An ultra slim kitchen trash can fits where standard bins cannot. For apartment kitchens with only a few inches to spare between appliances or along walls, the slimmest trash cans make the difference between having a proper bin and resorting to grocery bags hanging from cabinet handles.
This guide reviews the 8 thinnest kitchen trash cans available, with exact dimensions so you know precisely what fits your tight space.
Contents
- 1 Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can: How Slim Is Slim?
- 2 8 Best Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Options
- 2.1 1. Umbra Skinny Trash Can – Slimmest Overall
- 2.2 2. simplehuman 10L Slim Step Can – Best with Lid
- 2.3 3. Sterilite Ultra Slim Wastebasket – Best Budget
- 2.4 4. SONGMICS Slim Pedal Trash Can – Best Looking
- 2.5 5. Joseph Joseph Totem Compact – Best Tall Option
- 2.6 6. iTouchless Slim Sensor Trash Can – Best Automatic
- 2.7 7. Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out – Best Hidden Option
- 2.8 8. simplehuman Butterfly Lid – Best Dual Compartment
- 3 Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Comparison Table
- 4 How to Measure for an Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can
- 5 Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Capacity Guide
- 6 Tips for Using Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Cans
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can: How Slim Is Slim?
Standard kitchen trash cans measure 12-16 inches wide. For tight apartment spaces, you need something significantly narrower:
| Category | Width Range | Fits In |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12-16 inches | Regular kitchens |
| Slim | 9-11 inches | Narrow gaps |
| Ultra slim | 6-8 inches | Very tight spaces |
| Super slim | Under 6 inches | Extremely narrow gaps |
This guide focuses on ultra slim kitchen trash can options under 8 inches wide.
8 Best Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Options
1. Umbra Skinny Trash Can – Slimmest Overall
Width: 6.5 inches Dimensions: 6.5″ W x 13″ D x 13″ H Capacity: 2 gallons (7.5 liters) Lid Type: None (open top) Price: $15-25
The Umbra Skinny is the thinnest widely-available ultra slim kitchen trash can. At just 6.5 inches wide, it fits gaps as narrow as 7 inches.
Pros:
- Only 6.5 inches wide – fits almost anywhere
- Modern, minimalist design
- Available in multiple colors
- Affordable price
- Durable polypropylene construction
Cons:
- Small 2-gallon capacity requires frequent emptying
- No lid to contain odors
- Can tip if bumped due to narrow profile
- Not ideal for kitchen scraps
Best for: Extremely narrow gaps where nothing else fits.
2. simplehuman 10L Slim Step Can – Best with Lid
Width: 7.3 inches Dimensions: 7.3″ W x 12.8″ D x 18.4″ H Capacity: 2.6 gallons (10 liters) Lid Type: Step pedal with soft-close Price: $40-60
The simplehuman Slim Step is the best ultra slim kitchen trash can with a proper lid. The step pedal allows hands-free opening, and the soft-close lid prevents slamming.
Pros:
- Step pedal for hands-free operation
- Soft-close lid prevents slamming noise
- Fingerprint-proof stainless steel
- Inner bucket makes bag changes easy
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Higher price than basic options
- Still limited 2.6-gallon capacity
- Heavy for its size
Best for: Those who want premium quality and hands-free operation.
3. Sterilite Ultra Slim Wastebasket – Best Budget
Width: 7.8 inches Dimensions: 7.8″ W x 15.5″ D x 23.5″ H Capacity: 7.5 gallons (28 liters) Lid Type: Swing top Price: $15-20
The Sterilite Ultra Slim offers the most capacity of any ultra slim kitchen trash can at a budget-friendly price. The tall profile maximizes volume within the narrow footprint.
Pros:
- Largest capacity at 7.5 gallons
- Very affordable price
- Swing lid included
- Tall design maximizes capacity
- Uses standard tall kitchen bags
Cons:
- Basic plastic construction
- Swing lid can get dirty
- Less attractive design
- May tip if hit hard
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need maximum capacity.
4. SONGMICS Slim Pedal Trash Can – Best Looking
Width: 7.9 inches Dimensions: 7.9″ W x 11.4″ D x 23.6″ H Capacity: 5 gallons (20 liters) Lid Type: Step pedal with soft-close Price: $35-50
The SONGMICS Slim Pedal combines attractive stainless steel design with practical features. It looks good enough for visible placement in open kitchens.
Pros:
- Attractive stainless steel exterior
- Step pedal for hands-free use
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Good capacity for width ratio
Cons:
- Shows fingerprints on shiny surface
- At upper limit of “ultra slim” at 7.9″
- Pedal mechanism can wear over time
Best for: Those wanting style combined with functionality.
5. Joseph Joseph Totem Compact – Best Tall Option
Width: 7.7 inches Dimensions: 7.7″ W x 15.4″ D x 30.7″ H Capacity: 10 gallons (40 liters) total Lid Type: Manual lift Price: $100-150
The Joseph Joseph Totem Compact is the tallest ultra slim kitchen trash can, offering maximum capacity with built-in recycling separation. Two compartments let you separate waste streams.
Pros:
- Largest total capacity at 10 gallons
- Built-in recycling and trash separation
- Includes odor filter
- Premium build quality
- Very stable despite height
Cons:
- Most expensive option at $100-150
- Very tall at 30.7″ – check clearance
- Complex system may be overkill for some
- Heavy when full
Best for: Those who want recycling separation in minimal floor space.
6. iTouchless Slim Sensor Trash Can – Best Automatic
Width: 7.9 inches Dimensions: 7.9″ W x 12.5″ D x 26.5″ H Capacity: 6 gallons (23 liters) Lid Type: Automatic sensor Price: $50-70
The iTouchless Slim features an automatic sensor that opens the lid when you approach. No touching required, which is ideal for handling raw meat or messy cooking tasks.
