To help you find the best car garbage can, we have tried out a multitude of top accessories, testing them for versatility and ensuring they feature enough space for plenty of trash. We also liked items that offer some sort of protection against leaks and products that are waterproof or water-resistant. Finally, we preferred models made from highly durable and tear-proof materials, such as PU leather. Find more interior options with our best car accessories guide.
The best car waste bin we tried was the Drive Auto Products Car Garbage Can, which easily cips to the back of a car seat and comes with 20 leak-proof liners, in addition to being manufactured using waterproof materials. It features an additional storage area for toys and other knick-knacks and offers effortless closing via velcro enclosures. Keep reading to learn more about the Drive Auto Products Car Garbage Can and the other models on this list.
Top 6 Best Car Garbage Cans
#1 Drive Auto Products Car Garbage Can
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Holds 2 gallons of trash, which is on the higher end, with a waterproof design, a variety of clips and straps that fasten to locations throughout the automobile and shipping with 20 leak-proof liners.
Read Full Review: Garbage Drive Auto Products Collection
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- 100% leak proof
- Side or toys and gadgets
- Ships with 20 liners for added safety
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not collapsible
- Can have struggle standing up while unattached
- Only 1 color option, though straps are multicolored
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Drive Auto Products Car Garbage Can is made entirely from high-quality waterproof materials and ships with 20 leak-proof liners, further enhancing protection against accidental messes. It boasts a side enclosure for toys and gadgets and features a number of clips and straps running throughout, making it easy to fasten to the back of a seat or to a variety of other locations throughout the automobile. Use our best car diffuser guide to learn about the best products for keeping your car smelling great.
Though this is an attractive product, it is only available in one color option, black, though it does offer the ability to purchase straps in a variety of different color choices. Additionally, this design is not collapsible, which could be an issue when you are looking for a place to stow it away while not in use. Speaking of garbage, the best garbage disposal is a big help in the kitchen.
#2 EPAuto Waterproof Car Garbage Can
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features an elastic opening that helps to keep trash out of sight, with 3 side pockets for toys or gadgets and availability in multiple color options, including pink.
Read Full Review: EPAuto Car Trash Storage Pockets
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Waterproof interior & elastic opening hides trash
- 3 side pockets for toys and gadgets
- Available in multiple colors
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not collapsible
- No liners included
- Does not clasp as easily to back seat as top pick
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This EPAuto Waterproof Car Garbage Can is made entirely out of waterproof fabrics and features an elastic opening up top, helping to keep garbage completely out of sight. It also has three side pockets for wet wipes, tissues, and more, which is slightly more than what is available with our top pick, and is available in a series of color choices, including pink and grey. For a more comfortable fit during long car rides, read our best car seat cushion reviews.
Though this item has multiple straps, it lacks the type of tight-fitting clasps that our top pick includes, so it does not affix quite as snugly to the back seat. Also, this product does not ship with liners of any kind, so you’ll have to provide your own. Since we are talking about garbage, don’t forget the best garbage disposal cleaner.
#3 KmmMotors Jopps Foldable Car Garbage Can
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly item made entirely from leak-proof Oxford cloth, with a number of clasps that easily affix to the front or back seat and a design that folds up when not in use.
Read Full Review: KMMOTORS Jopps Comfortable Original Wastebasket
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Folds up when not in use
- 3 side pockets for toys and gadgets
- Easily affixes to front or back seat
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Cannot close when full
- Does not come with liners or trash bags
- No storage area for toys
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The KmmMotors Jopps Foldable Car Garbage Can comes in at a budget-friendly price point while still offering plenty of high end features, including a leak-proof design that is manufactured entirely from high quality Oxford cloth. This model also folds up when not in use, which is great, and features a number of clasps running throughout for easy attachment to the front or back seat.
This product does not ship with any liners or trash bags, so you’ll have to purchase your own, but we found that it was compatible with most popular brands. Additionally, it does not feature a storage area for toys or gadgets, a perk that is included with both of our top picks. Check out the Clean Ridez Car Garbage Bin on Amazon.com as well, which has a convenient EZ Flip Lid to conceal trash in the garbage bin. It also uses a special EZ Clean 2 gallon vinyl liner bag that’s leakproof, easy to clean, and reusable so you don’t have to constantly throw away non-reusable car trash bags. The adjustable straps are also great for switching the trash bin between seat backs and fronts, and the netted pockets are convenient for holding extra drink bottles, umbrellas, etc. You can also read about the best compost bin for outdoor use.
#4 Hotor Car Garbage Can
Award: BEST STURDY DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Collapsible design that is still extremely sturdy, easily standing on its own, with a velcro enclosure, for opening and closing, and shipping with a number of leak-proof liners.
