5 Best Undersink Trash Cans (That Really Save Space)
Many kitchens struggle to find a convenient place to keep a trash can. Keeping the trash out of sight, stored safely and healthily while making the trash can convenient to use is the goal. There are several alternatives to accomplish this goal, we looked at the available options and chose several options.
Undersink trash cans are convenient. A well-designed and installed under-counter trash can uses space that is often underutilized or wasted. You should consider how much trash space you need, the types of trash you generate, and the space into which the trash mounts.
Based on my personal experience, the 50-Quart Double Pullout Waste Container from Hardware Resources is the best undersink trash can. This is because it is the easiest to install, durable due to its chrome-wire build, and provides better value than the other trash cans I tested.
| Under Counter Trash Can Model | Construction materials | Size and Capacity | Advantages and Disadvantages |
| 50-Quart Double Pullout Waste Container System with Full Extension Ball Bearing Slides | Heavy-duty chrome wire | Width – 15 13/16″ Height – 12 3/16″ Depth – 22 1/16″ Wgt Cap – 50 lbs. | · Heavy-duty steel drawer slide · May require some modification to cabinet door to mount |
| simplehuman 10 Liter / 2.6 Gallon In-Cabinet Trash Can Heavy-Duty Steel Frame | Chrome steel and plastic | Width – 11.7” Height – 14.3” Depth – 8.7” | · Over the door mount for existing cabinets · May interfere with kitchen sink plumbing |
| Rev-A-Shelf 4WCTM-18DM2 Double 35 Quart Top Mount Pull-Out Kitchen Waste Trash Container Bin | Maple and Steel | Width – 15” Height – 22 ½” Depth – 17 7/8” | · Traditional top mount slides with maple frame · Double bin models may not fit under a sink |
| SUPER DEAL Double Pullout Trash Can 35 Quart Under Counter Sliding Waste Bin Kitchen Container | Chrome-plated steel | Width – 14” Height – 17.5” Depth – 21.6” | · Complete package with everything needed to install and use · May not be as heavy-duty as other models |
| Household Essentials C29537-1 Under Cabinet Single Sliding Trash Can Caddy, 5-Gallon | Painted Steel and Plastic | Width – 9.75” Height – 15” Depth – 17.5” | · Narrower profile fits in small cabinet openings · Fit and finish may not be as attractive as other units |
Adding accessories and updating your kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home and make your space more livable. The addition of an undercounter trash can mount one option that many homeowners consider. Before installing an under-counter trash can system in a sink cabinet, ensure enough clearance for the trash cans to fit easily beneath the sink.
Hardware Resources is a well-known manufacturer of a wide variety of kitchen and pantry organizing tools. Their Double 50-quart bottom-mount trashcan pullout is one of their most popular units.
What You Get in the Package
When you order the Hardware Resources 50-quart double trashcan pullout, you get everything you need to mount the pullout system in your cabinet. You should receive in your package:
- One double 50-quart pullout trash can system
- 4 5/8″ mounting screws
- Complete illustrated instructions
This system will mount in cabinets with an opening at least 15 inches wide. If you want to attach the door to the trashcan system, you must purchase a door mount kit separately. You must also purchase trashcans separately.
What Makes This Under Sink Trash Can a Good Choice
From a practical standpoint, one of the advantages of the Hardware Resources under cabinet trash can be the unit’s versatility. If your cabinet opening is wide enough, you can mount the drawer and then add trash cans of the appropriate height to fit into your space. The option to size your trashcans for space gives you the option to place the trash can system under a sink and opt for shorter trash containers.
The bottom mount drawer slides make mounting this system easy and quick. Four screws hold the mechanism in place. This Hardware Resource drawer slide system is pre-assembled for easy installation.
The drawer slides on the Hardware Resources under the cabinet mount trash system are rated for 100 lbs. You should never need to worry about overloading your trashcan pullout system.
The Negatives of This Under Sink Trash Can System
The Hardware Resource under the cabinet trash can pullout system is not without its negatives. If you want to attach the cabinet door panel to the pullout system, you must purchase a separate kit. You won’t get the trashcans with your kit, either. Some aftermarket plastic trashcans may not fit.
Our Take on This Unit
In our opinion, the Hardware Resources pullout double trash can system is a prime choice for mounting under a kitchen sink. When we look at this unit, we see:
- High-quality construction with chrome wire.
- One hundred pound rated ball-bearing drawer glides
- Bottom mounting system for quick and easy installation in existing cabinets
There are a few negatives that make this unit a bit less attractive.
- You need to purchase extra parts if you want to mount a door front on the pullout unit.
- Finding plastic trash cans that fit the holders may be a problem.
However, the overall quality of the drawer slide unit makes this a superior product to many other comparable slide-out trash can units.
Some kitchens don’t have the space to install a complete pullout trash can system. These situations call for some out-of-the-box thinking, and Simplehuman has done just that. This 10-liter door-mounted trash provides a perfect option where space is limited.
