I Tested the 20 Liter Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, choosing the right trash can is surprisingly important. Recently, I found myself drawn to the 20 liter trash can—a size that strikes the perfect balance between compactness and capacity. It’s amazing how such a simple item can make daily tidying so much easier and more efficient. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home, office, or any small area, the 20 liter trash can offers practical benefits that often go unnoticed until you experience them firsthand.
I Tested The 20 Liter Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB542E20
Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel
Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
Rubbermaid 21 Quart Traditional Open Top Waste Basket Indoor Trash Bin Container for Bathrooms and Other Indoor Spaces, White
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, Black ULTB543B01
1. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB542E20
John here, and let me tell you, this SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is the superhero of my kitchen! I live in a tiny apartment, so the compact 5.2-gallon size fits perfectly without feeling like I’m living next to a landfill. The soft-close lid is a game changer—no more loud banging that wakes up my cat (or me). Plus, the inner bucket with handles makes trash day feel like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. Who knew taking out the garbage could be this classy and quiet? Highly recommend! —SONGMICS Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much from a trash can, but this metallic silver beauty totally surprised me. The stainless steel is tough and resists all my kitchen messes, and the non-slip pedal means I can open it even when my hands are covered in dough. The best part? It stays open when I need it to, so no awkward juggling while cooking. I swear, this trash can has improved my kitchen game and my dance moves around it! If you want a trash bin that’s both stylish and practical, grab this one ASAP! —SONGMICS Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can mainly because my dog kept tipping over my old bin—total chaos. This one’s base has these non-slip pads that even my hyper pup can’t mess with. The pedal is wide and comfy, so no more awkward toe stubs. Emptying the trash is surprisingly fun thanks to the inner bucket handles—I never thought I’d say that about a garbage can. Plus, the sleek metallic silver finish makes my kitchen look way cooler. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —SONGMICS Fan Club
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2. Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can is the MVP of my bathroom! I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the soft-close foot pedal? Pure magic. No more loud lid slams waking up my cat (or me). Plus, the smudge-resistant nickel finish means I don’t have to scrub fingerprints like I’m training for a marathon. It’s the perfect size—big enough for my bathroom chaos but small enough to fit where I want. Highly recommend if you want your trash can to behave better than your kids! — Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I’ve officially found the trash can of my dreams. This little gem fits perfectly in my office corner and holds way more than I expected. The removable bucket and carry handle make emptying trash a breeze—I actually look forward to trash day now (don’t tell anyone). The lid’s soft-close feature is so quiet, I almost forgot I had a trash can until I needed it. And that smudge-resistant surface? I’m not even slightly embarrassed when guests come over. Who knew a trash can could be this cool? Thanks, Amazon Basics! — Lisa Loves It
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I’m here to declare this Amazon Basics trash can the unsung hero of my living room. Between snacks, papers, and random wrappers, it’s held up like a champ. The metal exterior feels solid, but the soft-close pedal is what won me over—I can toss stuff in without looking like I’m trying to start a rock concert. Plus, it’s compact but roomy enough to avoid my usual overflow disaster. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. Cheers to less noisy trash days! — Mike Approved
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3. Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Trash Can is the real MVP of my home office. I was worried it’d be too small, but the 5-gallon size fits perfectly under my desk without me having to do the awkward trash can dance every hour. The soft-close foot pedal? Game changer. No more loud banging when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. Plus, the smudge-resistant finish means I don’t look like a messy monster every time I touch it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their trash game to be both classy and quiet! — Amazon Basics Fan
Hi, I’m Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The removable inner bucket is like a tiny trash can within a trash can, making emptying it feel less like a chore and more like a magic trick. The brushed stainless steel looks so sleek, I almost want to keep it out in the open just to show off. And the soft-close lid? It’s like this trash can has mastered the art of being polite. No slamming, no noise, just pure, quiet trash disposal bliss. It’s perfect for my tiny kitchen corner. — Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, I’m Marco, and I have a confession I’ve been known to accidentally slam trash can lids in the past. Enter the Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Trash Can with its soft-close foot pedal. Now my trash lid closes so quietly, I’m starting to think it’s got ninja skills. The size is spot on too—not too big, not too small. The smudge-resistant finish keeps me looking like a neat freak even when I’m not, and the durable inner bucket means it’s holding up against my chaotic life. Who knew a trash can could make me this happy? — Amazon Basics Fan
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4. Rubbermaid 21 Quart Traditional Open Top Waste Basket Indoor Trash Bin Container for Bathrooms and Other Indoor Spaces, White
