6 Best Compact Trash Cans For RV Galleys That Maximize Every Inch

You’ve just finished prepping dinner in your RV galley, and now a small mountain of vegetable peels, packaging, and paper towels sits on your limited counter space. A standard kitchen trash can would eat up the entire walkway, but leaving trash out is an invitation for odors and pests. The right trash can isn’t just a container; it’s a critical piece of your galley’s workflow and a key to comfortable small-space living.

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Choosing the Right RV Galley Trash Solution

Finding a place for trash in an RV galley is a classic puzzle. You have virtually no floor space to spare, and every square inch of cabinet real estate is precious. This isn’t about finding a smaller version of your home’s trash can; it’s about rethinking waste management entirely for a mobile environment.

The perfect solution has to do three things well. First, it must fit into an awkward or unused space, like the inside of a cabinet door or a narrow floor gap. Second, it needs to be secure enough to not tip over, spill, or fly open while you’re bumping down a forest service road. Finally, it must contain odors effectively, because in 200 square feet, there’s nowhere for bad smells to hide.

Forget the idea of a single "best" can. The ideal choice depends entirely on your galley’s layout and your personal habits. Do you cook elaborate meals that generate a lot of prep waste? Are you a solo traveler or a family of four? The answer will steer you toward a solution that integrates seamlessly into your life, rather than one you’re constantly fighting with.

simplehuman 10L In-Cabinet Can: Hidden Waste

This is the go-to solution for a reason. The simplehuman In-Cabinet Can uses a sturdy steel hook to hang over the top of any standard cabinet door, instantly giving you a hidden trash receptacle. There’s no installation, no drilling, and it can be moved from one cabinet to another in seconds if you decide to rearrange your storage.

Its 10-liter (2.6-gallon) capacity is a sweet spot for RVs. It’s large enough to hold a day or two of waste for a couple, but small enough that you’re forced to take it out before it becomes a science experiment. This frequent disposal cycle is a non-negotiable habit for odor control in a small space. The can also uses standard plastic grocery bags as liners, which is perfect for anyone who appreciates reusing resources.

The primary tradeoff is that it occupies valuable cabinet space. When you open the door, the can swings with it, which can be slightly awkward if the cabinet is packed full. However, for most people, sacrificing a bit of interior cabinet volume is a small price to pay for getting the trash can completely off the floor and out of sight.

Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out: A Seamless Solution

For those seeking a more permanent and integrated solution, a pull-out system like those from Rev-A-Shelf is the gold standard. These systems involve mounting a sliding track to the bottom of a lower cabinet. The trash can sits on this track and glides out smoothly when you open the door, presenting itself for use and then tucking away completely.

The biggest advantage here is stability and capacity. Because it’s bolted to the cabinet, it’s not going anywhere during travel. These systems often accommodate larger cans—think 20 to 35 quarts—making them a great fit for families or full-timers who generate more waste. The smooth, controlled motion just feels like a high-end residential feature, bringing a little bit of luxury to your galley.

Of course, this seamlessness comes at a cost. You must be willing to dedicate an entire lower cabinet to your trash system, which is a significant sacrifice in a small rig. Installation also requires some basic tool skills and a willingness to drill holes into your cabinetry. If you’re hesitant to make permanent modifications or can’t spare the cabinet, this isn’t the right path for you.

Camco Pop-Up Container: Versatile & Collapsible

Not every solution needs to be a permanent fixture. The Camco Pop-Up Container is a brilliant example of temporary, adaptable design. It’s essentially a fabric-sided, spring-loaded cylinder that collapses down to just a few inches thick for storage. When you need it, it pops open into a surprisingly spacious container.

This is the perfect choice for the weekend warrior or part-time RVer. You can keep it stored flat in a bay or a closet, then set it up in the galley or just outside your door at the campsite. It’s also an excellent secondary bin for recyclables, which often accumulate on big cooking days. The zippered lid helps keep critters out if you’re using it outdoors.

The downside is its lack of rigidity and odor control. A fabric container won’t contain smells as well as a hard-sided plastic or metal can, and it’s more susceptible to leaks if a bag rips. Think of it less as a permanent galley trash can and more as a highly effective, space-saving utility container for when you need extra capacity.

iDesign Cabinet Basket: Ultimate Space-Saver

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. The iDesign Cabinet Basket is little more than a plastic or wire bin with integrated hooks that slip over a cabinet door. It’s the most minimalist option on this list, designed for those who want a trash receptacle that takes up virtually zero functional space.

