1. Cabinet Trash Can for Food Waste

KaryHome Hanging Small Trash Can

This innovative little number lets you keep your food waste neatly tucked away without taking up much-needed kitchen floor space.

Measuring 6.9 x 8.3 x 9.6 inches high, it offers 1.3-gallon (5-liter) capacity, and with a mounting accessory included, it can be hung inside your kitchen cabinets.

Designed with food waste in mind, it is made from sturdy and non-toxic material and comes with a close-fitting lid that will keep fruit flies out and odors in.

Available in a choice of super-cute colors, you can choose one to match your kitchen decor, and the discreet design makes it suitable for even the smallest of RVs and trailers.

What We Like

  • Can be neatly tucked out of sight

What We Don’t Like

  • May be too tall for cabinet shelves

2. Large-Capacity RV Waste Collection Solution

Amazon Basics 40 Liter / 10.5 Gallon Soft-Close Trash Can

Measuring 25.4 x 18.3 x 11.6 inches, this awesome stainless steel trash can is compact enough to slip into even the smallest of spaces.

Offering 10.5 gallons (40 liters) of interior space, it features a heavy-duty plastic liner bucket that can be removed for convenient garbage disposal and cleaning.

It has a whisper-quiet operation with a soft-close lid, and the finger-print-proof, smudge-resistant exterior looks sleek enough to slip into even the most upscale RV kitchen.

What We Like

  • Looks great and performs brilliantly

What We Don’t Like

  • The exterior seems susceptible to dents

3. Smart Looking and Functional Step Can

1.3 Gallon Rectangular Small Steel Step Trash Can

This practical little trash can is simple by design but exceedingly useful. It has upscale good looks and a compact design.

Measuring 7.7 x 4.4 x 16.2 inches and offering a 1.3-gallon (5-liter) capacity, it’s just right for use in RVs and smaller kitchens. The stainless steel is resistant to fingerprints to keep it looking clean and hygienic.

With a durable plastic liner, you can easily empty it when full, and the bucket and handle can be cleaned using mild soap and water.

The perfectly placed foot pedal offers a touch-free lid, and the rectangular shape maximizes every last inch of storage space.

What We Like

  • Compact design is perfect for smaller spaces

What We Don’t Like

  • The step mechanism is quite noisy

4. Small-Space Trash Can

Sooyee 10 Liter Rectangular Plastic Trash Can

Suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms, this discreet white trash can is compact and hygienic. The slim, modern design measures 12.7 x 5.4 x 12.44 inches, and the curved edges ensure that it remains an unobtrusive addition to even the smallest of spaces.

Made from super-strong polypropylene material, this trash can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The plastic interior bucket can be easily removed for convenient cleaning and waste disposal.

With a 1-touch cover, you need only press it down to open it. Available in a choice of colors, this little trash can will blend in perfectly, both in your RV and back at home.

What We Like

  • Well-made and perfect for use virtually anywhere

What We Don’t Like

  • The color is more off-white than white

5. Food Waste Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinets

Check on Walmart

AYADA Hanging Trash Can with Lid

This cute little trash can is designed to be placed on the outside of your kitchen cabinet and is just the right height to push your scraps and garbage into.

Made from high-quality polypropylene material, it comes in a choice of colors, and with hanging accessories included, you can even mount it to your wall for a more permanent small-space garbage solution.

The self-sealing, swinging lid goes both ways to keep odors out and fruit flies at bay, and the sleek and modern design is suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere floor space is in short supply.

What We Like

  • The swinging lid is a genius space-saving design

What We Don’t Like

  • It is very small

6. Trash Can for RV Adventures With Pets

JOYBOS Dog-Proof Bathroom Trash Can

Measuring a compact 13 x 6.7 x 14 inches, this little trash can has a multitude of uses. Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or even under your desk, it offers a creative solution for small spaces.

The half open-top design means you don’t have to touch it to open it, and this unique little garbage can comes complete with built-in odor control to prevent nasty smells from seeping out.

Small enough to stop hungry pets from sticking their heads in while practical enough to hold an impressive amount of waste between empties, this is a hygienic and easy-to-clean trash can with a streamlined design.

What We Like

  • Easy to clean and unobtrusive

What We Don’t Like

  • A bit pricey, given its small size

7. Trash Can That Holds Regular Garbage Bags

Check on Walmart

Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder

This collapsible trash bag holder is the ultimate in space-saving kitchenware. The easy-to-use design makes it suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, boats, and other small spaces.

With the ability to hold trash bags with a 13-gallon capacity or larger, the frame can fold down to a super-compact 14.5 x 11.5 x 2 inches for easy storage.

With a built-in lid for a more hygienic experience, it is also height-adjustable, making it suitable for use both inside or outside your cabinets, and the lightweight but sturdy frame is easy to clean between uses.

What We Like

  • Versatile and easy to use

What We Don’t Like

  • Not very easy to remove the trash bag

8. Slimline Trash Can for Bathrooms

CQ Acrylic Slim Plastic Trash Can

With a super slim and compact design, this little trash can is small enough to be tucked away inside cabinets, beside toilets, and under sinks.

Easy to clean, it features a durable plastic liner with a handle that is easy to wipe down using mild soap and water.

The modern design works well with all types of decor. Made from shatter-proof plastic, it offers 1.3 gallons (5 liters) of durable storage space.

Perfect for use in your bathroom, this innovative little trash can even comes with a built-in toilet brush, offering a discreet and hygienic solution for the smallest room in your RV.

What We Like

  • Awesome way to save space in your RV or trailer

What We Don’t Like

  • It’s a bit tricky to get the bag in and out

9. Folding Trash Bag Holder Frame With Lid

Portable Trash Bag Holder

This clever little frame is a great choice for camping or RV trips. You can hang your garbage bag neatly off the floor for more hygienic storage.

Highly portable, the bag holder frame folds up nicely and is small when not in use. When fully assembled, it can easily accommodate a standard 13-gallon trash bag. The full-height design makes it feel more like your trash can back at home.

With 9 pieces in total for easy assembly, this holder can be up and ready in just a few minutes with no tools needed.

What We Like

  • Collapsible trash can frame

What We Don’t Like

  • It’s a little flimsy

10. Foldable Food Waste and Composting Can

Check on Walmart

Odisen Portable Trash Bag Holder

This clever little trash bag holder can be hung over your kitchen cabinet door for discreet waste disposal in your RV or camper.

Made from environmentally friendly ABS material, it has an opening size of 8.7 x 3.7 inches, and any type of garbage bag can be used on the inside.

Quick and easy to set up, you won’t need any special tools to get started. It’s compact and collapsible when not in use, and can also be wiped clean before storage until your next adventure.

What We Like

  • Compact and easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

  • It’s quite small

Final Thoughts

A small and space-saving trash can for your RV will make your on-the-go life a little bit easier.

Whether you’re looking for an under-counter solution for the kitchen, or a slimline design for your bathroom, there are plenty of compact and hygienic designs available to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mount an RV garbage can on a cabinet?

Many RV garbage cans are small and compact enough to be mounted on the inside of a cabinet door. Many come with a wall mounting attachment that also makes it easy to detach the bin from the mount to clean.

What size bag do I need for a 20-liter RV garbage can?

Ideally, you should use a 5-gallon or slightly bigger bag for a 20-liter garbage can.

What is the best design for an RV garbage can?

The best design for an RV garbage can has an interior bucket so that it’s easy to remove the trash bag and clean the garbage can itself.

What size do RV garbage cans come in?

As space is a premium in your RV, you’ll want a compact garbage can. Look for a garbage can between 1 and 2 gallons.

Amar Hussain's image

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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