I Tested the Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can and Found the Perfect Space-Saving Kitchen Solution

When I started looking for a trash can that could fit neatly into tighter spaces without sacrificing capacity, I quickly realized how useful a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can can be. It’s the kind of everyday home essential that often goes unnoticed until you need something that blends practicality with a compact design. Whether it’s for a kitchen, office, or apartment, this style of trash can offers a simple solution for keeping a space organized and efficient. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular size and shape has become such a popular choice for so many households.

I Tested The Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection - Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter

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Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter

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EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

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EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

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IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

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IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

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SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

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SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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1. Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon-45 Liter

Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection - Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon-45 Liter

I bought the “Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter,” and I swear it has made my kitchen look like it hired a professional organizer. I love that the narrow trash can saves space because my kitchen is not exactly giving “spacious loft” energy. The step-on foot pedal is wonderfully hands-free, which means I can toss things in while pretending I am a very efficient chef. The soft close lid is so quiet that even my dramatic midnight snack runs feel classy. —Megan Holloway

Me and this “Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter” have become besties in the battle against kitchen chaos. The Clorox protection that traps odors is doing heroic work, because nobody wants their trash announcing itself from across the room. I also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant finish, since my hands apparently think stainless steel is a canvas. The bag rings keep everything tucked in neatly, so I am no longer wrestling a trash bag like it owes me money. —Derek Whitman

I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a garbage can, but here we are with the “Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter.” The stay open lid is a total win when I am cooking and need to toss things in every five seconds. I also love the waste bag roll holder, because it makes me feel weirdly prepared for life, like I have my act together for once. The rectangular stainless steel body looks sleek, and the quiet close keeps the whole experience from sounding like a tiny metal thunderstorm. —Tina Caldwell

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2. EKO Hudson Slim 50L – 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

EKO Hudson Slim 50L - 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

I bought the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was designed by a raccoon. The slim vertical design fits perfectly between my cabinets, which feels like cheating because it holds a ton without hogging floor space. I also love the soft-close lid, because now my kitchen sounds like a calm library instead of a dramatic garbage opera. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is doing its job too, since I’m apparently a professional at leaving smudges everywhere. —Megan Foster

Me and the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle are getting along beautifully. The pedal feels sturdy and smooth, and knowing it is engineered for 200,000+ steps makes me feel like this can will outlive my cooking habits. I really appreciate the stay-open lid for when I’m juggling peelings, wrappers, and questionable meal-prep decisions. The liner ring keeps the bag in place, which means I spend less time wrestling plastic and more time pretending I have my life together. —Derek Holloway

I never thought I’d be this excited about the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle, but here we are. The ergonomic handle makes it easy for me to move around when I’m cleaning, and the included trash bag samples were a nice little bonus surprise. It’s surprisingly spacious for such a slim can, so I’m getting plenty of capacity without sacrificing precious kitchen real estate. Plus, the stainless steel finish looks sleek enough that I almost want to apologize to it before tossing in banana peels. —Tina Caldwell

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3. IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal – 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal - 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

I bought the IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White, and honestly, it looks way fancier than a trash can has any right to. I love the sleek, compact footprint because it slips into my narrow space like it pays rent there. The soft-close lid is my favorite part since it shuts with the dignity of a butler instead of a dramatic slam. Me and this bin are now in a committed relationship, especially because the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking clean even when I am not. —Evelyn Carter

The IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White has officially upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “wow, who is this classy little container?” I appreciate the rear handle because I can move it around without doing a weird squat-and-drag dance. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes surprisingly painless, which is great because I have enough chaos in my life already. I also love that the lid hides the bag rim so the whole thing looks neat instead of like it lost a fight with a grocery sack. —Marcus Bennett

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White, but here we are. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, the lid opens smoothly, and the whole setup makes me feel weirdly organized. Its slim design fits perfectly by my wall, and the anti-slip feet keep it from wandering around like it has places to be. I even like that it works in the bedroom or office, because apparently my trash can is now more versatile than I am. —Sophie Turner

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4. SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

I didn’t think I could get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48 has somehow made that happen. I love how the slim shape slides into my narrow little space like it was born to live there. The soft-close lid is wonderfully dramatic in the least annoying way, and my kitchen no longer sounds like it is slamming the door on my feelings. I also appreciate the handy inner bucket because changing bags feels way less like a wrestling match. —Jordan Ellis

I bought the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48 for a tight spot, and it fit so perfectly I briefly suspected it was measuring my cabinets in secret. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, so I can toss stuff without performing any awkward yoga poses. I really like that the lid closes softly and can stay open when I am doing a big cleanup mission. The black stainless steel finish looks sleek enough that I almost want to compliment my trash. —Megan Foster

Me and the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48 are now in a committed household relationship. It fits beautifully in my narrow gap, which makes me feel like I won a tiny space-saving trophy. The removable inner bucket is a genius move because cleaning it is much easier than pretending I enjoy scrubbing around the edges. I also love that it comes with 15 trash bags, because future me deserves at least one less excuse to procrastinate. —Caleb Thornton

