Cars can get messy easily. If you don’t want your vehicle to look like a trash dump, then the best auto accessory to have in there is a car garbage bin.
Car garbage bins are affordable and highly functional. Just placing one inside the car can dramatically reduce the clutter on seats and the floor of the vehicle. A car trash bin is a must-have product for family vehicles that carry children and pets.
Even if you are a neat person, a car garbage can can be useful for rides like long road trips. It’s unethical and illegal to throw your trash out the window.
There is a myriad of products out there labeled as car garbage cans. However, not all these products are made equal. The strength, durability, and quality of the car garbage can matter significantly. It’s wise to give the trash bins as much thought as buying any other type of car accessory. After all, you probably don’t want the trash bin to break and spill the garbage all over the floor of your vehicle.
Below is a comprehensive list of the best car garbage cans currently available for any type of car model. We are considering different types of car garbage cans made of different material. Ultimately, the best product will be the trash bin that best suits your habits as a driver and a passenger.
Go on and learn more about the best-quality car trash bins for your ride. Once you have read the reviews, you will be well informed to make the right purchase.
- Features to Consider in Good Car Garbage Cans
- Top 10 Best Car Garbage Cans 2024
- 1. Car Garbage Can by Drive Auto Products
- 2. EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Bin
- 3. Zone Tech Universal Traveling Portable Car Trash Can
- 4. Clean Ridez Car Garbage Can with Flip Open Lid
- 5. The DRIVE Bin XL
- 6. Mainly Auto Car Trash Can
- 7. IPELY Car Vehicle Back Seat Headrest Litter Trash Garbage Bag
- 8. Car Garbage Can By Lebogner
- 9. KDL Car Auto Garbage Trash Can Automotive Waste Storage
- 10. KMMOTORS Jopps Wastebasket Black Garbage Can
- Guide to Buying the Best Car Garbage Cans
Features to Consider in Good Car Garbage Cans
The car garbage cans available in the market can be broadly categorized into two groups as floor placement and headrest hanging bins. Some car owners prefer to have the garbage bin hanging on the back of the headrest so the passengers can easily access it. Other drivers prefer to keep the trash bin out of site on the floor, only accessible when needed. You can choose the type based on your individual preferences.
Let’s look at some other considerations you should factor in when purchasing a car trash bin:
- Dimensions – This is one of the most important factors to think about when buying a car garbage can. The right size matters because not all trash bins would fit inside different types of vehicle models. Your car may have a roomy interior, or not. The size of the car trash bin would thus depend on the type of car you drive.
- Material — The material the car garbage bin is made out of should be sturdy for obvious reasons. The product is intended for long-term use, so the material should be able to hold on several kilos of weight without tearing or breaking.
- Waterproof Features — Solid trash will not be the only garbage that goes into the car trash can. Liquids, like coffee and sodas, would find their way in as well. Therefore, you would want a car garbage bin that is leakproof or adequately water-resistant to eliminate spills.
Now that you have a general idea about what to look for in a car garbage bin, read ahead to find out the best products suitable for your vehicle model.
Top 10 Best Car Garbage Cans 2024
1. Car Garbage Can by Drive Auto Products
Editor’s Rating:
The Drive Auto Products car garbage can is a clever solution to trash in family vehicles. The product comes from the As Seen on TV collection. The trash can works not only with cars, it can be used on boats, RVs, and other similar vehicles. It is, undeniably, one of the biggest selling car garbage can ideas ever.
Design
There are so many things to rave about the design of this car garbage bin. It’s well-constructed from a leakproof material. It looks a bit like a cooler made with fabric, except it’s for trash in the car. The interior of the can is roomy while the exterior is compact. The garbage bin as a wire frame to retain the shape regardless of the fabric material. It comes with a set of disposable liners.
Performance
The bag is hand-sewn, so there’s less risk of the frame ripping through the fabric. The interior lining is heat-sealed in addition to being able to prevent any type of tear. Once the provided lining is in, the bin can hold any type of trash that a small garbage can. It holds food, liquids, and other waste without emanating smelly odors, even though it lacks a lid. The bag can be fitted to the back of a seat at the headrest, door grabs, or shifters thanks to the additional clips provided for the fitting.
