6 Best Small Trash Cans With Lids For RVs That Nomads Swear By

Nothing ruins the cozy vibe of an RV faster than the smell of last night’s dinner lingering in the air. A simple, open-top wastebasket that worked fine in a house becomes a major liability in a space that’s also your kitchen, bedroom, and vehicle. Choosing the right trash can is one of those small details that makes a massive difference in your day-to-day comfort on the road.

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Why RV Trash Cans Need Lids and a Small Footprint

In a sticks-and-bricks home, your trash can is just a container. In an RV, it’s a critical piece of equipment that has to manage odors, pests, and the physics of a moving vehicle. A lid isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for containing smells that can quickly permeate a small, sealed space, especially on hot days or when you’re boondocking and can’t empty it immediately.

The lid also serves a crucial purpose on travel days. An open bin is a disaster waiting to happen when you hit a pothole or take a sharp turn. A secure lid keeps everything contained, preventing a messy cleanup at your next stop. This is non-negotiable.

Beyond the lid, the footprint is everything. Floor space is the most valuable real estate you own in an RV. A bulky can that blocks a walkway or prevents a cabinet from opening is a constant source of frustration. The best RV trash cans are slim, tuck into awkward corners, or even mount to a cabinet door, reclaiming precious square footage for living.

simplehuman Profile Step Can: Slim and Durable

The simplehuman Profile Step Can is a favorite among full-timers for one main reason: it’s built to last. RVs vibrate, things get knocked around, and cheap plastic bins crack within a few months. This can’s steel construction and robust step-pedal mechanism can handle the abuse of constant travel.

Its slim, rectangular shape is a game-changer for tight RV layouts. It’s designed to fit in odd, narrow spaces—like between the fridge and a counter or at the end of a cabinet run—that would otherwise be wasted. While it carries a premium price, think of it as an investment. You’ll buy it once, instead of replacing a flimsy plastic can every year.

The primary tradeoff is its weight and rigidity. It’s not a collapsible or lightweight option, so it claims its space permanently. But for those who prioritize a sturdy, odor-sealing can that feels like a residential-quality appliance, the simplehuman is hard to beat. The slow-close lid is also a nice touch, preventing the loud clang that can echo through a small rig.

Camco Pop-A-Bag: The Ultimate Space-Saver Can

For those who value flexibility and minimal use of space above all else, the Camco Pop-A-Bag is a brilliant, unconventional solution. It’s not a can at all, but a simple frame that holds a plastic grocery bag. It hooks over a cabinet door, keeping your trash completely off the floor and out of the way.

This system is perfect for part-timers, weekend warriors, or those with extremely small rigs like van conversions or teardrop trailers. You can hang it on the inside of a lower cabinet door to keep it hidden, or on the outside for easy access while cooking. When you don’t need it, it takes up virtually no space.

The obvious downside is its lack of a true lid. While it keeps trash contained, it does little for odor control, so you’ll need to take the trash out frequently. It’s also only suitable for light waste; anything heavy or wet risks tearing the bag. This is a dedicated dry-trash solution or a temporary bin for meal prep, not an all-in-one workhorse.

Rubbermaid Step-On: A Classic, Reliable Choice

Sometimes, the best solution is the one that’s been proven for decades. The classic Rubbermaid Step-On trash can is a workhorse that you can find in almost any big-box store, which is a huge advantage when you’re on the road and need a replacement. It’s affordable, durable enough for RV life, and its simple design just works.

These cans come in various small sizes, with slim profiles perfect for RV kitchens. The step-on mechanism is reliable, and the overlapping lid does a decent job of trapping odors. While the plastic construction isn’t as bombproof as a steel can, it’s lightweight and easy to clean—two major pluses in a mobile environment.

