In our home office, there’s a narrow, almost forgotten gap between the side of my desk and the wall. For years, it was a dead zone—a dust-bunny sanctuary too slim for any standard piece of furniture. The circular wastebasket I was using sat awkwardly in the open, a constant obstacle for my chair and an eyesore in an otherwise organized space. Every day, I’d wrestle with this bulky bin, a small but persistent annoyance. This daily frustration sparked a quest for a better solution: a wastebasket that wasn’t just a container, but a clever piece of design that could reclaim lost space and restore order. The challenge is universal—in kitchens, bathrooms, dorm rooms, and offices, we all have those awkward nooks and crannies where a traditional round can simply won’t do. Finding a wastebasket that is both capacious and compact is the key to unlocking a cleaner, more efficient environment.
- SMALL SPACES IN MIND – Rectangular, open top 7-gallon garbage cans fit nicely under the desk, in the kitchen cabinet or in between...
- EASY TO CLEAN – This small plastic trash can is simple to maintain and can be wiped clean and air dried with ease for long-lasting...
What to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Trash Can
A kitchen trash can is more than just an item to hold refuse; it’s a key solution for maintaining hygiene, controlling odors, and managing household waste efficiently. A well-chosen trash can integrates seamlessly into your workflow, whether you’re prepping meals, cleaning up, or sorting recyclables. The primary benefit is containment—keeping garbage out of sight and smells locked away. It streamlines the disposal process, preventing messes from piling up on countertops and making the task of taking out the trash a simple, clean affair. Without a proper system, kitchens can quickly become cluttered and unhygienic, attracting pests and creating an unpleasant atmosphere.
The ideal customer for a product like the United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) is someone grappling with spatial constraints. This includes apartment dwellers, homeowners with galley kitchens, office workers needing an under-desk solution, or anyone looking to set up a discreet recycling station in a tight spot. They prioritize footprint over features like lids or motion sensors. Conversely, this type of open-top, basic wastebasket might not be suitable for those with pets or toddlers who might get into the trash, or for households that generate a lot of wet, odorous waste. For them, a can with a locking lid, a step pedal, or advanced odor control features would be a much better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure the intended space meticulously—width, depth, and height. Pay special attention to under-sink installations, accounting for plumbing and cabinet doors. A rectangular or slim profile is far more space-efficient in narrow gaps than a traditional round can, allowing you to maximize otherwise unusable space.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity, measured in gallons or quarts, determines how often you’ll need to empty the bin. A 7-gallon can is ideal for a small household’s recycling, a home office, or a bathroom. For a primary kitchen bin in a family home, you’d likely want to look at 13 gallons (50 liters) or more to avoid constant bag changes.
- Materials & Durability: Plastic is lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable, but its durability can vary wildly. Some plastics are flexible and impact-resistant, while others can be brittle and prone to cracking. Stainless steel offers a premium look, superior durability, and odor resistance, but it comes at a higher price and can show fingerprints.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: An open-top design offers the quickest disposal, while a lid contains odors. Step-pedals provide hands-free operation, and sensor cans offer the ultimate in hygiene. Consider how easy the bin is to clean. A smooth interior finish without complex crevices will make washing it out a much simpler task.
While the United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those with advanced features, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office
- WASTE BIN WITH 20 GALLON CAPACITY – This 20 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in...
First Impressions: Utilitarian Simplicity Out of the Box
The United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) arrived as a nested pair, shrink-wrapped together without an elaborate product box. This immediately signals its no-frills, utilitarian nature. Having read numerous reports of shipping damage, I inspected both units carefully. Fortunately, our set arrived intact, but the plastic’s nature was immediately apparent. It’s a rigid, hard plastic with very little flex. While this gives it a sturdy feel when stationary, it’s easy to see how a significant impact during transit could lead to the cracks and breaks many users have experienced. The finish is a smooth, matte black that is simple and unobtrusive, designed to blend in rather than stand out. There’s no assembly required; they are ready to use straight out of the wrapping. The folded rim, designed to grip a garbage bag, is a simple but effective feature. Overall, the initial impression is one of pure function over form—a purpose-built tool designed to solve a single problem: fitting into a narrow space.