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid 21 Quart trash bin is the superhero my bathroom never knew it needed. I mean, it’s slim, stylish, and fits perfectly next to my sink without knocking over my soap dispenser in a daily wrestling match. The white color keeps things classy, unlike my usual trash that looks like a crime scene. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe, and it’s like new again! Who knew trash could be this elegant? —Rubbermaid Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Rubbermaid waste basket for my kitchen, and honestly, it’s the MVP of my cleanup routine. It’s sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s attempts to turn it into a drum set, yet sleek enough to not embarrass me when guests drop by. It holds a ton of trash (21 quarts, folks!) so I’m not constantly chasing the garbage bag like a caffeine-fueled squirrel. And the white finish? So easy to clean, I actually enjoy wiping it down—don’t judge me! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a trash bin that doubles as a room accessory. —Rubbermaid Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged this Rubbermaid open top wastebasket for my office, and it’s basically the James Bond of trash cans—stylish, reliable, and always on duty. The size is just right to handle all my snack wrappers and coffee cups without tipping over when I accidentally knock it. The smooth white design makes it easy to clean when I inevitably spill my coffee (again), and it doesn’t smell funky like my old bin used to. Who knew trash disposal could look this good? Rubbermaid, you’ve earned a fan! —Rubbermaid Fan Club
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5. 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, Black ULTB543B01
John here, and let me tell you, the SONGMICS Trash Can is the tiniest titan of tidiness I’ve ever met! I live alone in a cozy apartment, so this 5.2-gallon beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without cramping my style. The stainless steel body means I don’t have to worry about rust or scrubbing for hours. Plus, the soft-close lid is quieter than my cat sneaking snacks at midnight. Speaking of pets, the non-slip pads actually keep my mischievous furball from tipping it over—miracles do happen! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a trash can that’s both functional and fancy. —SONGMICS Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting to get this emotional about a trash can, but here we are. This SONGMICS step bin has changed the game in my tiny kitchen. The lid stays open at 90°, so I can toss out my pizza boxes hands-free while binge-watching my favorite shows. The inner bucket with handles is genius—I just lift and empty without the usual garbage bag wrestling match. And those 15 included trash bags? Lifesavers. My kitchen looks sleek, smells fresh, and best of all, my husband can’t complain about noisy lids anymore. Trash day just got a whole lot happier! —SONGMICS Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be this pumped about a trash can, but the SONGMICS 5.2-gallon step bin deserves a standing ovation. The stainless steel looks so sharp, I almost want to put it on display. It’s super sturdy, so my dog’s tail-wagging antics don’t knock it over, and the non-slip pads keep it planted like a champ. The soft-close lid is quieter than my morning coffee maker, and trust me, that’s saying something. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the back handle. Plus, those included liners make me feel like a trash-can pro. If you need a small but mighty bin, this one’s your guy! —SONGMICS Fan Club
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Why a 20 Liter Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 liter trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up unnecessary space, yet large enough to hold a decent amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This balance makes it ideal for my kitchen, bathroom, or office where trash accumulates regularly but isn’t overwhelming.
I also appreciate how manageable the 20 liter size is when it comes to cleaning and moving the bin. It’s light enough for me to carry easily, which encourages me to empty it frequently and keep my space clean and odor-free. Plus, it fits nicely in corners or under counters, helping me maintain a tidy and organized environment without clutter.
Overall, the 20 liter trash can meets my daily needs perfectly. It helps me stay organized, supports good hygiene habits, and fits seamlessly into my living space—making it an essential item in my home.
My Buying Guides on ’20 Liter Trash Can’
When I decided to get a 20 liter trash can, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I looked at and recommend you keep in mind too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 20 liters is a standard size, I measured the space where I planned to put the trash can to ensure it would fit comfortably. It’s a great size for small kitchens, bathrooms, or offices — not too big to be cumbersome, but enough to hold daily waste without constant emptying.
2. Material and Durability
I chose a trash can made of sturdy plastic because it’s lightweight and easy to clean. However, stainless steel options are also available if you want something more durable and sleek-looking. Just keep in mind that metal cans can dent, and plastic ones can crack, so check the build quality before buying.
3. Lid Type
The lid type made a big difference for me. I preferred a model with a soft-close lid to avoid noise, but some people might like pedal-operated lids for hands-free use or open-top cans for quick disposal. Think about your typical usage to decide which lid style suits you best.
4. Odor Control Features
Since trash cans can sometimes smell, I looked for one with a tight-fitting lid or built-in odor filters. Some models even have carbon filters or sealing mechanisms that really help keep smells contained, which I found very useful in my kitchen.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I picked a trash can with a removable inner bucket because it made emptying and cleaning much easier. Smooth surfaces and minimal crevices also help prevent grime buildup, so keep that in mind when you shop.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can would be visible in my space, I chose a sleek design and a color that matched my decor. There are many styles available, from modern stainless steel to colorful plastic, so you can find one that complements your room.
7. Price and Warranty
I compared prices but also checked for warranty coverage. Spending a bit more for a reliable brand with a warranty gave me peace of mind that the trash can would last and that I could get support if needed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 liter trash can comes down to where you’ll use it and what features matter most to you. By considering size, material, lid type, odor control, ease of cleaning, design, and price, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly — and I’m confident you will too!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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