An under-sink trash can solves the daily struggle of a cluttered kitchen floor while keeping waste out of sight. The real challenge is finding a bin that fits around plumbing, slides out smoothly, and holds enough volume without dominating the cabinet space.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind AirfryerBite. I’ve spent years analyzing kitchen organization hardware, from pull-out rack systems to compact bins, evaluating how each design handles real-world plumbing obstacles and weight loads.
Whether you need a sliding rack system, a door-mounted compost bin, or a slim pedal can, this guide breaks down the five top-performing models. You’ll find the best trash can for under sink based on actual spec measurements and verified buyer feedback.
How To Choose The Best Trash Can For Under Sink
Choosing an under-sink trash can is less about style and more about geometry. You need a bin that clears the P-trap, fits your cabinet’s width, and doesn’t require you to crawl on hands and knees to swap a bag. Here are the critical factors.
Measure Twice, Buy Once: Cabinet Depth and Width
Most standard kitchen sinks sit in a 36-inch wide cabinet, but the usable floor space after the plumbing is often much smaller. Measure the clear width between the left and right cabinet walls, the clear depth from front to back, and the height from the cabinet floor to the bottom of the sink drain pipe. A pull-out rack like the Tanamu requires a minimum 13-inch wide by 18-inch deep opening — check this against your actual measurements.
Material and Odor Control
Stainless steel bins, like the Mbillion compost bin, resist rust and are easier to sanitize than plastic, but they cost more. Plastic models are lighter and won’t dent, but porous plastic can absorb odors over time. If you’re storing food scraps, a sealed lid and removable inner bucket are essential to keep fruit flies and smells contained.
Opening Mechanism: Pull-Out vs. Step-On vs. Door-Mount
Pull-out racks mount to the cabinet floor and slide forward, giving you full access without digging. Step-on cans, like the KSSKSS, free your hands when the lid is closed — useful in small bathrooms. Door-mounted bins attach to the cabinet door itself, using dead space on the door panel, but they limit the door’s swing and reduce interior depth.
Capacity: How Much Trash Do You Really Produce?
Under-sink bins typically range from 2.6 gallons (perfect for a bathroom or small compost) to 9.4 gallons (kitchen dual-stream). A family of four in a kitchen will want at least 6 gallons for trash alone. If you’re using a pull-out rack, the rack itself has a maximum bin capacity — the Tanamu rack holds up to 35 quarts (about 8.75 gallons).
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanamu Pull-Out Rack | Pull-Out Rack | Sliding access in narrow cabinets | Min cabinet 13″W x 18″D | Amazon |
| Mbillion Compost Bin | Door-Mount | Compost or small waste on cabinet door | 2.1 gal stainless steel | Amazon |
| KSSKSS Slim Can | Step-On | Hands-free use in tight bathrooms | 2.6 gal / 6.5″ wide | Amazon |
| Acrimet Wastebasket Set | Open-Top | Dual-stream recycling under counters | 6.75 gal per bin (set of 2) | Amazon |
| Rubbermaid Undercounter | Open-Top | Large capacity kitchen dual-stream | 9.4 gal / angled opening | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Tanamu Pull-Out Trash Can Rack
The Tanamu pull-out rack is a structural solution, not just a bin. The chrome-finished carbon steel frame mounts to your cabinet floor and uses ball-bearing slides to glide forward smoothly regardless of weight load. The rack itself holds up to 35 quarts — roughly a 8.75-gallon bin — and the minimum cabinet requirement of 13 inches wide by 18 inches deep fits most standard under-sink spaces. The trash can is not included, which gives you the freedom to choose a bin that matches your exact capacity needs and bag size preference.
Installation requires just four screws into the cabinet floor, and the base arrives pre-assembled so you’re not puzzling over loose parts. The curved back stopper prevents the bin from tipping when you push the rack back, though a few users report the stopper can fall forward — a zip tie fixes it permanently. The chrome finish resists corrosion from occasional water drips, and the 16.5-inch height clears the drain pipe in most configurations.
Verified buyers consistently praise the smooth sliding action and the sturdiness under a full load. The rack feels solid even with a heavy bag, and the hidden design keeps the cabinet looking clean. Just be certain to measure your cabinet’s clear width and depth — several returns happened because the rack was a quarter-inch too wide for an older cabinet.
Why it’s great
- Ball-bearing slides support heavy loads without wobble
- Pre-assembled base installs with four screws
- Holds up to 35 quarts — choose your own bin
- Chrome finish resists rust under sink
Good to know
- Cabinet minimum is 13″W x 18″D — measure carefully
- Trash can not included
- Curved back stopper may need a zip-tie fix
2. Mbillion Kitchen Compost Bin
The Mbillion bin is purpose-built for kitchen compost or small waste, hanging directly on your cabinet door. The 2.1-gallon brushed stainless steel body includes a precisely-fit lid that seals odors effectively — a critical spec for food scraps sitting a few feet from your prep area. The door mount fits panels up to 0.98 inches thick, and the bin also works as a wall-mounted or countertop unit if you prefer not to use the door hook.
The dual-direction lid is the standout feature: a flip-top for quick scraps and a full front-opening access for bag changes. The removable PP plastic inner bucket lifts out for dumping without touching the outer steel shell, and the smooth interior has no crevices where liquids can pool. At 9.44 inches wide and 5.7 inches deep, this fits inside most cabinet door recesses, but check your hinge clearance — a 12-inch cabinet depth may leave no room behind the bin.
Buyers note that the black brushed finish is actually a dark grey, not pure black, but the fingerprint-resistant surface stays clean-looking. The included peel-and-stick wall mount gives you placement flexibility. The small capacity (8 liters) forces frequent emptying, which prevents rot but means this is best as a dedicated compost bin rather than a primary trash can.
