Best Car Trash Can Under $15 with Lid

I used to think tossing receipts or fast food wrappers into the passenger footwell was “temporary.” Then I looked around one day and realized my car had slowly turned into a mobile garbage can. That’s when I finally decided to try out a dedicated car trash can—and let me tell you, it instantly upgraded my whole driving experience.

the interior of a car with a steering wheel and dashboard

If you’re like me and you want something affordable, compact, and spill-proof, here’s my breakdown of the best car trash cans with lids under $15. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re functional, surprisingly well-designed, and keep your car from looking (and smelling) like a dumpster.

What to Look for in a Car Trash Can Under $15

You’d be surprised how many car trash bins are on Amazon that either leak, fall over, or can’t hold more than a single napkin. After testing a bunch of them and reading hundreds of reviews, these are the three things that matter most:

black and red car interior during daytime

🧼 1. Spill-Proof Lid

You want something that seals in smells and doesn’t slosh coffee or soda when you hit a bump. Look for Velcro or magnetic lids, not just drawstring tops.

🚗 2. Mounting Options

A good trash can should either hook onto the headrest, fit in the center console, or stay upright in the footwell. Bonus if it comes with adjustable straps or anti-slip padding.

🧃 3. Capacity

Anything smaller than 1.5 gallons will fill up too fast. Aim for 2–3 gallons if you frequently snack or commute long distances.

Best Picks Under $15

Here’s a quick comparison of my favorite sub-$15 trash cans, based on functionality, size, and overall ease of use:

Product	Capacity	Lid Type	Mounting Style	Spill-Proof?	Price
HOTOR Car Trash Can with Lid	2 Gallons	Velcro Seal	Headrest Strap	✅ Yes	~$12
EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Bin	2.5 Gallons	Magnetic Lid	Console Strap	✅ Yes	~$13
Zone Tech Hanging Trash Bag	2 Gallons	Snap Top	Seatback Hook	⚠️ Some leakage	~$9
High Road TrashStash Leakproof Can	1.5 Gallons	Spring-Frame Lid	Console Strap	✅ Yes	~$14
Drive Auto Products Trash Can	3 Gallons	Flip-Top Lid	Seat Strap + Velcro	✅ Yes	~$15

My Favorite: HOTOR Car Trash Can

black Mercedes-Benz vehicle steering wheel

The HOTOR Trash Can is the one I’ve personally used the most. It’s cheap, durable, and I can toss everything from sticky wrappers to half-empty drink cups inside without worrying about leaks.

It straps onto the back of my front seat, doesn’t swing around, and the Velcro lid is tight enough to keep odors locked in. Bonus: it even has side pockets for tissues or air fresheners.

Tips to Keep It Clean

A trash can is only as useful as it is clean. Here’s how I keep mine smelling fresh:

Use small grocery bags as liners so you can swap them out quickly
Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom once a week to absorb odors
Wipe down the interior every couple weeks with a disinfecting wipe
If it’s fabric-lined, air dry it outside once a month

Why a Lid Matters So Much

I didn’t think I needed a lid until I hit a speed bump with an open-top trash bag full of old coffee cups. Not fun.

Lidded trash cans keep liquids from spilling, reduce the smell of food or tissues, and prevent things like gum wrappers or receipts from blowing around your car when the windows are down.

Bonus: Where to Mount It

Here’s where I’ve found works best depending on your setup:

Daily driver / commuter car: hang it behind the passenger headrest
Uber / Lyft drivers: center console or back of center armrest
Family SUV: second-row center with strap for easy kid access
Small hatchbacks: footwell with Velcro backing to prevent sliding

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I honestly wish I bought one of these sooner. Once you install a solid little trash can in your car, you’ll never go back. It’s one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference—especially if you’re in and out of your vehicle a lot like I am. And at under 15 bucks, it’s a no-brainer.