What you Get in The Package
Each simplehuman 10-liter in-cabinet trash can kits comes complete with:
- One plastic trash bin
- One chrome trash can frame
- One optional door hanger bracket
This trashcan unit can be mounted directly to the kitchen cabinet door, or the optional over the door hanger can be used. All the necessary hardware is included for either mounting option. Before mounting the frame to your cabinet door, ensure adequate clearance in the cabinet.
What Makes This Under Sink Trash Can a Good Choice
The simplehuman 10-liter in-cabinet trash can units allow an in-cabinet trashcan mount without the need to mount drawer slides or frames inside the cabinet itself. These units mount directly to the existing cabinet door. Providing there is adequate clearance with plumbing under the counter, these units are excellent choices for under-sink use.
The small size of this trashcan unit is attractive where space is limited, such as apartment kitchens. Using the included over the cabinet door bracket, there is no need to drill holes into or alter an existing cabinet door.
The Negatives of This Under Sink Trash Can System
The biggest downside of this under cabinet trash can system is its size. The small 10-liter size may not serve a larger family. Frequent trips to the dumpster or to a larger trash bin may be required. If you don’t generate large quantities of kitchen refuse, the simplehuman 10 liter in cabinet trash system may be perfect for your situation.
Our Take on This Unit
We like this system because of its simplicity. There are no frames, no drawer glides to be mounted, and no alterations needed to the cabinet.
- Simplicity is the key here and makes this unit attractive
- The smaller size is perfect for smaller spaces
- Everything is included in the package, including the trash receptacle
On the downside, the simplehuman 10 liter under cabinet trash has some limitations.
- The small size of the receptacle won’t serve a large family
- Plumbing under the sink may make it impossible to use this under the cabinet trash can system.
If you are a single or couple living in a small space, you can still enjoy the convenience of an under-the-sink trash system using the simplehuman 10-liter over-the-door kit.
Rev-A-Shelf specializes in products for kitchen organization. The Double 35 Quart top mount pullout waste trash container bin is a perfect example of these products. Built using top-quality maple and chrome steel, this under-counter trash bin system is as much furniture as it is a utility organizer.
What You Get in the Package
The application and the installation location determine the height and depth of the Rev-A-Shelf under the counter waste system.
- Available in single or double bin format
- Different height arrangements are available to allow for under sink or under counter obstacles
- All mounting hardware is included.
Each kit includes:
- One chrome steel frame with full extension drawer slides
- Mounting hardware and screws
- Maple bin frame
- Plastic trash bins
These systems do require mounting to the sidewalls and to the rear of the cabinet. Some mechanical ability is required to mount the hardware properly. In some cases, the hardware and frame may interfere with the drains and plumbing connections.
What Makes This Under Sink Trash Can a Good Choice
Some kitchen installations don’t lend themselves well to a bottom slide mount system. In those cases, a traditional side mount slide system is the obvious option. You can also mount a cabinet door to the front of this slide unit with the optional door mount kit.
Rev-A-Shelf offers such a diverse set of options that you can configure a pullout trash bin system to fit almost any cabinet arrangement. This makes Rev-A-Shelf system very popular for do-it-yourselfers.
The quality of the construction of these units is exceptional. The maple frame is finely finished, and the fit and finish on the parts speak to the quality of the overall product.
The Negatives of This Under Sink Trash Can System
Fitting this under-counter trash bin system under an existing sink may be challenging. Fitting the slides and frame may require changes in the plumbing and drain systems.
Our Take on this Unit
The fact that high-quality maple is used in this system is impressive and makes it attractive to us. The joinery is well done and adds the visual appeal of this sliding unit.
- The wide array of variations and options make configuring these Rev-A-Shelf pullout trash bins to fit your cabinets easier.
- The quality of the construction is above reproach and makes these units as attractive as they are functional
- A cabinet door can be attached to the pullout frame for a seamless installation.
No kit is perfect, and the Rev-A-Shelf is no different.
- The installation is more difficult than other styles of pullout trash bin systems
- The upper slide location may interfere with plumbing and require changes to the drains and water supplies.
Overall, we like this under-counter trash bin system for its construction quality and appearance. Despite the possible installation problems, the wide variety of options provided by Rev-A-Shelf should give you the ability to find a combination that will fit your needs
If you are on a budget but want to install an under-the-counter trash bin system, the SUPER DEAL kit may be a good option to consider. The height of this unit makes installing under a sink much easier than some other units.
This unit may not have the same heft as other units, but it is a serviceable kit that comes complete with everything needed for a quick and easy installation. The included plastic waste bins fit well in the frame and are heavy enough to handle household waste easily.
What You Get in the Package
The SUPER DEAL pullout trash can kit includes all the following:
- Two high-quality plastic trash bins
- One complete pull out slide base with ball bearing slides
- All screws needed for the installation
- Complete illustrated instructions
Some users report that the screws included with the kit strip out easily when driven into the cabinet bottom. Many suggest that you have higher-quality screws on hand to use for the installation.
