Put trash in its place with the best car trash can.
Von: jacob kifer
01/03/2023 10:29
better overall
Lusso Gear Leak Proof Car Trash Can
Durable design with great capacity to retain odors.
4/5
best cheap trash can
EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can
Leak proof car trash can with a decent capacity.
4/5
best floor mounted trash can
Kohldos
A plain and simple trash can that is ideal for on the go.
4/5
Whether you're taking a car trip or commuting to work, a car trash can is an easy way to keep your vehicle's interior tidy. Car trash cans aren't the most glamorous vehicle accessory, but they're even less appealing when the interior of your car resembles a frat house front yard.
This article looks at the top five car trash cans that our review team has identified and tested. Before we give each car trash can a rating, we thoroughly review it for capacity, ease of installation, and additional features, including double-duty as a car organizer. Read on to discover our findings.
The 5 best trash cans for cars
- better overall:Lusso Gear Leak Proof Car Trash Can
- best cheap trash can:EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can
- more versatile:Drive Auto Products Car Bin
- The most stable trash can.:Kohldos
- Also consider:KMMOTORS Folding Car Trash Can
1st Place Overall: Lusso Gear Leak-Proof Car Trash Can
Our review team named theLusso Gear Leak Proof Car Trash CanThe best overall car trash can due to its build quality, capacity, and design. The manufacturer includes a washable liner that you can remove once the container is full.
There is also an optional velcro strap®Adhesive so you can mount the bin to the passenger seat, center console, or glove box.
| Total | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of installation | 5 out of 5 |
| ability | 5 out of 5 |
| characteristics | 4.5 out of 5 |
key features
- Cost: About $25
- 2.5 gallon leak proof liner
- lockable lid
- Two side storage pockets and one front pocket
- Quality Oxford cloth construction.
Our experience
The Lusso Gear Leak Proof Car Trash Can had the highest quality construction among the car trash cans we tested. We liked the removable liner that was easy to install, and the Lusso had the largest capacity.
The Lusso Gear loses points for its storage bags, which aren't quite as sturdy as bags in other bins we've tested, and the manufacturer only has a handful of colors to choose from. Based on these factors, we gave the Lusso Gear 4.5 stars out of 5.
what customers say
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 11,000 reviews
Most of the positive reviews mention the build quality and easy-to-clean design. A common point of criticism is that the can did not fit in all parts of the vehicle.
"This vehicle dustbin is fantastic, but the after-sales service from the manufacturer Lusso exceeded our expectations."
– Bridget D. via Amazon
“When everything is assembled, this is an award-worthy dumpster for your vehicle! Better quality than two others I've tried. It's a little big for my car, but it looks perfect on our truck."
- Inhale Grace via Amazon
“This thing literally doesn't fit anywhere in my car. I have a Volvo SUV and it is too big and flat to fit in the back of my front seats. It only has a strap at the top and then an adhesive velcro closure.®Put the bottom on, but who wants that on their leather seats anyway?
– Lindsay via Amazon
What is it for?
Any driver who wants quality car accessories should consider this product and the extra capacity is a bonus. The Portuguese would be at home in the car of a professional driver or someone who drives for Uber or Lyft.
Since the Lusso is a bit larger than its rivals, you might want to consider another option if you have kids or have frequent passengers in the back seat.
#2 Best Budget Trash Can: EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can
Our runner-up isEPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can. It's similar in design to our top pick, but with additional elastic opening and storage options. The EPAuto tries to strike a balance between car organizer and trash can, as it can hold items like hand sanitizer, water bottles, and trash bags.
| Total | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of installation | 5 out of 5 |
| ability | 4.5 out of 5 |
| characteristics | 4.5 out of 5 |
key features
- Cost: About $10
- 2.0 gallon capacity
- three side pockets
- Elastic opening for easy access.
- lockable lid
- interior impermeable
Our experience
We gave EPAuto's Waterproof Car Trash Can 4.5 stars. Installation was quick and it has decent capacity. Our team enjoyed the easy access provided by the elastic opening, as well as the fact that the Velcro closure®The board remained in place.
The EPAuto didn't take first place in our test because, like our top pick, the Lusso Gear, it lacks an interior liner or garbage bags.
what customers say
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on more than 61,000 reviews
Positive reviews mention the sturdiness of the product and the amount of trash it can hold, and reviews say it's bulky and takes up space for passengers.
“It's super stable and holds its shape. I love that it is easy to line with a grocery bag. I wish it was smaller, but that's not a flaw."