This is my recommendation for two types of RVers: the ultra-minimalist who produces very little trash, or the avid cook who wants a dedicated "prep trash" bin. You can hang it on the cabinet right below your cutting board and sweep peels and scraps directly into it. It keeps your countertop clear during meal prep without dedicating a larger, lidded can to the task.

The obvious limitations are its small size and the complete lack of a lid. This is not a can for holding onto trash for more than a few hours. It’s a temporary holding spot, best for dry goods or compostables that you’ll be taking out very shortly. If you need to contain odors or hold more than a handful of waste, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

OXO Good Grips Compost Bin: Countertop Control

Placing a trash can on the counter might seem like a cardinal sin of small-space living, but hear me out. The OXO Good Grips Compost Bin is small, thoughtfully designed, and can actually improve your overall waste management by separating the smelliest items—food scraps—from your main trash.

By isolating wet, organic waste in this compact, lidded bin, your primary trash can stays drier and less odorous, meaning you can go longer between trips to the dumpster. The OXO’s flip-up lid stays open for easy use during food prep, and its smooth, seamless interior is incredibly easy to clean. Its small footprint (around 1.6 gallons) is designed specifically for countertop use.

The key is a mental shift. You aren’t just putting a trash can on your counter; you’re implementing a two-part waste system. This approach only works if you have a plan for the compost, whether it’s a campground composting program or a sealed bag in an exterior storage bay. For those who cook frequently from scratch, this little bin can be a game-changer.

Prep & Savour Hanging Can: For Easy Prep Work

This style of can takes the concept of the iDesign basket and refines it specifically for the act of cooking. The Prep & Savour Hanging Can, and others like it, often feature a wider mouth and sometimes include a small scraper tool that nests in the lid. The entire design is optimized for workflow efficiency.

You hang it from the top edge of a drawer or cabinet door directly below your workspace. As you chop vegetables or open packages, you simply sweep the waste off the counter and into the bin. It eliminates the need to walk back and forth to a different trash can, keeping your prep area clean and your focus on the meal.

Like other small, hanging options, this isn’t meant to be your sole trash solution. It’s a task-specific tool. Its small capacity (typically around 1-2 gallons) means it will fill up quickly with general waste. But when used as intended—as a partner to your cutting board—it makes galley prep work feel remarkably streamlined and organized.

Key Factors: Mounting, Size, and Lid Style

Choosing the right can comes down to honestly assessing your space and your habits. Don’t just buy the most popular model; think through these three critical factors to find the one that truly solves your problem.

First, consider mounting style.

• Over-the-Door: The most common and versatile option. It requires no installation and keeps the floor clear. The main con is that it can sometimes bang against the cabinet or get in the way of interior shelves.
• Pull-Out/In-Cabinet: This provides the cleanest look and highest stability. However, it demands permanent installation and the sacrifice of an entire cabinet.
• Countertop/Freestanding: Offers easy access but consumes prime real estate. This only works for very small bins or in galleys with unusually generous counter space.

Second, think about size and capacity. It’s tempting to get the biggest can that will fit, but that’s often a mistake in an RV. A smaller can forces you to take the trash out more frequently, which is the single best strategy for preventing odors and pests. A weekender might only need a 1-gallon can for prep scraps, while a full-time family might need a 5-gallon pull-out system to stay sane.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of lid style. A lid is non-negotiable in an RV for odor control. A simple lift-off lid is better than nothing, but a flip-top or securely latching lid is far better for containing smells and ensuring contents don’t spill during travel. For compost bins, look for lids with some form of ventilation or filter to manage moisture and prevent pressure buildup.

Ultimately, the best RV galley trash can disappears into your daily routine, serving its purpose without demanding attention or getting in your way. By prioritizing how you use your space over a can’s specific features, you can find a solution that makes your tiny kitchen feel more functional and spacious. Don’t be afraid to try a cheap, simple option first; you’ll learn more from a $15 over-the-door basket in a week than you will from hours of online research.