I Had No Room for a Trash Can in My Tiny Kitchen — Until I Found This Clever $26 Solution

I thought I had a tiny kitchen in my old apartment — I never thought it could get much smaller. Unfortunately, the kitchen in my new studio has proved me wrong. Only one person can fit in there at a time, and you don’t even have to move to reach the sink, stove, or fridge (all of which are squished within three feet of each other). Don’t get me wrong — I can get by well enough, but there are some sacrifices I’ve had to make. One of the biggest? Forgoing a full-size trash can.

How, exactly, does one go without a full-size trash can? One answer is frequent trips to take out of the trash. Another is a hanging trash can. I don’t know what I would do without SONGMICS’ version, which couldn’t be more perfect for my cramped kitchen. It takes up no room, is surprisingly spacious, and looks totally sleek. Whether you’re in a similar situation as me or not, here’s why I think it can make every kitchen more functional.

At about 13 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 6 inches deep, this trash can’s capacity is a little over two gallons. It’s made of rust-resistant and sturdy stainless steel, which is also blessedly easy to clean. The lid flips up or out, revealing an interior bin that you can remove and empty. When closed, it seals odors inside, keeping things smelling fresh. You can hang it on the inside or outside of a cabinet door, provided that it’s up to .98 inches thick. The bin also comes with an adhesive hook if you aren’t worried about keeping it renter-friendly. I went with the white color to match my appliances, but there are also stainless steel, black, and peach options.

This trash can is a total game-changer for any kitchen of any size. It forces me to empty out my garbage quickly, which is ideal for food scraps and other items that need to be disposed of sooner rather than later. It doesn’t wobble when I shut my cabinet door, either. Speaking of, I had to place it on the outside of the door instead of the inside (make sure to measure the depth of your cabinet beforehand!), but I don’t mind. I use it so frequently anyway that it’s more efficient where it is; it also is hardly noticeable from where it blends into my cabinets. So far, I haven’t noticed any smells leaking out from under the lid, which flips up and out smoothly. The two-gallon bag stays secure in the interior bin, and holds more than I thought it could, which allows me to go a couple of days before having to take it out. 

Even when I end up moving into an apartment with a larger kitchen, I’m taking this gem with me; it’s just so much more convenient. Trust me — you won’t know how you went without it, either!

Buy: SONGMICS Hanging Trash Can, $25.99 (normally $29.99)