This isn’t the most stylish or feature-rich option. It’s purely functional. But for nomads who value practicality and easy availability over aesthetics, the Rubbermaid is a smart, budget-friendly choice that you can count on. It hits the sweet spot of being good enough at everything without excelling at any one thing.

mDesign Round Can for Tight RV Bathroom Corners

The RV bathroom presents a unique challenge. The space is incredibly tight, often with curved walls or odd angles near the toilet. A standard rectangular kitchen can simply won’t fit. This is where a small, round can like those from mDesign truly shines.

These compact cans, typically 1.3 to 2.5 gallons, are designed to tuck into the tightest of corners. Their small diameter and simple, clean lines prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard in a cramped bathroom. The step-on lid is essential here for sanitation and keeping any odors contained in a very small, often windowless, room.

Most of these cans feature a removable inner bucket, which makes emptying them much easier and cleaner. You don’t have to wrestle a full trash bag out of a tight-fitting can. For the bathroom, where you need a small, unobtrusive, and hygienic solution, a dedicated round can is often the only practical answer.

OXO Good Grips Bin: Odor-Trapping Versatility

The OXO Good Grips Compost Bin is a secret weapon for RVers, even if they aren’t composting. Its 1.75-gallon size is perfect for daily kitchen waste, and its design is focused squarely on one thing: trapping odors. The lid seals tightly and stays open for easy scraping, while the smooth, seamless interior prevents food and gunk from getting trapped.

What makes it truly versatile is its portability. It’s small enough to sit on the counter during meal prep and then be stowed under the sink or in a cabinet. This "use it and store it" approach is ideal for RVers who don’t want a permanent trash can taking up floor space. The handle makes it easy to carry outside to the main campground dumpster.

While designed for compost, it works perfectly as a primary can for a solo traveler or as a dedicated food-scrap bin for a family. Its main limitation is its size; you’ll be emptying it daily. But for those who prioritize a smell-free rig above all else, the superior odor control of the OXO is worth the frequent trips outside.

iTouchless Sensor Can: The Hands-Free Upgrade

For those who want to bring a touch of modern convenience into their rig, the iTouchless Sensor Can is a popular upgrade. The hands-free operation is fantastic in a small kitchen where your hands are often full or messy. A simple wave of the hand opens the lid, which is both convenient and more sanitary.

The key consideration for RV life is power. Most models run on D-cell batteries, which can last for months, so they don’t put a significant drain on your 12-volt system. They also include carbon filter deodorizers, providing an active layer of odor control that passive lids can’t match. This makes a noticeable difference in a small space.

The tradeoff is complexity and cost. A sensor and motor are just more things that can break on a bumpy road. And these cans are significantly more expensive than a simple step-on model. However, for RVers who cook frequently and value cleanliness and odor elimination, the hands-free convenience and active filtering can be a worthwhile luxury.

Key Features for Your Perfect RV Trash Solution

Finding the right can means matching its features to your travel style. There’s no single "best" can, only the best can for your rig and your needs. As you shop, focus on these critical elements:

• Lid Mechanism: Is it a step-on, a sensor, a lift-top, or a swing-top? Step-on is reliable, a sensor is convenient but requires power, and a simple lift-top is secure but requires a free hand. Avoid swing-tops, as they don’t seal and can spill during travel.
• Footprint and Shape: Measure your intended space before you buy. A slim, rectangular can is generally more space-efficient than a round one, but a round can might fit better in a specific corner.
• Material: Stainless steel offers maximum durability and odor resistance but is heavier. Plastic is lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean but can crack over time and absorb odors.
• Capacity: Bigger isn’t always better. A large can might mean you can go longer between emptying, but it also means trash sits inside your RV longer, creating more potential for odor. Many full-timers prefer a smaller can that forces them to take the trash out daily.

Ultimately, your decision comes down to a balance of space, budget, and convenience. A full-time family of four has very different needs than a solo weekend traveler. Be honest about how you use your space, and choose the tool that solves your specific problem.

Your trash can is a small detail, but it’s one you’ll interact with every single day, so it pays to get it right. By prioritizing a secure lid and a smart footprint, you can eliminate one of the most common annoyances of RV living. A clean, odor-free rig is a happy rig.