6 Best Collapsible Trash Cans For RV Storage That Maximize Every Inch

Nothing teaches you about the value of a square inch like living in an RV. You dial in your kitchen storage, master the art of the capsule wardrobe, and then you’re left with one awkward, bulky problem: the trash can. A standard kitchen bin is a space-hogging nightmare, yet you can’t live without one. This is where the simple genius of the collapsible trash can comes in, transforming a daily necessity from a spatial liability into a compact, storable tool.

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Why Collapsible Cans are an RV Must-Have

The math is simple. A rigid trash can occupies the same footprint whether it’s empty or full. In an RV, that’s a permanent claim on precious floor or cabinet space that you just can’t afford. A collapsible can, on the other hand, shrinks down to a flat disc, easily sliding under a dinette seat, into a shallow pass-through bay, or behind a sofa.

This isn’t just about storage when not in use. It’s about flexibility. You can keep a large-capacity can stored away for when you have guests or are stationary for a week, then swap to a smaller one for a quick travel day. Many RVers carry two: one for trash and another for recycling or even as a pop-up laundry hamper. Their versatility is their superpower.

Forget the idea that "collapsible" means flimsy. Modern designs use spring steel frames, durable fabrics, and reinforced bottoms to handle the realities of life on the road. They solve a fundamental RV problem without demanding a permanent, space-wasting solution.

Camco Pop-Up Utility Container: The RV Classic

If you walk through any campground, you’ll see this one. The Camco Pop-Up is the unofficial standard for a reason. It hits the sweet spot of size, features, and price, making it a reliable first choice for most RVers. It typically comes in a 30-gallon size, which is plenty for a long weekend, and includes a fully zippered lid. That zipper is crucial for keeping critters out and odors in, a non-negotiable for campsite use.

What makes the Camco so practical are the thoughtful details. It has padded handles for comfortable carrying, even when full. It also includes stakes and built-in loops, allowing you to secure it to the ground on a windy day—a lesson most of us learn the hard way. When you’re done, it collapses into a flat circle and tucks into its own storage bag.

This container is a true multi-tasker. While most use it for trash, it’s equally at home as a laundry basket, a storage bin for outdoor gear like hoses and leveling blocks, or a container for raking up leaves at your site. It’s the dependable workhorse of the collapsible world.

Coghlan’s Pop-Up Can: For Simple Campsite Use

Sometimes you just need a bag holder. Coghlan’s Pop-Up Can delivers exactly that without any unnecessary frills. It’s a spring-loaded container made of polyethylene that’s designed to be simple, lightweight, and effective for basic outdoor trash collection.

Think of this as the minimalist’s choice. It often lacks a zippered lid, featuring a simple open top. This makes it incredibly easy to toss things into but less ideal for overnight use where raccoons or wind might be an issue. Its strength is its simplicity and low cost. You can set it up in two seconds next to your camp kitchen for food prep waste or by the fire pit for wrappers and cans.

This isn’t the can you’d choose for containing smelly food waste inside your rig for multiple days. It’s the perfect companion to your primary trash system. Use it outside to keep your campsite tidy during the day, then consolidate the bag into a more secure bin or campground dumpster before turning in for the night.

Fiskars Kangaroo Bag: The Heavy-Duty Option

Originally designed for yard waste, the Fiskars Kangaroo Bag is the toughest pop-up you’ll find. If you’ve ever had a standard collapsible can tear from a sharp-edged can or a rogue piece of cardboard, this is your upgrade. It’s made from a tear-proof, mildew-resistant vinyl that can take a serious beating.

The Kangaroo’s durability makes it ideal for more than just household trash. It’s perfect for full-timers who generate more waste or for those who do projects on the road. Use it to collect crushed aluminum cans for recycling without worrying about punctures. It can handle firewood scraps, discarded project materials, or wet, heavy items without complaint.

While it might be overkill for a casual weekend camper, its robust construction provides peace of mind. The internal spring is strong, it stands up straight even when empty, and it collapses down just as easily as its lighter-duty cousins. If you prioritize durability above all else, the Fiskars is the answer.