– Jen Stafford via Amazon
“The trash can is great. I like the small opening to keep things in place and how the lid closes. The size is also great and I can fit in more pockets.”
–Kaitlyn via Amazon
"[It's] so bulky. I drive a Jetta, so I don't have a lot of room. I can't keep it up front because my passengers don't have enough leg room to sit comfortably."
– L. via Amazon
What is it for?
With eight colors to choose from and most cans priced under $13, the EPAuto is a wonderful option if you're on a budget. We also recommend this product if you want a car organizer and a trash can in the same package.
#3 Drive Auto Products car trash can
HeDrive Auto Products Car BinIt is capable of cleaning the garbage in your car or keeping your drinks cold. And like the EPAuto, it's trying to pull double duty as a car seat organizer and trash can.
Identity crisis aside, the Drive Auto Products Trash Can has a 2.0-gallon capacity and two storage compartments on the side for bags or other supplies. It is also available in one of two colors: gray or black.
| Total | 4 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of installation | 4 out of 5 |
| ability | 4 out of 5 |
| characteristics | 4.5 out of 5 |
key features
- Cost: About $12
- 2.0 gallon capacity
- lockable lid
- Clips to hold trash bags in place
- waterproof design
- Two mesh side pockets
Our experience
Drive Auto Products' car trash can scored bonus points for being the only trash can we tested that included trash bags with the base product, even though you only get 10 bags from the manufacturer. Thanks to the adjustable strap, installing this can anywhere in the car was pretty quick.
We ended up choosing the Drive Auto Products Car Trash Can as our third choice, giving it 4 stars because it had slightly fewer storage options than our first two choices.
what customers say
Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on more than 8,200 reviews
Many customers enjoy the construction and inclusion of garbage bags in the product, while other users report issues with the larger version's lid sealing properly.
"High quality garbage container for car trips."
– Angela T. Reynolds via Amazon
“The thick protective plastic is sewn into the interior, so cleaning up spills is a breeze. It also came with a roll of plastic garbage bags that fit perfectly. Robust garbage bag for the car. Very good quality."
–BonBon via Amazon
"Unfortunately, the hooks don't hold the plastic bag and it creates a 'bulge' in the bottom of the oversized can. In short, it's bulky, too big unless you're keeping rubbish in it for a month or two, and too expensive for the aforementioned design flaws.”
– rivereagle via Amazon
What is it for?
The Drive Auto Products Automatic Trash Can is great for playing before and after the game. Many customer reviews say that the leak-proof design helps the product to act as a cooler. The tin may not be the most attractive option, but its functionality is worth noting.
#4 Best Floor Mounted Trash Can – Trash Can
Great name, decent performance. HeKohldosIt's a trash can, similar to what you might find in a bedroom or bathroom, but modified to fit the floor of your car. Attaches to your car's floor mats and comes with Carbage Can branded elastic to ensure trash bags stay in place.
The Carbage Can doesn't try to compete with competing brands in terms of storage bags or odor control features, but it does evoke that feeling in the car.
| Total | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of installation | 3.5 out of 5 |
| ability | 4 out of 5 |
| characteristics | 3 out of 5 |
key features
- Cost: About $20
- 2.0 gallon capacity
- Elastic band to hold garbage bags
- waterproof design
- Attaches to mats for added security.
Our experience
Although the 2.0-gallon Carbage Can has the same capacity as two other car trash cans on our list, we paired it with it because it doesn't have a locking lid, a feature we've found in every trash can we've tested.
Installation was significantly trickier than the other models we tested, as the mat clips had to be flush with the bottom of the can. However, we found the Carbage Can to be sturdy once installed. All things considered, we gave this product 3.5 stars.
what customers say
Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on over 2,000 reviews
Positive reviews highlight the amazing sturdiness of the can and the manufacturer's excellent customer service. On the downside, some customers report that the product may not work with all mats.
“This container is the perfect size and fits perfectly behind the passenger seat of my new Mazda CX-5. It hooked onto the floor mat with ease and stayed in place over bumps and corners.”
– April via Amazon
“I have been using this container in my car for over two years and it has held up very well. …It's easy to clean and I can leave the clip in place while I do it. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat, but it's lasted so long and works so well I might not have to."
–Wade Lee via Amazon
“The size of the trash can is enough. I like the idea of the clip on the mat, but the clip is too small. …Unfortunately, when the can is full and you turn left, the can tips over.”
