6 Best RV Trash Cans For Small Spaces That Maximize Every Inch

Anyone who says RVing is glamorous has never tried to find a place for a week’s worth of trash in a 25-foot travel trailer. The reality is that managing waste in a tiny moving home is one of the biggest, and least talked about, daily challenges. A standard kitchen bin won’t cut it; you need a smart, space-saving system to keep your rig clean, odor-free, and functional.

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Solving the Unique RV Trash Management Challenge

The first thing you learn is that RV trash isn’t just about volume; it’s about odor, moisture, and movement. A half-empty bag of kitchen scraps sitting in a 200-square-foot box on an 85-degree day becomes a problem much faster than it does in a house. A tall, freestanding can is just an object waiting to be knocked over on travel day or during a midnight bathroom run.

This is why a single trash can is rarely the answer. The most successful approach is a distributed system, with different solutions for different types of waste. You need one method for wet kitchen scraps, another for dry recyclables, and yet another for the small bits of trash that accumulate in the cab or bathroom. Thinking of it as a "waste management system" instead of just "a trash can" is the first step toward solving the problem for good.

Camco Pop-Up Utility Container: Most Versatile

This isn’t your primary kitchen can, but it’s arguably the most important piece of your entire waste system. The Camco Pop-Up is a large, collapsible fabric container that acts as your outdoor "base camp" for trash. It zips into a flat disc for storage, taking up virtually no space, but expands to hold a 30-gallon bag.

We use ours every time we set up camp. It sits outside, consolidating the smaller bags from inside the RV and collecting any campsite waste. This keeps the bulk of the trash—and any associated smells or pests—out of your living space. When it’s time to pack up, you pull the single large bag, collapse the container, and you’re done. It’s the bridge between your tiny kitchen can and the campground dumpster.

Simplehuman 10L In-Cabinet Can for Tight Spaces

Floor space is the most valuable real estate in any rig. The Simplehuman In-Cabinet Can reclaims that space by mounting directly to the inside of a lower cabinet door, typically under the sink. It’s a simple, elegant solution that keeps your primary trash can completely hidden and secure.

The 10-liter (2.6-gallon) size might seem small, but in an RV, that’s a feature, not a bug. It forces you to take out the trash every day or two, which is exactly what you should be doing to prevent odors from building up. The sturdy steel frame hangs securely on the cabinet door, and I’ve never had one rattle or come loose, even on rough forest service roads. This is the perfect solution for your main collection of dry trash and food packaging.

Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out: The Integrated System

If you’re looking for a more permanent, residential-style solution and have a dedicated lower cabinet to spare, the Rev-A-Shelf system is the gold standard. This isn’t just a can; it’s a heavy-duty sliding mechanism that you install into the base of a cabinet. The trash can—or often, two cans for trash and recycling—glides out smoothly for easy access.

The major benefit here is stability and convenience. This system is bolted down; it’s not going anywhere during transit. It also makes disposing of trash much easier than crouching down to access a can tucked away under the sink. The tradeoff is the installation, which requires some basic tool skills, and the sacrifice of an entire cabinet. But for full-timers or those who value a seamless, integrated feel, the result is well worth the effort.

Joseph Joseph Stack 4: Smart Countertop Composting

Food scraps are your number one enemy when it comes to odors. A dedicated countertop compost caddy like the Joseph Joseph Stack 4 isolates the wet, smelly stuff from your main trash. This one small change can dramatically improve the cleanliness of your RV kitchen.

The magic is in the design. A ventilated lid allows moisture to evaporate, reducing liquid buildup and mold, while a charcoal filter in the lid traps odors. It’s compact enough to live on the counter during meal prep and then get tucked away. By separating food waste, your main trash bag stays drier and less stinky, meaning you can go longer without needing to empty it. It’s a perfect example of solving a big problem with a small, specialized tool.

The Collapsible Hanging Can for Kitchen Prep

Where do you put potato peels and onion skins while you’re cooking in a kitchen with only two square feet of counter space? A collapsible hanging bin is the brilliantly simple answer. These small plastic or silicone containers have a hook that slips over the edge of a cabinet door or drawer.

It puts a small, open-topped bin exactly where you need it, right below your cutting board. You can sweep scraps directly into it, keeping your limited workspace clean and clear. When you’re done cooking, you can empty it into your main trash or compost, then collapse it flat and tuck it into a drawer. It’s not meant to hold trash for days; it’s a task-specific helper that solves one of the most common frustrations of RV cooking.

Lusso Gear Car Trash Can: A Must-Have for the Cab

The living area isn’t the only place trash accumulates. The cab of a motorhome or the tow vehicle for a trailer can quickly become a mess of gas station receipts, coffee cups, and snack wrappers. A dedicated cab trash can isn’t a luxury; it’s a matter of safety and sanity.

The Lusso Gear Car Trash Can is a perfect example of what to look for. It’s a soft-sided, waterproof container that can be strapped to a headrest, the center console, or placed on the floor. It keeps garbage contained and prevents a stray bottle from rolling under your brake pedal. Having a designated spot for cab trash keeps the driver’s area uncluttered and your focus on the road where it belongs.

Key Factors in Choosing Your RV Waste System

There is no single "best" trash can, only the best combination for your specific rig and travel style. As you build your system, focus on these core principles. The goal is a multi-part solution that is secure, space-efficient, and easy to manage.

A common mistake is buying a can that’s too large, thinking it will be more convenient. In an RV, the opposite is true. Smaller cans force more frequent disposal, which is the key to controlling odors and pests. Don’t be afraid of a system that requires you to take a bag out every single day.

Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you use your space. Consider these factors:

• Mounting vs. Freestanding: Can you sacrifice cabinet space for a hidden solution? Always prioritize options that get the can off the floor and secure it for travel.
• Sealing and Odor Control: A lid is non-negotiable. For food waste, a filtered compost caddy is far superior to just a sealed plastic bin.
• Material and Cleanliness: Choose smooth, non-porous materials that are easy to wipe down. A removable inner liner is a huge plus for deep cleaning.
• Your "Trash Workflow": Think about where you generate trash. Do you need a small can in the bathroom? A dedicated bin in the cab? Map out your needs before you buy a single product.

Perfecting your RV waste system is a process of trial and error, but it’s one of the most satisfying improvements you can make. By ditching the idea of a single, do-it-all bin and embracing a distributed system, you reclaim space and create a cleaner, more enjoyable home on wheels. It’s a small detail that makes a world of difference in your day-to-day life on the road.