What We Like
- Excellent space-saving rectangular design fits in narrow nooks
- Generous 7-gallon capacity is perfect for recycling or office use
- Simple, easy-to-clean plastic surface
- Comes in a practical and economical pack of two
What We Didn’t Like
- Brittle plastic material is highly susceptible to cracking and damage
- Inconsistent quality control with reports of dirty or warped units
A Deep Dive into the United Solutions Wastebasket’s Performance
A wastebasket might seem too simple a product to warrant a deep analysis, but its daily integration into our lives means that small details in design and material can have a big impact on convenience and satisfaction. We put the United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) to the test in multiple environments to see if its performance lives up to its spatial promise, and where its weaknesses lie.
The Space-Saving Design: A Masterclass in Efficiency
The single greatest strength of this product is its thoughtful design. With dimensions of 14.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches deep, and 15.25 inches high, it is purpose-built for the awkward, leftover spaces in modern homes. We first tested one in that troublesome gap next to my office desk, and it was a revelation. It slid in perfectly, disappearing from view and freeing up valuable floor space. The rectangular shape is inherently more efficient than a round can; it sits flush against walls and furniture, leaving no wasted space. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, stating it, “Fits perfectly under the sink. Doesn’t take up much space — love the design!” This is the core appeal.
We then moved the second unit to the kitchen, placing it alongside our main, lidded trash can. It instantly became our dedicated recycling bin. Previously, we’d let cardboard boxes, bottles, and cans pile up on the counter before a trip to the garage. As another user happily noted, “I hated stacking the recycling all over the counter… Now we can just toss it in here.” This simple addition brought immediate order. It’s tall enough to hold wine bottles and milk jugs but low enough to fit comfortably under most standard kitchen sinks, provided you have the width. For anyone looking to implement a two-bin system for trash and recycling without sacrificing a huge amount of cabinet or floor space, this two-pack offers an incredibly effective and affordable solution.
Capacity and Everyday Usability
A 7-gallon (28-quart) capacity strikes a fantastic balance for a secondary or specialized bin. It’s significantly larger than a typical small bathroom or bedroom wastebasket, but more compact than a full-size 13-gallon kitchen can. In our office test, it easily held several days’ worth of paper waste, packaging, and snack wrappers without overflowing. In its role as a kitchen recycling bin, we found it could comfortably hold a mix of items—flattened cereal boxes, a few wine bottles, a half-dozen cans, and a plastic milk jug—before needing to be emptied. This is the perfect size to align with a weekly recycling schedule for a one or two-person household.
The open-top design is a double-edged sword. For an office or for clean recycling, it’s ideal. The lack of a lid makes for quick, frictionless disposal. The folded rim does an adequate job of holding a bag in place. We tested it with standard 8-gallon kitchen bags, and they fit snugly, just as one user recommended. The bag doesn’t slip down into the can even when it gets heavy. However, the lack of a lid makes it a poor choice for organic kitchen waste, as it offers zero odor control. It’s also not suitable for homes with curious pets or toddlers. This isn’t a flaw in the product, but rather a defining characteristic: it’s built for convenience and space-saving, not for containment of smells or messes.
Material and Durability: The Achilles’ Heel
Here is where our expert evaluation collides with a significant pattern of user feedback. The product is described as being made from “heavy-duty” plastic. In our hands-on experience, “rigid” or “brittle” would be a more accurate description. The plastic has very little give. While it feels solid enough for its intended purpose—sitting in a corner and holding trash—it does not inspire confidence in its long-term resilience against impacts. We can easily imagine it cracking if accidentally kicked, dropped down a flight of stairs, or handled roughly during collection.
This observation is heavily validated by a troubling number of user reviews. Comments like “arrived cracked,” “easy cracks,” and “more brittle (and breakable) plastic than the older Rubbermaid trash cans I have” form a clear and consistent narrative. It appears the product’s primary weakness is its susceptibility to damage, particularly during the shipping process where packages are inevitably jostled and dropped. While our test units survived unscathed, the risk for potential buyers is undeniable. This is a crucial trade-off. You are getting a Made-in-the-USA product with a brilliant design at a very low price point, but this comes at the cost of using a less resilient polymer. For those willing to take the gamble for the perfect fit, it might be worth it, but if you require a bin that can withstand more abuse, you should carefully examine the product’s construction details yourself before committing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Beyond our own testing, we analyzed a broad spectrum of user feedback to paint a complete picture. The sentiment is sharply divided, almost exclusively along the lines of design versus durability. On the positive side, users are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the size and shape. One happy customer noted it’s the “perfect fit for the small nook available in my kitchen,” and even recommended it to a friend who bought one the next day. Another found it perfect as a small recycle can, stating, “It easily holds a mix of wine bottles, cans, cardboard boxes and milk jugs at the same time.” These reviews confirm our assessment that the design is a resounding success.