Overall
This is a great headrest trash bag that doesn’t take up too much space and does what its supposed to without a hassle. It could do with a lid, but the disposable liners make using convenient without any notable smells. It’s easy to keep the bag clean with everyday use. It’s great for family cars that carry kids in the back. The garbage can be placed in reachable range so they don’t end up trashing the car. The price is also surprisingly low making this car garbage bin truly one of the best.
Pros
- Leakproof design
- Easy to clean interior lining
- No smells
- Easy to fit inside the car
- Cheap
Cons
- No lid
2. EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Bin
Editor’s Rating:
The EPAuto bin is definitely one of the best car trash cans around thanks to the leakproof design. The trash bin even comes with side pockets, the perfect gear for keeping otherwise filthy vehicles clean and neat. Each piece comes in a size of 10″ x 8.75″ x 5.75″ with a 16.5″ buckle that can be adjusted to 29″, making this trash bin suitable for use with most types of vehicles.
Design
What’s really outstanding about the design of this trash can is the waterproof interior. The otherwise regular-looking trash bin has a LiquiShield waterproof interior built-in. It can hold in any type of liquid, like coffee, water, or soda, without spilling over while the vehicle is in motion. The trash bin also has side pockets for sorting your garbage. The bin is spacious inside as well.
Performance
This trash bin is just perfect for family vehicles. It can hold in the occasional food wrapper or the straw that typically ends up on the floor of the car without a hassle. There are no linings provided by you can use grocery bags quite easily. Thanks to the adjustable strap, it can be fitted to the headrest of most modern seats. Either that or hand it over the front of a seat. The advantage is that the trash bag is easy to lift off as it is to place. Plus, it comes with a Velcro lid so the trash can be kept out of sight.
Overall
It’s a great, well-built trash bag that is worth more than the measly price tag. The leak-proof design allows the bad to hold just about anything, even disgusting diapers. The bin is hung over the headrest so there’s no risk of anyone tipping it over. The lid will keep the bag pinched close without anyone having to look at the garbage inside. The side pockets even make it possible to even organize the garbage.
Pros
- Leakproof design
- Easy installation
- Multiple side pockets
- Adjustable strap
- Velcro lid
Cons
- No disposable lining
3. Zone Tech Universal Traveling Portable Car Trash Can
Editor’s Rating:
It’s hard not to see why Zone Tech Universal Traveling trash bag is another one of the best car garbage bins money can buy. It’s very practically designed to keep cars clean. The manufacturer boasts that this bin is made from premium quality material. It certainly is sturdy and highly durable and well worth the considerably cheap price tag.
Design
The Zone Tech trash can is actually can-shaped, and not bag-shaped like the two mentioned above. It’s not necessarily designed to fit on a seat headrest. The design is ostensibly size conscious; these trash bins are highly compact at 6″ in diameter and 8″ height. Yes, they are much smaller than they look and are only slightly taller than a soda can. But the interior is still adequately roomy. The fabric material each bin is made from is rugged, like tent covers. The bins sure can take a beating and last long inside any vehicle.
Performance
Thanks to the small size, each big can snugly fit into a compartment inside the car, like a center console bottom compartment. There is no headrest strap, but there is a tiny loop strap for holding. If the headrest is removable, lift it off and place the strap to fit this bin behind a seat. It can be placed on the floor as well. The interior is completely leakproof for holding in liquids. The trash bin is foldable, in case it needs to be placed away. If the fabric gets too dirty, the bin can be hand-washed.
Overall
The Zone Tech trash can is handy and convenient for everyday use in cars. It may not be as big or have a headrest strap, but it’s compact and washable. The bin can be placed discreetly in a vehicle and the leakproof design only makes it all the more useful.