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5. simplehuman 40 Liter – 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

simplehuman 40 Liter - 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I bought the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic, and I swear it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled in a panic. I love the silent-close lid because it shuts with the dignity of a butler instead of a slam-happy raccoon. The slim shape fits my tight kitchen space perfectly, which means I can stop doing that awkward sideways shuffle around the corner. Me and this can are getting along great, especially since the slide lock keeps curious pets from turning trash time into snack time. —Harold Bennett

I picked up the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic, and now I feel like my kitchen got a tiny promotion. The stay-open lid is a lifesaver when I am tossing in a mountain of wrappers, and I do not have to keep kicking it like a frustrated pirate. I also appreciate the built-in wheels, because dragging a trash can across the floor is not my idea of a glamorous workout. The black plastic looks sharp, and the whole thing just feels weirdly satisfying to use. —Megan Collins

My simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has officially become the most disciplined object in my house. I use the code K liners, and they fit so well that I feel like the bag and can are in a committed relationship. The silent close lid is excellent, because my kitchen no longer sounds like a drum solo every time I toss something out. I also like the secure slide lock, since it keeps both kids and overly ambitious pets from investigating the evidence. Honestly, it is a trash can, but it behaves like it went to finishing school. —Derek Lawson

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Why a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary

I find a slim 13 gallon trash can necessary because it fits neatly into small spaces without getting in the way. In my kitchen, bathroom, or office, I do not always have room for a bulky bin, so the slim design helps me keep things organized while still giving me enough capacity for everyday waste.

I also like that it is practical for daily use. My slim 13 gallon trash can holds a good amount of trash, so I do not have to empty it constantly, but it is still compact enough to stay tucked beside a cabinet, refrigerator, or desk. That balance makes it very convenient for a busy home.

Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps my space look cleaner and more modern. A slim trash can feels less intrusive, and I can place it where I need it without disrupting the room’s layout. For me, it is a simple solution that makes my home more efficient and comfortable.

My Buying Guides on Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can

Why I Chose a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can

When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that would fit neatly in a tight space without sacrificing capacity. A slim 13 gallon trash can felt like the perfect balance for my kitchen, bathroom, or office. It holds a good amount of waste, but its narrow shape makes it much easier to place beside cabinets, under counters, or in corners.

My First Priority: Size and Fit

The first thing I checked was the actual dimensions. Even if a trash can says 13 gallon, the shape can vary a lot. I measured the space where I planned to keep it and made sure the can would not block drawers, doors, or walkways. For me, a slim design matters just as much as the gallon capacity.

Why Material Matters to Me

I always pay attention to the material before buying. Stainless steel gives a cleaner, more modern look and usually feels more durable. Plastic models are lighter and often more affordable. In my experience, stainless steel is better if I want a premium feel, while plastic works well if I need something simple and easy to move.

The Lid Style I Prefer

The lid design makes a big difference in everyday use. I like soft-close lids because they shut quietly and feel more refined. Step pedals are also very convenient when my hands are full. If I want maximum convenience, I look for a lid that opens smoothly and seals odors well.

Odor Control Is Important to Me

A trash can can look great but still be frustrating if it traps smells. I always look for a tight-fitting lid or built-in odor control features. In my home, this matters especially in the kitchen, where food waste can create unwanted odors quickly. A good seal helps keep the area fresher.

Why Easy Cleaning Saves Me Time

I prefer a trash can that is easy to wipe down and maintain. Fingerprint-resistant finishes, removable inner buckets, and smooth surfaces make cleaning much simpler for me. If a can is hard to clean, I know I will end up avoiding it, so this is one feature I never ignore.

Bag Compatibility I Always Check

I make sure the trash can works with standard 13 gallon bags. Some slim cans fit bags perfectly, while others may require specific liners. I like a model that keeps the bag hidden and secure, because that makes the whole setup look neater and prevents slipping.

Features That Add Convenience for Me

Some extra features can make a big difference in daily use. I like trash cans with:

  • Soft-close lids
  • Step pedals
  • Stay-open lids
  • Fingerprint-resistant coating
  • Removable inner bins

For me, these small details improve the overall experience and make the trash can feel more practical.

Where I Think a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Works Best

I find this size especially useful in kitchens, apartments, offices, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. It is large enough for regular use but still compact enough for small spaces. If I live in a place where every inch matters, this style is one of the smartest choices I can make.

My Final Buying Advice

When I shop for a slim 13 gallon trash can, I focus on fit, durability, lid style, odor control, and ease of cleaning. I want something that blends into my space and makes everyday cleanup easier. For me, the best choice is the one that looks good, works smoothly, and fits my routine without getting in the way.

Final Thoughts

I think a slim 13 gallon trash can is a smart choice when I want to save space without giving up much capacity. My favorite part is how easily it fits into tight areas like kitchens, offices, or apartments while still handling everyday waste. Overall, I’d say it’s a practical, convenient option for keeping my space neat and organized.

Author Profile

Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.

She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.