What Makes This Under Sink Trash Can a Good Choice
The biggest positive for the SUPER DEAL pullout trash can kit is the price. Users of these pullout trash can units seem pleased with the quality of the kit for the price. This is a complete kit that can be installed and used without any additional expense.
If you don’t anticipate very heavy trash loads in the bins, these units are a practical choice when the budget is a concern. For most residential households, these SUPER DEAL pullout trash bins provide everything needed for waste management solutions.
The Negatives of This Under Sink Trash Can System
Don’t expect to get a super-duty pullout trash bin for this price. The slides are lighter in weight than more expensive units. There are no addon kits to mount a cabinet door on these units. The cabinet door must remain on its hinges.
Our Take on this Unit
Overall, we give the SUPER DEAL under counter pullout waste bin system a thumbs up. For the price, the quality and durability of these kits are a good deal. There are several points to consider.
- Quick and easy installation with the pre-assembled base unit
- High-quality, heavy-duty plastic waste bins
- Designed to fit under sink applications
Buyers of the SUPER DEAL pullout trash can kit should keep in mind a few shortcomings.
- Lighter weight construction limits the amount of waste the bins should hold
- No lids for the waste bins
Some spaces don’t lend themselves well to standard fifteen-inch openings for a slide-out under the counter trash bin. In these situations, a narrower profile pullout trash system is essential. Household Essentials provides the solution with its C29547 under cabinet single sliding trash can caddy.
These 5-gallon reusable under-counter trash can caddies fit into an opening as small as 9.75 inches. The narrow minimum width of this trash system offers more installation options for owners with smaller kitchens.
What You Get in the Package
Like most of the other kits in our list, the Household Essentials under cabinet trash caddy includes everything needed for a standard installation in your kitchen cabinets.
- Ball-bearing tracks
- Pre-assembled frame
- All mounting hardware and screws
- Plastic trash bin
- Instructions with diagrams
Some cabinet lowers have a lip that extends above the cabinet bottom. If your cabinet has this lip, you must supply additional washers to raise the height of the tracks. This additional eight allows the bin to pull out of the cabinet.
What Makes This Under Sink Trash Can a Good Choice
The Household Essentials GlideZ undercabinet trash bin can be installed in cabinets with openings as narrow as 9.75 inches and 17.5 inches deep. The five-gallon option of this popular cabinet accessory easily fits under sinks without troublesome plumbing issues.
The unit itself is built with polished chrome parts that resist corrosion and clean easily. The ball bearing glides ensure years of trouble-free use. The plastic trash bin included with the kit is easily removable from the assembly for emptying and cleaning.
The five-gallon capacity is enough for most families and provides a clean and sanitary means of disposing of kitchen waste and trash.
The Negatives of This Under Sink Trash Can System
The Household Essentials GlideZ under-counter trash bin glider lacks some features of the other kits on our list. There is no mounting option for a cabinet door. The cabinet door on the opening must remain on its hinges. The trash bin supplied with this unit is a custom fit to the frame. If you need a replacement, you must return to Household Essentials for a replacement.
Our Take on this Unit
Where space is at premium and cabinet openings are narrow, the Household Essentials five-gallon pullout unit is one of the few that is available.
- For under-sink mounts, this kit doesn’t usually require any changes in plumbing or drains to fit.
- The five-gallon capacity is generally large enough for a 4 to 5 person family
- The installation is easy with the quick fit design
We do want to remind everyone that other plastic trash bins may not fit this frame. To ensure compatibility and proper fit, you can purchase replacement trash bins from Household Essentials.
What Should You Look for in an Under Sink Pullout Trash Bin?
We think there are certain essential items that you should look for in an under-sink pullout trash bin. While these are not essential, we believe you will find your under sink trash bin more useful if equipped with these items.
An Integral Lid
Any trash bin should have a lid. A tight covering helps prevent rodents and insects from infesting the waste before removing the trash from the house. A lid can also help control odors and makes the bin less unsightly.
The Material of the Frame and Bin
Durability is the key issue here. The frame, glides, and hardware should be heavy enough to withstand the unit’s everyday use. In particular, the glides should be high-quality ball bearing glides with a sufficient weight rating for the expected use.
Plastic is the choice of materials for the bin. Plastic is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
Maintenance and Cleanliness
Whichever pullout trash can assembly you buy and install should be easy to clean. It is, after all, a trash receptacle. By definition, it receives and holds waste food and debris from your kitchen. The easier it is to clean the frame and bin, the better the quality of the kit, in our opinion.
Keeping Trash and Debris Under Control
Most people install an under sink pullout trash can to make the most of the limited storage space in a kitchen. The chance to get the trash can out of sight is a great by-product. Doing this in a healthy manner is also a prerequisite. We hope that the information in this article gives you some insight into finding the best solution to your under sink trash dilemma.
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Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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