Pros
- Compact
- Washable
- Leakproof
- Rugged construction
- Durable
Cons
- No headrest strap
4. Clean Ridez Car Garbage Can with Flip Open Lid
Editor’s Rating:
The generously large Clean Ridez car garbage bin is definitely a product worth raving over. If you are tired of the tiny car trash bins that require constant emptying and cleaning, then this massive trash bin would be a solid solution. It looks less like a trash bin and more like a storage bag that can hold a giant mess leaving the rest of the vehicle sparkling clean.
Design
First of all, it’s huge. Just consider the dimensions: 14″ tall 10″ width x 6″ depth. It’s the size of a small backpack and can hold about 10 crushed beer cans inside. In addition to the roomy interior, there are multiple netted side pouches that can hold small containers like a water bottle. The front of the bag has a zipper pouch, convenient for keeping wipes or hand sanitizer. The bad is leakproof, washable, and removable from the holding strap. The interior is lined with waterproof material and it’s removable and reusable. It comes in handy when you run out of disposable grocery bags. The trash bag has an adjustable strap with Velcro fasteners for secure placement. The Velcro makes removing easy as well.
Performance
The product is perfectly designed to add functionality to the interior of a car. The bag has a flip-open lid, which conceals trash and makes usage easy. It can even be used while driving. Emptying takes only a matter of minutes. Remove the leakproof inner liner and that’s it. The liner can be washed, eliminating the need for disposable plastic liners. If not used as a trash bag, this product also doubles as a cooler for the car.
Overall
The particularly great thing about this trash bin is the size. The big size is great for family cars, road trippers, and other cars prone to getting dirty. There are multiple wonderful perks on offer here, like the adjustable Velcro strap and the removable inner lining. This car trash bin is very practical and useful, as long as you can get over the starkly black design. If the interior of your vehicle is white or brown shaded, then these trash bags would stand out.
Pros
- Removable interior lining
- Washable and requires no disposable liners
- Large size
- Velcro straps
- Flip-open lid
Cons
- Large size with black exterior stands out if the auto interior is light-colored.
5. The DRIVE Bin XL
Editor’s Rating:
The Drive Bin XL is labeled as a “jumbo” car trash can. And it is. This is one of the largest car trash bins available for passenger vehicles. The large size can be both beneficial and a problem. If you have a small car or a car with DVD headrest screens, then placing this trash can would not be convenient. If you have a roomy car or an SUV, then this would be the best car trash can you can own.
Design
The Drive Bin XL has 15 inches in length, 10 inches in height, and 7 inches wide at the mouth. So it’s big. The bag comes with a set of disposable plastic bags to function as a leakproof lining. You can use grocery bags at home when these run out. The trash bin has a lid held in place by magnets (but it’s not airtight). The interior has insulated walls that keep the temperatures, and smell, inside. The strap is adjustable to up to 41 inches.
Performance
This car trash bin can hold a massive amount of trash. The biggest advantage is the magnetized lid. It stays open when left open, and closes with a small tap. That makes it easy to put things in this even when driving. It’s a simple idea, but most car trash bins don’t implement it like this product. The bin can be wrapped around the center console, attached to a seat or place on the floor. It doesn’t trip over. It’s also ideally waterproof and very capable of keeping liquids inside.
Overall
This is the perfect product for those seeking a larger than average car trash can at an affordable price. It’s well insulated and keeps liquids inside. Using it is very convenient thanks to the magnetized lid. There little risk of tip over too. As long as you have a roomy interior in your vehicle, this car garbage would work just perfectly.
Pros
- Jumbo size
- Adjustable strap
- Leakproof interior
- Magnetized lid that stays open until closed
- No odors
Cons
- Too big for some vehicle models
6. Mainly Auto Car Trash Can
Editor’s Rating:
Mainly Auto Car Trash Can is a great product for family vehicles with simple design choices that result in excellent convenience. This car trash can be secured to the headrest and comes with a lid included. It’s discreet, practical, and doesn’t require constantly emptying. The price is slightly high compared to the average for car garbage cans, but the product is well worth considering.
Design
At 14 X 10 X 6 inches, this garbage can is moderately roomy and can hold about 2 gallons of liquid. The interior lining is leakproof and can be removed for washing. You can use disposable linings as well if you need. The front of the bag has a zipped compartment adding more storage. The strap of the trashcan is adjustable to up to 35 inches and has a quick release button. This garbage can is designed with a flip up lid that keeps the garbage inside out of sight.