Pros:
- Touchless sensor lid opening
- Good 6-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel construction
- Includes odor-absorbing filter
- Battery or AC adapter powered
Cons:
- Requires batteries or outlet
- Sensor can be overly sensitive
- Higher price point
- At upper width limit at 7.9″
Best for: Those who want touchless, hygienic operation.
7. Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out – Best Hidden Option
Width: 5.5 inches Dimensions: 5.5″ W x 22″ D x 19″ H Capacity: 8 quarts (2 gallons) Lid Type: None (hidden in cabinet) Price: $25-40
The Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out mounts inside a cabinet on slides, hiding the trash can completely when not in use. It’s the only true “hidden” ultra slim kitchen trash can option.
Pros:
- Only 5.5 inches wide – narrowest option
- Completely hidden when cabinet closes
- Mounts on cabinet door for easy access
- Uses otherwise dead cabinet space
- Clean, minimalist appearance
Cons:
- Requires installation and modification
- Not renter-friendly (unless landlord approves)
- Small 2-gallon capacity
- Cabinet must accommodate dimensions
Best for: Homeowners who can modify cabinets and want hidden trash.
8. simplehuman Butterfly Lid – Best Dual Compartment
Width: 7.9 inches Dimensions: 7.9″ W x 14″ D x 26″ H Capacity: 5.3 gallons (20 liters) total Lid Type: Butterfly (opens from center) Price: $80-120
The simplehuman Butterfly features two compartments for trash and recycling within an ultra slim footprint. The unique butterfly lid opens from the center.
Pros:
- Two compartments for trash and recycling
- Innovative butterfly lid design
- Premium simplehuman construction
- Soft-close mechanism
- Good total capacity
Cons:
- Expensive at $80-120
- Complex lid mechanism
- Individual compartments are small
- At upper width limit
Best for: Those who want recycling separation with premium quality.
Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Comparison Table
| Model | Width | Capacity | Lid Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbra Skinny | 6.5″ | 2 gal | None | $15-25 |
| simplehuman Slim Step | 7.3″ | 2.6 gal | Step pedal | $40-60 |
| Sterilite Ultra Slim | 7.8″ | 7.5 gal | Swing | $15-20 |
| SONGMICS Pedal | 7.9″ | 5 gal | Step pedal | $35-50 |
| Joseph Joseph Totem | 7.7″ | 10 gal | Manual | $100-150 |
| iTouchless Sensor | 7.9″ | 6 gal | Automatic | $50-70 |
| Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out | 5.5″ | 2 gal | Hidden | $25-40 |
| simplehuman Butterfly | 7.9″ | 5.3 gal | Butterfly | $80-120 |
How to Measure for an Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can
Before purchasing, measure your space carefully:
1. Measure gap width accurately Use a tape measure at the narrowest point. Subtract 0.5 inch from each side for clearance. A 9-inch gap means you need an ultra slim kitchen trash can under 8 inches wide.
2. Measure available depth Ensure the can won’t block walkways or interfere with cabinet doors opening.
3. Measure height clearance Check for overhead cabinets, countertop overhangs, or other obstacles.
4. Consider lid opening Step pedal and lifting lids need extra vertical space to operate.
Example calculation:
- Your gap measures 8 inches wide
- Subtract 1 inch total clearance
- You need an ultra slim kitchen trash can under 7 inches wide
- Best options: Umbra Skinny (6.5″) or Rev-A-Shelf (5.5″)
Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Can Capacity Guide
How much capacity do you actually need?
| Household | Emptying Preference | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Every 2-3 days | 2-3 gallons |
| 1 person | Once weekly | 5-7 gallons |
| 2 people | Every 2-3 days | 4-5 gallons |
| 2 people | Once weekly | 7-10 gallons |
With ultra slim kitchen trash cans, expect to empty more frequently than standard cans. The trade-off for fitting tight spaces is reduced capacity.
Tips for Using Ultra Slim Kitchen Trash Cans
Prevent Tipping
Narrow trash cans can tip. Prevent this by:
- Placing against a wall for support
- Adding weight to the bottom (small sandbag or rocks)
- Choosing models with wider bases
- Not overfilling
Maximize Capacity
Get more from limited capacity:
- Compress trash before adding more
- Use smaller bags and change more often
- Compost food scraps separately
- Flatten boxes and packaging
Control Odors
Smaller cans with more frequent opening can smell:
- Empty more frequently
- Use scented or odor-blocking bags
- Add baking soda to the bottom
- Choose models with sealing lids
According to The Spruce, ultra slim kitchen trash cans work best when emptied frequently and paired with good waste management habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the thinnest kitchen trash can available?
The thinnest widely-available ultra slim kitchen trash can is the Umbra Skinny at 6.5 inches wide. For installed options, the Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out is only 5.5 inches wide but requires cabinet mounting.
How do I choose an ultra slim kitchen trash can?
Measure your available space carefully, subtract clearance room, then find a can that fits. Consider capacity needs, lid type preferences, and whether you need features like step pedals or sensor lids.
Are slim trash cans worth it for small kitchens?
Yes, an ultra slim kitchen trash can allows you to have a proper waste bin in spaces where standard cans won’t fit. They’re essential for apartment kitchens with limited floor space.
What size bags fit ultra slim trash cans?
Most ultra slim kitchen trash cans use small (4-6 gallon) or tall kitchen (13 gallon) bags depending on capacity. Check manufacturer recommendations for each model.
Related Articles:
- Slim Trash Can for Small Apartment Review
- Narrow Kitchen Trash Can
- Apartment Kitchen Storage Solutions
- Small Apartment Kitchen Essentials
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