Slim trash can for small apartment kitchens solves a problem you might not realize you have until you live with it: standard trash cans take up too much floor space. In a tiny kitchen, that footprint matters.
A slim trash can for small apartment living is taller and narrower than standard bins. It holds similar volume but fits in spaces a regular can never would. This guide covers what to look for when buying a slim trash can for small apartment spaces.
Why Standard Trash Cans Don’t Work in Small Kitchens
A typical kitchen trash can is 14-16 inches in diameter. That’s roughly 1.5 square feet of floor space gone, right in the middle of your kitchen traffic flow.
In a small apartment kitchen, that footprint conflicts with:
- Cabinet doors that need to swing open
- Walking paths between stove and refrigerator
- Space needed to pull out chairs if kitchen connects to dining area
A slim trash can for small apartment measures 8-10 inches wide instead of 14-16 inches. That difference lets you tuck it between the refrigerator and counter, against a narrow wall, or inside a cabinet. According to Real Simple’s kitchen organization tips, using vertical space with slim containers is key for small kitchens.
What Makes a Trash Can “Slim”?
Slim trash cans share these characteristics:
Narrow width: 8-12 inches wide compared to 14-16 inches for standard cans Taller height: 24-30 inches tall to maintain volume despite narrow width Rectangular shape: Rectangular or oval footprints use space more efficiently than round Wall-hugging design: Flat back sits flush against wall or appliance
Despite the narrow profile, most slim cans hold 8-13 gallons, which is comparable to standard kitchen cans.
Pros
- Fits in narrow gaps between appliances and walls
- Same capacity as standard cans in smaller footprint
- Modern designs look better than bulky round cans
- Pedal options keep hands free and clean
- Flat backs sit flush against walls
- Easier to fit in cabinet trash pullouts
- Many options at various price points
Cons
- Taller height can be awkward for scraping plates
- Limited capacity compared to larger household cans
- Narrow opening makes throwing large items difficult
- Some models tip more easily than wide-base cans
- Standard trash bags may not fit perfectly
- Premium features (soft close, odor control) cost more
Types of Slim Trash Cans
Step pedal: Open lid with foot, hands stay clean. Best for food prep. Look for pedals that work smoothly and don’t require excessive force.
Swing lid: Push top to open. Simple and cheap but requires touching the lid. Works fine if you don’t mind wiping it occasionally.
Motion sensor: Lid opens automatically when hand approaches. Convenient but requires batteries and costs more. Sensors can malfunction over time.
Open top: No lid. Fastest for quick disposal but exposes trash and odors. Best for dry waste only.
Touch bar: Push panel with hip or elbow to open. Good compromise between hands-free and mechanical reliability.
For small apartment kitchens, step pedal offers the best balance of convenience, hygiene, and reliability.
What Size Slim Trash Can Do You Need?
Consider your household size and how often you take out trash:
| Household | Recommended Size | Typical Emptying |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 8-10 gallons | Every 4-5 days |
| 2 people | 10-13 gallons | Every 3-4 days |
| 3+ people | 13+ gallons | Every 2-3 days |
Smaller cans mean more frequent trips to the outdoor bin. Larger cans hold more but take more space. Find your balance.
What to Look For When Buying
Dimensions first: Measure your intended space before shopping. Width matters most. Leave at least half an inch clearance on each side.
Bag compatibility: Check what bag sizes fit. Some slim cans need specialty bags. Others work with standard tall kitchen bags. Specialty bags cost more long-term.
Stability: Narrow cans can tip. Look for weighted bases or wide footprints relative to height. Read reviews for tipping complaints.
Lid mechanism: Test if possible. Pedals should open smoothly. Soft-close lids that lower gently are worth the extra cost.
Interior bucket: Removable inner buckets make cleaning easier and bag changes simpler. Worth seeking out.
Material: Stainless steel looks premium and resists odors. Plastic is lighter and cheaper but can absorb smells over time.
Where to Place a Slim Trash Can
Best locations in small apartment kitchens:
Between refrigerator and wall: Often a narrow gap that’s otherwise wasted space.
End of counter run: Accessible but out of main traffic flow.
Inside cabinet: Some slim cans fit in base cabinets with pullout mechanisms.
Next to dishwasher: Convenient for scraping plates before loading.
Avoid placing directly next to the stove (fire hazard) or blocking cabinet doors.
Our Verdict
A slim trash can for small apartment kitchens is a simple upgrade that improves daily kitchen life. You stop tripping over a bulky bin. Your kitchen looks cleaner. Your floor space increases.
Spend a bit more for a step pedal slim trash can for small apartment use with soft-close lid. The convenience is worth it for something you use multiple times daily.
For more small kitchen floor space tips, see Better Homes & Gardens apartment kitchen guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bags fit slim trash cans? Many slim cans work with standard 13-gallon tall kitchen bags. Some need 8-10 gallon bags. Check the product specifications before buying to avoid expensive specialty bags.
Do slim trash cans smell more because they’re taller? Not necessarily. Smell depends more on lid seal and material than shape. Stainless steel with tight-sealing lids controls odors well regardless of shape.
Can I use a slim trash can for recycling? Yes. Some people buy two slim cans, one for trash and one for recycling. The narrow profile makes this feasible even in small kitchens.
How do I clean a slim trash can? Remove the inner bucket if present. Spray interior with all-purpose cleaner or diluted bleach. Scrub with long-handled brush. Rinse and dry completely before replacing bag.