Performance
This trash can is well constructed so it doesn’t collapse even when it’s not full. Waste removal is quick and easy thanks to the removable liner and the quick-release buckle. However, the flip up lid isn’t secured. If you love driving with the windows open or have nosy animals that travel with you, then it’s recommended to secure the lid with a rubber band. The build is sturdy, especially the liner.
Overall
This car garbage can is slightly more expensive than the others. Buy it for the practicality because it’s optimally designed to make automotive garbage disposal convenient. It’s easy enough to reach to the back when driving to dispose of something. The trash bags aren’t too big so placement becomes difficult. Thanks to the adjustable strap, it can be looped around the console if that’s the best position. Just with one of these, your car will instantly become much less messy.
Pros
- Lid available
- Easy placement
- Adjustable strap
- Washable lining
- Leakproof
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than usual
- Lid doesn’t secure
7. IPELY Car Vehicle Back Seat Headrest Litter Trash Garbage Bag
Editor’s Rating:
The Ipely car garbage bag is designed like a small duffel bag that can be looped around the headset. The main advantage is that the bag lacks a wire frame, which can make some car trash bags jut out towards the passengers. There is no such risk with this product. It’s also highly durable and is designed with many desirable perks.
Design
This Ipely car trash bag is made from top-notch Oxford material. It’s very durable and fits well in many environments, including in-car and in-office. Because of the bag-shape, it doesn’t have a lid. It does have a belt to tighten the bag around the headrest, though. Interestingly, the bottom part of the bag has a Velcro adjustment. To dump trash, simply un-stick the Velcro and the garbage would spill out without any further hassle. The complete size is 7″ x 15″. The top is elastic and the whole thing can be washed.
Performance
This bag needs no liners and does not require much space. The opening of the bag is elastic, so it can be secured as trash piles up. Also, the tightening top will keep nosy pets and kids away from the car’s garbage. There’s no need to find disposable bags because the Oxford material is easily washable. The discreet design makes it possible to keep the bag and trash out of sight. It will work well for small cars with limited interior space.
Overall
This is a long-lasting car garbage bag made from high-quality material that is optimally convenient to use. Placing this in the car is easy and so is getting rid of accumulated trash. But the best part yet maybe the price, which is one of the cheapest compared to other garbage bags. Given the performance and price, it would be a shame not to have this in a small car. As for downsides, the opening cannot be quickly flipped open to discard trash. The bag is also very compact and may not hold some types of trash. It lacks side pockets as well.
Pros
- Velcro bottom for easy garbage disposal
- Made from high-quality material
- Durable
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- No flip-open lid
- Maybe too small for some cars
8. Car Garbage Can By Lebogner
Editor’s Rating:
Say goodbye to paper bag car trash bins for good with this car garbage can by Lebogner. Made from incredibly sturdy material, this garbage can is large and highly suitable for families. It’s great for people who don’t have time to empty the trash often.
Design
This car garbage can has four solid walls. The material is woven nylon fabric, but the container won’t collapse inward when it’s half-empty. The container is all the more sturdy because of the nylon. The lid flips open and closed easily. The size is a 12.5 height x 10.5” width x 7” depth so you can expect a roomy trash can. In addition to a very spacious middle, there are side pockets for keeping things like wipes conveniently. The trash container is fully leak-proof. The top has adjustable straps to fit most vehicles. It can be installed on car seats, placed on the floor, or in the center console.
Performance
The bottom of the trash can has Velcro strips to prevent the garbage can from sliding all over the car’s floor. That’s not the only convenience. It can hold about 3 gallons of liquid, and doesn’t need to be emptied often. When not in use, the garbage can is foldable for easy storage. It’s very lightweight too. It has tripping protection that most car owners can get behind. The only issue is that it can take too much space on the floor of some vehicles.