– Stephen C. Rogers via Amazon
What is it for?
If you don't have children or rarely drive with rear seat passengers, the Carbage Can is likely a good choice for your vehicle. You can install the can next to the passenger seat, although this could limit a passenger's legroom.
#5 Also Note: KMMOTORS Collapsible Car Trash Can
The idea behind it is clear and simple.KMMOTORS Folding Car Trash Can. It has a slightly smaller capacity than other products we've featured, and like the Carbage Can, it doesn't add extra storage space.
However, you do get a three-month manufacturer's warranty and a lockable trash can that should fit just about anywhere.
| Total | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of installation | 5 out of 5 |
| ability | 3 out of 5 |
| characteristics | 3 out of 5 |
key features
- Cost: About $10
- 1.85 gallon capacity
- lockable lid
- adjustable strap
Our experience
As with most car trash cans we've tested, installation was easy when trying out the Collapsible Car Trash Can from KMMOTORS. This product lost points in the capacity and additional features categories. The KMMOTORS car trash can has the smallest capacity of all the car trash cans we tested and lacks side pockets for additional storage.
Build quality was another downside, with the KMMOTORS Trash Can not feeling as premium as some of our other top picks. Taking all factors into account, we give a total of 3.5 stars.
what customers say
Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 30,000 reviews
Customer opinions on the small size of the product vary widely, with some saying the bin is easy to store and others saying it doesn't hold enough trash.
Positive reviews often mention that the product is easy to clean. Angry customers often report customer service issues and missing trash bags from the manufacturer.
"I love this trash bag! It sits nicely behind the center console and looks neat and tidy. The material is well made and the extra trash bags I bought fit perfectly on the floor."
– Amazon customer
“I am really very impressed with this trash can. It looks very small, but it can actually hold a lot.”
–KP via Amazon
"The strap on the back broke as soon as I tried to tighten it. I'm not the Hulk. I just pulled and after it was delivered no more than 2 hours before it broke."
– Talktastic via Amazon
What is it for?
KMMOTORS car trash can is good for you if you already keep a clean car. Due to its small size, it doesn't fit much, but at least it's easy to store.
The small size also means it can be installed anywhere from your glove box to your gear stick, and it's a great option for a mini car trash can if the cup holder option doesn't work for you.
Automatic Trash Can Test Process
We reproduced some of the junk items most likely to accumulate in a car to test these products. These included paper receipts, pens, plastic wrap, and the remains of a fast food combo meal.
We also rate each product on capacity, ability to mask garbage odors, ease of installation, and overall features.
Car trash can buying guide
When considering the best car trash can options, look for more than one large bag in your favorite color. Here are some tips from our review team to improve your shopping experience.
Size Matters
We found that the standard fast food mix quickly filled most of the car trash cans we tested. Don't be afraid to get a larger tin, as most are collapsible and can easily be stored in a trunk or storage bin.
And since most bags hold 2.0 to 3.0 gallons, you'll likely be cleaning out your car trash can regularly if you throw away items other than small trash.
Location, location, location
Since most car trash cans are collapsible, you don't have to put them all in the same place. The seat's headrest is an obvious choice, but it can easily be rotated to a front seat. You can even put a few smaller cans on the center console, gear stick, or floor of the car.
Some car trash cans fit in a cup holder, but it's hard to justify giving up other interior features to make room for a trash can.
wait to buy bags
Of the car trash cans we tested, only one came with bags. Some brands include trash bags for an additional fee or provide washable liners that you can remove for cleaning.
If you don't feel like paying for trash bags, a plastic bag or grocery bag often works as a substitute. However, plastic grocery bags are prone to punctures and may not be the right size for your car.
Garbage cans for cars: frequently asked questions
Our evaluation standards
The car trash cans in this article have undergone two rounds of verification. We started by searching Amazon for the best products, looking at Amazon Prime shipping eligibility, customer reviews, Amazon superlatives, and price.
As a test, our team ordered the five car trash cans that best met these standards. A team member tested each product in a car, noting how well the car trash can held dirt, how easy the bin was to install, and all the extra features. Based on these criteria, we have rated each car trash can up to 5 stars.
Why you can trust us
Every year we test more than 350 automotive products on vehicles and in our test lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches the best products, unpacks and touches every component, and tests items on actual vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to provide car enthusiasts with in-depth guides on car tools, detail kits, car seats, pet products and more.Methods page here.
*Data correct at the time of publication.