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The car, just like a home, is a living space, and that means you’ll want to keep it tidy. Due to the myriad things we do with our cars, we collect a fair amount of litter that often finds its way stuffed in a cup holder, glove compartment, or center console. There’s also the space in between the seats, but that’s just for those of a certain age who are strapped into booster seats…usually. Sure, it’s meant to be temporary, but let’s be real here. That collection of wrappers and receipts is going to be a persistent one. Fret not, though, because there are plenty of trash can solutions created specifically for cars, and we’ve picked our favorites just for you.
Our Methodology
We took a close look at the myriad of car-specific trash cans on the market and selected our top picks based on a number of factors. To start, we looked at capacity, versatility, and usability. We know that a car and the driver’s needs vary, so we looked at both big and small trash cans to find the right fits for different consumers. Waterproofing or a leak-proof lining was a key feature we sought in most of our choices, though some picks might not be due to their focus on small, dry trash collection.
Having a multitude of mounting options that should accommodate most car interiors was important to us, as well as ease of use like a pass-through lid or easy to open top. Trash bins with extra functions like pockets and tissue holders scored extra points with us. Lastly, some degree of style was taken into consideration for those who may seek a trash-collecting solution that doesn’t clash with the car’s interior. Check out this link, which explains our methodology further.
Best Car Trash Can Reviews & Recommendations
Best Car Trash Can Overall
Farsala All-In-One Trash Can
Best Car Trash Can Value
EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can
Most Elegant Car Trash Can
BMZX Car Trash Can
Largest Car Trash Can
NJNJ Waterproof Trash Can
Most Minimalist Car Trash Can
Carbage Can
Fanciest Car Trash Can
OUDEW Cupholder Trash Can
Our Verdict on Best Car Trash Can
Our pick for best car trash can is the Farsala All-In-One trash can. We like its versatility, size and price point. We’re particularly impressed with the washable, reusable inner liners that reduce waste and the need to buy disposable bags. Our Best Value pick, the EPAuto Waterproof Trash Can is a close runner up to our best pick, and would have topped our chart if the Farsala trash bin didn’t edge it out in quality.
What to Consider When Buying A Car Trash Can
The things to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for a car trash car are resiliency, size, and the materials it’s made out of. Waterproofing is important, too, particularly when it comes to food waste.
Types of Car Trash Cans
Hanging Trash Can
The majority of the car trash cans out there are of this type. This is due primarily to a car’s unique interior design. All of them are different and few have ample floor space. A hanging trash can allows car owners much more variety in mounting options, allowing them to find the setup most convenient for them.
Floor Trash Can
If your car has the space for it, a floor trash can is convenient and familiar. It’s the same thing you have in your house, just in a car! These tend to be bigger and with wider openings since they aren’t meant to hang off the back of a car seat. With that said they generally lack any lids and take up legroom.
Cup Holder Trash Can
Car interiors have many nooks and crannies that collect all sorts of stuff. Cup holders are the main offenders, as they make a convenient try for small things when they aren’t accommodating a beverage. Cup holder trash cans upgrade these trash magnets with proper receptacles that can neatly and conveniently gather all the junk that was going to end up there anyway.
Car Trash Can Key Features
Size
Every car is different and so are the people that drive them. Some may keep things like food and drinks out while others live in their cars. Depending on how you use your vehicle and how many people occupy it, finding the right size trash bin is important to meet your specific needs.
Waterproofing
There’s dry trash and then there’s wet trash. Dry trash like napkins and receipts are easy enough to collect, but wet trash, like ketchup packets or juice boxes, tend to complicate your sanitation endeavors. Leaks make things wet, sticky, and sometimes smelly, so finding a waterproof solution is a must for anyone who lets liquids into their car.
Ruggedness
A tool like a car’s trash can is going to go through its fair share of knocks, so you want something that’ll hold up over time. It’s important not only that it holds up to daily use but that it withstands regular clean-up if it’s the kind that needs to be rinsed out.
Car Trash Can Pricing
Car trash can prices can start at the $10 range and climb past the reasonable $20-30 range. Thankfully, there are lots of inexpensive solutions at the low end of the price range.
No Buy Option
Everyone wants to save some cash and do what’s right for the environment. Sometimes that means perusing what you were about to throw out and repurposing it for its second life. As for a car trash can, loads of products can be reused and retasked for trash can duty. Some include old grocery store bags, old recyclable containers, old tins (i.e. if you’re in the Chicago area and get some Garrett’s Popcorn), or other reusable containers. Save some cash, save the planet—it’s a win-win situation!
Tips and Tricks
As with something you use for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and car trash cans. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- Make sure you have room for the bin that you want.
- Pick a safe spot to anchor a hanging bin. Your shift knob doesn’t count!
- Make sure to empty it out often as you don’t want that thing stinking up your car.
- You can reuse old trash bags as trash can liners.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Do car trash cans stay upright on their own without tipping over?
Most car trash can solutions are hung or mounted on an existing part of the car’s interior, but they are usually versatile enough to be positioned upright on a flat surface. A few are specially designed to sit on a car’s floor.
Q: How much trash do car trash cans hold?
Typically, car trash can capacity hovers around the 2-gallon range. Thankfully, there are various solutions out there for those looking for bigger bins or smaller ones, depending on their needs.
Q: Are car trash cans leakproof?
Many of the car trash bins we’ve looked into boast a waterproof interior or at the very least a leak-proof lining. Some are better suited for dry trash, so keep a lookout.
Q: What is the best way to clean a trash bin?
Depending on the materials, it could be something versatile enough to run through a washing machine, but more than likely, it will be a polyester bag that can just be wiped and rinsed out. Using a disposable bag will limit the need to do this and if that seems wasteful, some options have washable and reusable linings included.