Why it’s great
- Dual-opening lid — flip-top for quick use, front for bag changes
- Stainless steel with odor-sealing lid
- Removable inner bucket for easy cleaning
- Fits door, wall, or countertop placement
Good to know
- Small 2.1-gallon capacity requires frequent emptying
- May not fit cabinets shallower than 12 inches
- Brushed finish is dark grey, not black
3. KSSKSS Slim Bathroom Trash Can
The KSSKSS 2.6-gallon can is the narrowest option here at just 6.5 inches wide, making it the go-to choice for cramped bathroom cabinets or half-baths where a full-size bin won’t fit. The SUS304 stainless steel body has a brushed finish that resists fingerprints, and the foot pedal opens the soft-close lid without bending over. The lid also locks open at 90 degrees for extended tasks like cleaning out drawers.
Inside, a removable plastic liner bucket catches spills and rinses clean with mild soap and water. The 60 included drawstring bags are a practical bonus — you won’t need to hunt for 2.6-gallon liners separately. The soft-close mechanism uses a gear damper rather than a spring, so there’s no metallic snap and no noise at 2 AM when someone empties a wastebasket. Dimensions are 13.58 inches tall by 6.69 inches wide by 15.43 inches deep, which slides under a standard vanity with room to spare.
Buyers consistently highlight the pedal durability and the quiet operation. The metal pedal mechanism feels reliable, not flimsy plastic. The slim profile means you lose minimal floor space, and the carry handle on the back makes emptying the inner bucket simple. This is not a kitchen primary bin — 2.6 gallons fills fast from a family kitchen — but for a bathroom, powder room, or home office, it’s nearly perfect.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-slim 6.5-inch width fits tight spaces
- Stainless steel with fingerprint-proof finish
- Soft-close lid and stay-open 90-degree lock
- Includes 60 drawstring bags and removable liner
Good to know
- 2.6-gallon capacity is small for kitchen use
- No lid seal — not ideal for compost or odor containment
4. Acrimet Wastebasket Set
The Acrimet set delivers two 6.75-gallon bins — one green for waste, one blue for recyclables — purpose-built for under-counter dual-stream sorting. The high-density plastic walls are thick enough to resist cracking when stuffed full, with smooth edges that won’t snag trash bags. Each bin measures 14.2 inches by 10.4 inches by 15.1 inches, a size that fits standard kitchen pull-out drawers and cabinet floors without crowding the P-trap.
The anti-locking stacking system lets you nest the bins when not in use, saving storage space in a pantry or garage. The open-top design means no lid mechanism to break, but it also means no odor containment — this set works best for dry waste and recycling where smells aren’t a concern. The white printed symbols (trash icon and recycling arrows) are easy to read, though some users find the color coding counterintuitive (green for waste, blue for recycling vs. the typical green-for-recycling convention).
Verified reviews confirm these bins fit perfectly into standard 18-inch-wide cabinet pull-out drawers — two bins side by side fill the drawer without wasted space. The plastic is easy to wipe down, and the 6.75-gallon size accepts standard 8- to 13-gallon bags. If your goal is a tidy, labeled recycling system hidden under the counter, this two-pack is the most straightforward option.
Why it’s great
- Color-coded waste (green) and recycling (blue) bins
- Fits standard 18-inch pull-out cabinet drawers
- Thick plastic walls with smooth edges
- Anti-lock stacking for compact storage
Good to know
- Open-top design — no lid for odor control
- Color labeling may conflict with your local recycling norms
5. Rubbermaid Undercounter Wastebasket 2-Pack
The Rubbermaid undercounter set offers the largest usable capacity in this roundup: two 9.4-gallon bins in blue (recycling) and black (waste), designed specifically to sit under a countertop overhang. The angled opening at the front provides roughly double the accessible surface area compared to a standard rectangular bin — you can drop trash from above without reaching deep into the cabinet. The resin construction is lightweight but very durable, with rounded contours that make cleaning effortless.
A liner cinch system holds standard 13-gallon bags in place around the rim, preventing the bag from slipping down into the bin when you toss something heavy. At 10.9 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 22.2 inches tall, these bins are tall — verify you have at least 23 inches of vertical clearance under your sink drain pipe. The open-top design again means no lid, but the larger capacity means you’re emptying less frequently. Made in the USA (Winfield, Kansas), the resin has a smooth finish that doesn’t absorb odors like cheaper plastic.
Buyers consistently call these bins “sturdy” and “perfect under the sink pair.” The angled rim improves bank-shot accuracy when tossing trash from the counter, and the wide opening reduces misses significantly. Some users note that the recycling bin (blue) may be blocked by garbage disposal plumbing, requiring a side-by-side arrangement rather than front-to-back. For families who want a two-stream system without daily emptying, this set is the clear winner.
Why it’s great
- Angled opening provides 2X access under counters
- Holds standard 13-gallon bags with liner cinch
- 9.4-gallon capacity minimizes emptying frequency
- Lightweight resin is durable and easy to clean
Good to know
- 22-inch height may not clear all sink drain pipes
- Open-top design — no odor seal
FAQ
What is the most common under-sink trash can size for a standard kitchen?
Can I use a regular kitchen trash bag in an under-sink bin?
How do I measure my cabinet for an under-sink trash can?
What is the difference between a pull-out rack and a door-mounted bin?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best trash can for under sink winner is the Tanamu Pull-Out Trash Can Rack because it transforms dead cabinet space into smooth-access storage for any bin you choose. If you want a dedicated dual-stream system, grab the Rubbermaid Undercounter 2-Pack for effortless recycling separation. And for a tight bathroom or home office, nothing beats the KSSKSS Slim Step-On Can.