THULE Trash Bin: A Premium Exterior Solution

The best way to deal with trash odor is to never let it inside your RV in the first place. The Thule Trash Bin is a premium product designed around this principle. It’s not just a can; it’s an exterior mounting system. It attaches to Thule’s Smart RV mounting rail system or can be adapted to ladders and other external points.

This bin features a sturdy, weatherproof fabric construction with a zippered lid to keep rain and pests out. The real genius is its location. By keeping your trash outside, you completely eliminate interior smells and free up valuable floor space. It’s an elegant solution for those who despise the lingering scent of last night’s dinner.

The tradeoff is price and installation. This is a significantly more expensive option than a simple pop-up can, and it requires a dedicated mounting point on your rig. However, for full-timers or meticulous travelers who value a pristine interior environment, the investment is often worth it. It’s a permanent solution to a recurring problem.

Sea to Summit Trash Dry Sack: For Odor Control

For boondockers and overlanders, "pack it in, pack it out" is the law of the land. The Sea to Summit Trash Dry Sack is purpose-built for this reality. It’s less of a "can" and more of a high-tech, odor-proof containment system. Using the same roll-top closure and waterproof fabric as their legendary dry sacks, it creates an airtight seal.

This is the ultimate solution for containing smelly garbage for days on end. The inside is lined with a durable, coated fabric that won’t leak and can be easily wiped clean. You can toss wet coffee grounds and food scraps inside, roll the top down, and confidently store it inside your vehicle or an exterior storage bay without fear of leaks or smells.

It’s not designed for huge volumes; it’s for compacting and containing the most offensive waste. Many users will still use a larger can for dry recyclables and paper, reserving the Trash Dry Sack specifically for food waste. It’s a specialized tool, but for off-grid travel, it is absolutely indispensable.

Stansport Collapsible Can: A Budget-Friendly Pick

Sometimes, you just need something that works without breaking the bank. The Stansport Collapsible Can is a straightforward, affordable option that gets the job done. It’s a direct competitor to the Camco and Coghlan’s models, often coming in at a lower price point.

You’ll get the core features you need: a spring-loaded design for easy setup, a decent capacity, and handles for carrying. Depending on the model, it may or may not have a zippered lid or ground stakes, so be sure to check the specific product details. It’s a great choice for infrequent campers, as a secondary can for recycling, or if you’re just outfitting your first RV and have a lot of gear to buy.

Don’t expect the heavy-duty fabric of a Fiskars or the specialized features of a Thule. But for managing trash at a developed campground for a weekend, it’s more than adequate. It proves you don’t need to spend a lot to solve the RV trash problem effectively.

Key Features for Your RV Collapsible Trash Can

Choosing the right can comes down to how you travel. There is no single "best" option, only the best option for your needs. Before you buy, think through these key factors.

• Capacity & Stored Size: Are you a solo traveler or a family of four? A 10-gallon can might work for a weekend, but a 30-gallon is better for a week-long trip. Just as important, check the collapsed dimensions to ensure it fits where you plan to store it.
• Lid & Closure System: This is a critical detail. An open top is fine for daytime use but a magnet for critters at night. A zippered lid is the best all-around choice for keeping pests and weather out. A roll-top closure, like on the Sea to Summit, is the gold standard for 100% odor and leak control.
• Material & Durability: A lightweight polyethylene can is fine for light-duty use. But if you plan to keep it outside or dispose of anything with sharp edges, invest in a can made from heavy-duty vinyl or reinforced polyester. Look for a waterproof interior lining for easy cleaning.
• Mounting & Stability: Will the can live outside? If so, look for models with built-in grommets and stakes to secure it against the wind. For a more permanent solution, consider an exterior-mounted system like the Thule that keeps it off the ground and out of your living space entirely.

Ultimately, the humble collapsible trash can is a perfect example of smart RV living. It’s not about having less; it’s about having gear that is more flexible, more efficient, and more respectful of your limited space. By matching the can’s features to your travel style—from a heavy-duty bag for full-timing to an odor-proof sack for boondocking—you reclaim a surprising amount of utility and peace of mind, one square inch at a time.