However, the negative feedback is just as strong and centers on quality control and shipping damage. A significant number of reports simply state “arrived cracked” or “received the product damaged.” One user described the plastic as “flimsy,” while another noted, “the bottom one in my 12-pack was broken on arrival.” Beyond breakage, there are complaints about units arriving “dirty, even had random hairs on it and it was warped,” and another mentioning a sticker that “doesn’t peel off and leaves glue on plastic container.” This feedback highlights a clear gamble: you may receive a perfect, functional product, or you may receive a damaged or poorly finished one.
How Does the United Solutions Wastebasket Compare to Alternatives?
The United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) occupies a specific niche, but several alternatives exist for those with different priorities and budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct competitors.
1. SONGMICS 13-Gallon Slim Trash Can
- [Slim for Narrow Spaces] The narrow, slim shape makes this 13-gallon trash can easily fit in tight spaces or narrow gaps, like between...
- [Closes Softly & Stays Open] This garbage can features a silent and soft close lid that can seal stinky smells inside. The lid can be...
The SONGMICS slim trash can is essentially the premium, upgraded version of the concept. It maintains a narrow, space-saving profile but elevates the experience with a sleek stainless-steel exterior, a soft-close lid, and a convenient step-on pedal for hands-free operation. Its larger 13-gallon capacity also makes it suitable as a primary kitchen trash can. A user would choose the SONGMICS over the United Solutions model if aesthetics, odor control, and superior durability are top priorities, and they are willing to accept a significantly higher price point for a single, feature-rich can instead of a basic two-pack.
2. iTouchless 50L Dog-Proof Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Lock
- Pet-Proof Lid Lock — Keep contents securely sealed with a locking lid that prevents access from curious dogs and cats. Ideal for...
- Premium Motion Sensor Technology — Enjoy fast, smooth lid opening with our advanced hands-free sensor. A cleaner, more convenient way...
The iTouchless model represents the high-tech solution to waste management. It moves beyond simple containment to focus on hygiene and security. With its touchless sensor lid, AbsorbX odor filter, and pet-proof lid lock, this can is designed for busy kitchens where controlling smells and keeping pets out are paramount. Its 13-gallon capacity is standard for kitchen use. Someone would opt for the iTouchless can if their primary concerns are preventing the spread of germs, eliminating odors, and thwarting curious pets—features the completely open-top United Solutions wastebasket cannot offer.
3. CHBcjq 45 Gallon Wheeled Garbage Can
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty plastic, this 45-gallon garbage can is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
- Wheeled Design: Equipped with wheels, this trash can is easy to move around, making it convenient for transporting heavy loads.
This CHBcjq garbage can exists on a completely different scale. With a massive 45-gallon capacity, rugged wheels, and a heavy-duty attached lid, this is not an indoor kitchen can but a solution for a garage, workshop, or outdoor use. It’s built for volume and portability, designed to be rolled to the curb on trash day. The choice between this and the United Solutions model is a matter of application. You choose the United Solutions for discreet, indoor, small-volume waste management, whereas you choose the CHBcjq for handling immense amounts of refuse from an entire household or commercial setting.
The Final Verdict: A Smart Solution with a Serious Caveat
So, is the United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Wastebasket (Pack of 2) the right choice for you? The answer depends entirely on your priorities. From a pure design perspective, it is a brilliant product. Its slim, rectangular form is the perfect solution for reclaiming unused narrow spaces, making it an outstanding choice for an office bin or a compact kitchen recycling station. The 7-gallon capacity is generous for its footprint, and the value of getting two in a pack is undeniable.
However, the product is significantly hampered by its material choice and resulting durability issues. The rigid, brittle plastic is a gamble, with a high number of users reporting that their wastebaskets arrived cracked or broken. If you need a bin that can withstand rough handling, this is not it. We recommend this product with a strong caveat: it’s an excellent, budget-friendly, space-saving solution if you are willing to risk the quality control lottery. If you receive an intact pair, you will likely be very pleased with its functionality. For those who value durability and a premium feel above all else, investing more in a metal or more resilient plastic alternative is the wiser course of action. If its unique dimensions are exactly what you need, we encourage you to check the latest price and availability for yourself.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API