6 Best Wall Mounted Waste Bins For Tiny Homes That Maximize Every Inch

In a tiny home, every object has to justify its existence, and nothing fails that test faster than a bulky, freestanding trash can. It’s the clumsy guest that’s always in the way, tripping you up as you move from the sink to the stove. The solution isn’t to produce less trash—though that helps—it’s to get your waste management system off the floor and out of the way.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Wall Bins Are a Tiny Home Game-Changer

The most obvious win is reclaiming floor space. That six-by-six-inch square where your bin used to live suddenly becomes usable real estate, making your kitchen or bathroom feel instantly larger. This isn’t just a perception; it’s a functional improvement that reduces clutter and trip hazards.

But the benefit goes deeper. Mounting a bin creates a designated, permanent home for your waste, which streamlines your workflow. You’re no longer kicking a can out of the way to open a cabinet or shuffling it around to sweep. It’s always exactly where you need it, which brings a surprising sense of calm and order to a small space.

This simple change also makes cleaning infinitely easier. With the bin off the floor, you can sweep or mop underneath it without a second thought. There are no more dust bunnies collecting around the base or mystery spills hiding behind the can. It’s a small detail that has a massive impact on daily maintenance.

simplehuman Wall Mount Can: Sleek & Durable

When you need something that just works and will last forever, simplehuman is the answer. Their wall-mount can features a strong steel frame that attaches securely to a wall or the inside of a cabinet. This isn’t a flimsy plastic hook; it’s a permanent installation designed for heavy, daily use.

The inner bucket is removable, making it easy to take out the trash and clean the unit. Its five-liter (1.3-gallon) capacity is a sweet spot for tiny living—large enough for a day or two of kitchen scraps but small enough to encourage you to take the trash out regularly, which is key for odor control in a small home.

The main tradeoff here is its permanence. You need to be confident in your placement because you’ll be drilling into a surface. But for a primary kitchen or bathroom bin, that commitment pays off in stability and a clean, integrated look that cheap, temporary solutions can’t match.

Brabantia Sort & Go: Modular Recycling Hero

Recycling in a tiny home is often a chaotic mess of bags and boxes. The Brabantia Sort & Go system tackles this head-on with its modular design. These bins are designed to work together, allowing you to create a custom sorting station for trash, recycling, and compost.

Each bin comes with a wall-mounting bracket, so you can hang one, two, or three side-by-side. Their design is smart, featuring a large handle for easy carrying and a stay-open lid that’s a lifesaver during food prep. They come in various sizes and colors, so you can create a system that fits your specific needs and aesthetic.

While they are made of sturdy plastic, they don’t have the bomb-proof feel of a steel can. However, their light weight makes them easy to mount on a variety of surfaces, including the inside of larger cabinet doors. For anyone serious about sorting waste without sacrificing precious cabinet or counter space, this is the most flexible system out there.

Rev-A-Shelf RV-8-5: The Ultimate Cabinet Bin

This isn’t just a bin; it’s a complete under-cabinet waste management system. Rev-A-Shelf specializes in pull-out and cabinet-mounted organizers, and their RV-8-5 is a perfect fit for the common 15-inch sink base cabinet found in many tiny homes and RVs. It mounts directly to the cabinet door, swinging out smoothly when you open it.

The genius of this design is that it hides your trash completely while keeping it accessible. You don’t have to bend down and reach into the back of a dark cabinet. The system uses a small 5-liter bin, which is ideal for containing smelly food scraps right where you produce them—at the sink or prep counter.

Installation is more involved than just hanging a bin on a hook. You’ll need a drill and a few minutes to get the mounting hardware attached correctly to the cabinet door. But the payoff is a seamless, hidden solution that feels like a custom feature and keeps your kitchen floor completely clear.

ELPHECO Hanging Bin: Versatile & Compact

Sometimes you don’t need a permanent, heavy-duty solution. The ELPHECO hanging bin is the master of versatility, offering two ways to mount it: an over-the-door hook or an adhesive-backed bracket. This makes it perfect for renters or anyone who isn’t ready to drill holes.

Its compact size is its greatest strength. Hang it over a lower cabinet door while you’re chopping vegetables to easily sweep scraps off the counter. Mount it with the adhesive strip to the side of a bathroom vanity or inside a cleaning supply closet. It’s small enough to fit almost anywhere.

This isn’t your primary household trash can. Think of it as a satellite bin for specific tasks. Its small capacity means it’s best for compost, bathroom waste, or other small-volume items. But for targeted waste collection, its low-profile design and easy installation are unbeatable.

Joseph Joseph Stack 4: Vertical Space Saver

While not a true "wall-mounted" bin, the Joseph Joseph Stack 4 deserves a spot on this list because it masters the core principle: using vertical space to save floor space. This clever system stacks a general waste bin and a multi-compartment recycling drawer on top of each other, all within a single, narrow footprint.

The bottom bin is on wheels, making it easy to pull out, and the top unit has a flip-lid and a removable divider for sorting recyclables. It also includes a small, ventilated compost caddy that can sit on the countertop or be stored in the top unit. You get a complete waste and recycling solution in less than one square foot of floor space.

This is the ideal choice for someone who needs more capacity than a small hanging bin can offer but still wants to minimize their footprint. It elegantly solves the recycling-sorting problem that plagues so many tiny homes. It proves that thinking vertically is just as important as clearing the floor.

iTouchless Sensor Can: Hands-Free Convenience

In a tight kitchen, your hands are often full or covered in food. A hands-free sensor bin like the wall-mountable options from iTouchless can be a true luxury. A simple wave of your hand opens the lid, preventing you from smudging the can or cross-contaminating surfaces.

These bins often feature an odor-control system with a carbon filter, which is a huge plus in a small, enclosed living area. The ability to contain smells effectively can make a significant difference in the overall comfort of your home. They typically mount with a sturdy bracket, ensuring they stay put.

The primary consideration here is power. Most sensor cans run on batteries, which you’ll need to change periodically. For off-grid tiny dwellers, this adds another small energy draw to manage. But for those who prioritize hygiene and convenience, the hands-free operation is well worth the tradeoff.

Key Factors for Wall-Mounted Bin Installation

Before you start drilling, think through the installation. The right placement and mounting method are just as important as the bin you choose. Ripping a bin out of drywall because it was overloaded is a mistake you only make once.

First, assess your wall structure. Are you mounting into solid wood, drywall, or a thin cabinet door?

• Solid Wood: You’re good to go with standard screws.
• Drywall: You must locate a stud or use heavy-duty drywall anchors. Never trust a standard plastic anchor to hold a bin full of trash.
• Cabinet Doors: Use bolts that go all the way through or short screws that won’t poke out the other side. Check your door’s thickness first.

Next, consider the location and weight. Place the bin where it won’t obstruct a walkway or prevent a door from opening fully. Remember to account for the weight of the bin plus its contents. A gallon of liquid waste (like old soup) weighs over 8 pounds alone, so the total force on your mounting hardware can be significant.

Finally, choose your mounting type based on your needs. Screws and bolts offer a permanent, secure hold. High-strength adhesive mounts are a great semi-permanent option for lighter bins. Over-the-door hooks provide ultimate flexibility with zero installation damage, making them perfect for task-specific bins you may want to move around.

Ultimately, getting your trash can off the floor is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make in a tiny home. By choosing a bin that fits your workflow, space, and installation constraints, you reclaim valuable square footage and create a more functional, streamlined living environment. It’s a small change that delivers a big return in everyday livability.