Overall
This is a great car garbage can for long trips or general everyday use. The construction is very sturdy and it takes only about 30 seconds to install. The design is smart, though conspicuous. Your car will be a world cleaner with this inside. It doesn’t have a removable liner though, and it’s not washable. Use with disposable liners.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Noncollapsible
- Anti-tripping protection
- Large, roomy container
- Leakproof
Cons
- No washable interior
- Too conspicuous
9. KDL Car Auto Garbage Trash Can Automotive Waste Storage
Editor’s Rating:
The KDL car auto garbage trash bin is exactly as advertised. It’s a miniature version of regular trashcans in a home or office. It’s made to last long with highly durable ABS material. It requires zero installation and is perfect for everyday use in the car.
Design
This is a small plastic trash can that is about the size of a coffee cup. At 15 x 9 cm, it is designed to fit inside a cup holder. The plastic is leakproof, of course, and will hold the most common types of rubbish acquired with everyday use in cars. The car garbage can have a push spring mechanism for the lid. It’s always closed and you can slide the trash in. It can even be used in bathrooms, kitchens, or office cubicles. The ABD plastic contains no toxins and is environmentally friendly. The top of the trash bin comes in beautiful colors like robin’s egg blue and sunflower yellow. If you want a single color, you can always spray paint it.
Performance
This zero hassle garbage bin is plastic, unlike most fabric-based ones. The advantage is that it can retain its shape no matter what. The material is highly durable and waterproof. It’s small enough to be discreet. Place it on a cup holder or at the bottom-door shelf for easy access and convenient placement. It’s small so it will only hold some kinds of material. If you have a lot of trash like multiple crushed cans, this might not do. When not holding trash, it’s great for holding spare change.
Overall
It’s refreshing to see a plastic trash can in a sea of fabrics. This tiny garbage bin works just as intended. There’s nothing to install and disposing of whatever’s inside is easy. But make sure you place it in a cup holder because, on the floor, this would just trip over.
Pros
- Made from plastic
- Long-lasting
- Highly compact
- Fits in cup holder
Cons
- Trips when on the floor
10. KMMOTORS Jopps Wastebasket Black Garbage Can
Editor’s Rating:
The KMMOTORS Jopps Wastebasket is a Korean-made car trashcan that boasts a minimalist design. It’s intended purpose is clear and there are no over-the-top gimmicks to worry about. It’s inexpensive and is suitable for any model of car, SUV, van, or RV.
Design
This car trash sports such a simple design that it’s almost refreshing. There are no fancy gimmicks here. The trash can has a black exterior and looks a bit like a mini tote bag. It’s intended to be placed on the floor but it does come with a strap to hold the bag in place like the console. The dimensions are 8.6 x 5.7 x 8.6 inches. It’s compact without being too small. The interior can hold liquids up to 7 liters. The exterior includes a button to secure the trash bag in place.
Performance
This trash bag lacks an interior lining so it should be used with a disposable garbage bag. It’s not leakproof unless the disposable lining you use is water-resistant. Otherwise, this bag is constructed from sturdy material. The bag can be hard to keep open when it’s largely empty, but it’s inconspicuous and doesn’t really spill over. Unlike most floor car trashcans, this one won’t trip over. There is a strap that can be looped around seats or other parts to prevent the bag from moving around the vehicle.
Overall
While this car trash bin lacks any fancy features, it serves the basic purposes it’s intended for. The bag can be placed out of eyesight inside a vehicle instead of on the headrest or the console. That’s a major plus for drivers who don’t want the trashcan on display. The sturdy construction makes this product very long-lasting too.
Pros
- Simple design
- Holding strap
- Inexpensive
- Long-lasting
Cons
- No interior lining
- Not leakproof
Guide to Buying the Best Car Garbage Cans
Vehicles can get messy easily, especially if kids are traveling with you. Therefore, owning any type of car garbage mentioned above will suffice for keeping your vehicle neat and tidy. Still, you might want to choose a product that best suits your budget and needs. Before you buy a trash bin, sit down and assess your needs first. These factors will determine the best product for you. One of the above products may perfectly suit your needs, or you may want to choose another product. In either case, it’s important to first understand what you need.
