6 Best Narrow Trash Cans For RV Galley That Maximize Every Inch

You’ve just finished prepping dinner in your RV galley, and now you’re holding a handful of vegetable scraps with nowhere to put them. The tiny wastebasket you brought from home is already overflowing, and there’s no floor space for anything bigger. This is the moment every RVer realizes that a standard trash can just won’t cut it in a home on wheels.

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Why Galley Trash Cans Need Special Attention

An RV galley isn’t just a small kitchen; it’s a high-traffic corridor with zero wasted space. Every square inch of floor is precious, often serving as the main walkway through your rig. Placing a bulky trash can there creates an instant tripping hazard and a constant annoyance.

This is why we have to think differently. We’re looking for solutions that use vertical space, fit into impossibly narrow gaps, or disappear into cabinets entirely. It’s not just about holding trash; it’s about integrating a necessary function without disrupting the flow and feel of your small home. Odor control is also paramount in a confined space, making a can with a secure lid a non-negotiable for most.

simplehuman 10L Slim Can: Durable & Sleek

When you want a freestanding can that feels like a permanent, quality fixture, the simplehuman slim can is a top contender. Its stainless steel body resists dents and fingerprints, a huge plus in a moving vehicle where things get bumped around. The narrow profile is designed specifically for tight spaces, often fitting perfectly between a cabinet edge and a slide-out wall.

The real win here is the durable steel pedal and the soft-close lid. A hands-free pedal is a game-changer when your hands are full of food scraps, and the silent, slow-closing lid prevents the jarring slam that echoes through a small rig. This is the buy-it-once option for RVers who prioritize durability and a clean, modern aesthetic.

iTouchless Sensor Can for Hands-Free Use

In a galley, your hands are often wet, sticky, or covered in food. A sensor-activated trash can eliminates the need to touch anything, which is a major win for hygiene in a compact kitchen. Just a wave of your hand opens the lid, which is incredibly convenient when you’re trying to scrape a cutting board clean.

The main consideration is power. These cans run on batteries, so you’ll need to keep spares on hand or invest in rechargeables. Some RVers find the sensor can be a bit sensitive, opening when they just walk by. However, most modern units have improved technology to prevent this.

For families with kids or anyone serious about keeping the galley sanitary, the convenience is often worth the minor power management. It adds a touch of residential luxury and solves a very practical problem.

mDesign Slim Can: Ultra-Compact Footprint

Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. The mDesign slim plastic can is the master of fitting into spaces you didn’t even know you had. We’re talking about that 5-inch gap next to the fridge or the awkward sliver of wall space by the entry steps.

This is a no-frills, lightweight option. It doesn’t have a lid or a pedal, but its ultra-compact size is its superpower. It’s the perfect choice for part-time RVers, those with minimal trash, or as a dedicated recycling bin tucked away somewhere. Don’t underestimate its utility; freeing up a cabinet by using an overlooked gap is a huge space-saving victory.

Rubbermaid Under-Counter Can Fits Any Cabinet

Freeing up floor space is the holy grail of RV organization. An under-counter or cabinet-door-mounted trash can achieves this perfectly. The Rubbermaid FG295600 is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, affordable, and hooks securely over any standard cabinet door.

You install it on the inside of your sink cabinet door, and it’s there when you need it, gone when you don’t. The open-top design is great for quickly sweeping scraps off the counter, but it offers zero odor control. For this reason, it’s best for those who take their trash out daily, a common practice for full-time RVers.

This solution is ideal for smaller rigs where every inch of floor space counts. Just be sure to measure your cabinet depth to ensure the door can still close completely with the can and trash inside. It’s a simple modification that makes a massive functional difference.

Joseph Joseph Totem: Trash & Recycling Combo

For RVers committed to recycling on the road, managing two separate containers is a spatial nightmare. The Joseph Joseph Totem solves this by stacking functions vertically. It combines a main trash compartment with a lower, pull-out recycling drawer in a single, narrow footprint.

This is undeniably a premium solution, and its size, while space-efficient, still requires a dedicated spot. But if you’re tired of having a plastic bag of cans and bottles sitting by the door, the Totem brings order to the chaos. It even includes an integrated odor filter in the lid, a valuable feature in a small living space.

Consider this the command center for your waste management. It’s a significant investment, but for full-timers who value organization and sustainability, it consolidates two problems into one elegant solution.

Rev-A-Shelf: The Ultimate Pull-Out Solution

If you want the most integrated, seamless trash solution, nothing beats a pull-out system like those from Rev-A-Shelf. This hardware allows you to mount a trash can on a sliding track inside a lower cabinet. The trash is completely hidden, slides out smoothly when you need it, and slides back in, disappearing from sight.

This is not a simple purchase; it’s a small project. You’ll need to measure your cabinet opening carefully—width, depth, and height—to order the correct size. Installation requires a drill and a bit of confidence, but the result is a truly residential feel that maximizes space and keeps your galley looking clean and uncluttered.

This is the best option for full-timers or those undertaking a renovation who want to build in permanent, high-functioning systems. It turns a "dead" cabinet into a dedicated, hidden utility. The tradeoff is the loss of a cabinet, but what you gain in floor space and aesthetics is often worth it.

Choosing the Right Size & Mount for Your Rig

There is no single "best" trash can; there’s only the best one for your RV and your travel style. Making the right choice comes down to honestly assessing your space and your habits. Start by grabbing a tape measure—don’t guess.

First, identify potential locations. Is there a narrow gap on the floor? Do you have a cabinet under the sink you’re willing to dedicate? Measure these spaces precisely. Remember to account for things like plumbing under the sink or the interior lip of a cabinet opening.

Next, consider your travel style. A weekend warrior might be fine with a small, 2-gallon can they empty at the end of every trip. A full-time family of four will need a much larger capacity—at least 8-10 gallons (30-40 liters)—to avoid constant trips to the campground dumpster.

Finally, weigh the pros and cons of different mounting styles based on your needs:

• Freestanding: Easiest solution, no installation required. Offers flexibility but uses valuable floor space.
• Cabinet Door-Mounted: Excellent for saving floor space. Typically smaller capacity and may lack a lid.
• Pull-Out Cabinet System: The most integrated and hidden solution. Requires installation and sacrifices an entire cabinet.

The right answer lies at the intersection of your available space, your trash volume, and how much installation you’re willing to do.

Ultimately, the right galley trash can is a small upgrade that delivers an outsized improvement in your day-to-day RV life, reducing clutter and making your tiny kitchen feel more spacious and functional.