Read Full Review: HOTOR Leak Proof Organizer Waterproof Multipurpose
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Easy to open and close, via velcro
- Ships with leak-proof inner liners
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Slightly less space than top picks
- Can be frustrating to affix liner to inside of can
- Does not fit on some consoles
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Hotor Car Garbage Can is made from waterproof materials and ships with several leak-proof liners, which we found to be highly effective. This collapsible waste basket still manages to be extremely durable and sturdy, thanks to high quality components, and we loved the velcro enclosure, which makes this item both easy to open and to close, when necessary. It also features three storage compartments for toys and gadgets, which is a feature in line with our top picks.
Though this is a well made item, we did notice that it has slightly less space than our top picks, around 1.7 gallons to their two gallons. Also, we found the process to attach the included liners into the can to be somewhat frustrating, though we got it eventually. Another one of the best car trash cans is the Ryhpez Car Trash Can with Lid. This car trash bin is compact enough to fit anywhere in the car, even onto the back of the center console, and it uses two adjustable clips on the interior to keep the inner garbage bag in place. The two side mesh pockets are great for extra storage, and the overall auto trash bag has a waterproof liner to prevent any leakage and for easy clean-up. Your kitchen should also have the best dish soap.
#5 High Road StashAway Car Garbage Can
Award: BEST FOR CR-V CLASPS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features extremely durable and high quality clasps and straps, making it easy to attach nearly anywhere in the car, with a design that suits the interior of Honda CR-V automobiles.
Read Full Review: High Road StashAway Console Trash
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Closed top and mesh storage pockets
- Side braces help keep it upright
- 3 exterior storage pockets
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- 1.5 gallon capacity
- Not collapsible or foldable
- Not insulated, so cannot double as cooler
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The High Road StashAway Car Garbage Can boasts high end aesthetics that absolutely pop inside of Honda compact automobiles, making it the best garbage can for the CR-V, among other makes and models, including cars manufactured by Ford. The clasps and straps are all of an extremely high quality, easily affixing nearly anywhere in the car, and the side braces help to keep the whole thing upright, even when empty. We also loved the three exterior pockets, which are perfect for storing toys and gadgets.
This is not a collapsible or foldable design, however, so you won’t really be able to stow it away when not in use. Additionally, it has a maximum capacity of 1.5 gallons, which is lower than the two gallon capacity found with our top picks. Your kitchen may also need the best water filter systems.
#6 Toode Car Garbage Can
Award: BEST WATERPROOF DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic waterproof vinyl inner liner with a soft PU leather flap up top that helps to control odors and a 2 gallon maximum capacity, which is in line with our top picks.
Read Full Review: Car Trash Can Waterproof Leakproof
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Bin for holding cups
- Top flap helps to control odor
- 2 gallon capacity
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Included headrest hooks can wobble during motion
- Takes up slightly more space than some picks
- Does not ship with disposable liners
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Toode Car Garbage Can comes with three exterior pockets for stowing away toys and gadgets, two mesh and one solid, with the solid pocket doubling as an excellent cup holder bin. We also found this to be the most waterproof model on this list, thanks to a vinyl inner lining, and we enjoyed the soft PU leather flap up top, which helps to keep trash covered, thus reducing odor.
Though the vinyl liner is indeed best-in-class, this product does not ship with additional disposable liners, which would help keep the built-in liner clean and dry. Also, we appreciated the inclusion of headrest hooks, for easy attachment, but found they would wobble occasionally while the car was in motion.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we made sure that each garbage can we picked could hold a good amount of trash, at least 1.5 gallons and as much as two gallons. Additionally, we wanted to make sure that anything we recommended featured some form of protection against water, with many products arriving with leak-proof liners or high quality waterproof fabric.
We also liked items that featured pockets on the exterior, for the storage of toys and gadgets, and those that boasted collapsible or foldable designs, making stowing them away easy when they were not in use. As far as manufacturing materials, we enjoyed products made from Oxford fabric, vinyl and PU leather, among other high quality components.
As far as attachment goes, we preferred items with plenty of clasps and straps, making it easy to affix the product nearly anywhere in the car. We also liked garbage cans that were sturdy enough to rest without being attached at all, either on the floor or on the console. Finally, we liked products that actually shipped with additional liners and those that offered some form of odor protection, usually via a removable lid.
Best Car Garbage Can Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Waterproof and Leak-proof
You are going to want to make sure that any garbage can you purchase is highly waterproof and sufficiently leak-proof, to help minimize the damage from accidental spills and the like. To that end, pick an item that ships with leak-proof liners or features a built-in vinyl liner. Additionally, look for products that were manufactured with waterproof materials. All of our picks are waterproof and leak-proof to some extent. - Attachment Options
Be certain to choose an item with plenty of attachment options, thus maximizing the chances of it finding a good place to rest in your automobile. Many of our picks come with multiple straps, clasps and stays, making them easy to affix to the back seat or to the passenger side seat. You are going to also want to choose something that is sturdy enough to stand up on its own, should you decide to place it on the ground. - Additional Features
Many of the above products ship with additional features and accessories, such as a number of external compartments for the storage of toys and gadgets. Other models include removable flaps that help to control foul odor and side straps to help the unit remain upright. Other additional features include side cup holder bins and collapsible form factors.