Buying a car garbage can is not that difficult but the sheer number of products available can make the process daunting. Below is a list of pointers to take a look at before you decide on a final product. Evaluate the car garbage cans you have in mind based on the following described features. The aim of this brief guide is to help you make the best decision possible.
Understanding the Specs
Car garbage cans don’t have complicated specs, of course, but do pay attention to the simple details. The manufacturer must disclose aspects of the product such as its dimensions, the material it’s made from, and guarantee information. These three are the most important but there may be other factors you want to pay attention to as well. Read the fine print of the product details to truly understand the product you are purchasing. You may not always find the raw data on top, so do scroll down to the bottom of a product description for the specs you really need to know about.
Type of Car Trash Bin
There are two main types of car trash bins: hanging garbage cans and floor placement garbage cans. Most products are either one or the other. It’s very rare to find a car trash bin that can be hanged and placed on the floor at the same time. Hanging trash bins are typically made from fabrics which could collapse inward when on the floor just like any bag. Floor placement garbage cans don’t come with straps for the headrest. In case you need a particular place for the garbage can, think about these two types before you make a purchase. It’s difficult to say which type is best for your car without assessing your needs. Neither type is considered better than the other so you have the freedom to choose the best type that’s most convenient to you.
Finding Products Suited to Your Vehicle’s Model
Car trash bins, like most other car accessories, do need to fit different vehicle models. Most trash bins are designed to suit any type of vehicle model. However, this is not always the case. Some trash bins require cup holders to place. If you are buying a hanging car trash bag, know that the length of the strap will loop around the headrest. Products with adjustable straps are suited for most cars. Go ahead and measure the circumference of the car’s headrest before you buy a handing car garbage bin. Visualize the dimensions of the trash bin in your head so you can be sure that it can fit inside your car. This is particularly important when you buy a large garbage can for your car.
Material
Car garbage cans are made from different types of fabrics or ABS plastic. The hard trash bins are plastic, just like most office or home trash cans. Hanging trash cans are more commonly made from fabrics because they’re more lightweight to handle. Also, the fabric will not cause any inconvenience to passengers, like hard plastics would. The quality of the material can differ. But one feature that you must look for is how leak-proof the construction is. If the exterior is fabric, then the interior must have a leak-proof lining. Or you might want to use a disposable trash bag.
Most manufacturers don’t disclose the type of fabric car trash bins are made from, though it’s usually nylon or polyester. These two materials are durable and rugged and come highly recommended for long-lasting use.
Size
Do you want a large car garbage bin for long road trips with kids or a small compact bin that is easy to place and store? Larger sized trash cans don’t require constant emptying like the smaller versions do. Then again, that depends on how much trash ends up inside the car. It’s recommended to consider your trash generating habits and then to decide on whether you want a jumbo or compact trash can.
Lid or No Lid?
Not all car garbage bins have lids, mind you. You may not consider this a necessity until you have to drive with the windows open, for example. The lid keeps trash out of sight and protects from spillage. Do you travel with pets? Then a trash bin with a securable lid will be necessary to prevent doggo from nosing in there and making a mess. Trash bins that are placed inside compartments may not need lids.
Interior Lining
The interior lining of the trash bin is what keeps the trash in and prevents liquids from leaking out. There are two main options here: you can buy just about any car garbage bin and use grocery bags as disposable interior lining. The other option is to purchase a trash bin that comes with a removable and washable interior lining. The lining must be leakproof. It would be ideal if it’s waterproof as well.
Prices
Perhaps the most important factor when buying car trash bin is the price. Buyers may prefer to own one or two. Fortunately, the prices for individual car trash bins are surprisingly low. A good product can be found for less than $20 per unit. Therefore, the price isn’t a major consideration compared to other car accessories. Some of the best car garbage bins listed above don’t even cost ten bucks. For once, you won’t have to worry too much about the price.
Aesthetics
Would you be satisfied with a black trash bin in your car with light brown seats? The colors available are also things to consider if you want the interior of your vehicle to look stylish. It’s a minor consideration compared to other factors listed above. Once you’ve checked everything else, it’s worthwhile to factor in the appearance and colors as well.