Finding the right trash can for tight spaces can be challenging. Slim Jim trash cans offer a space-saving solution with their narrow design. This guide covers exact dimensions, sizes, and measurements to help you choose the perfect fit.
What is a Slim Jim Trash Can?
A Slim Jim trash can is a rectangular waste container designed for narrow spaces. Rubbermaid Commercial Products manufactures these popular bins with a signature slim profile. The narrow 11-inch width makes them perfect for tight corridors and crowded areas.
These trash cans work great in commercial kitchens, office hallways, and behind counters. The rectangular shape fits easily against walls and in corners. Knowing the exact Slim Jim dimensions helps you plan placement and avoid sizing mistakes.
Standard Slim Jim Trash Can Dimensions
23-Gallon Slim Jim Dimensions
The 23-gallon Slim Jim measures 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 30 inches high on the outside. The interior dimensions are approximately 18.5 inches long, 9.25 inches wide, and 29.5 inches high. This size works best in high-traffic areas and busy commercial kitchens.
The footprint covers just 242 square inches or 1.68 square feet of floor space. This model stands the tallest at 30 inches but maintains the space-saving 11-inch width. It handles heavy waste volume in break rooms and food service areas.
16-Gallon Slim Jim Dimensions
The 16-gallon model has exterior measurements of 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 25 inches tall. This mid-size option stands 5 inches shorter than the 23-gallon version. The same narrow 11-inch width fits in tight spaces with ease.
This size works well in office corridors, retail stores, and medium-traffic areas. The reduced height makes it easier to empty and maintain. It offers a good balance between capacity and compact design.
13-Gallon Slim Jim Dimensions (Under-Counter Model)
The 13-gallon Slim Jim measures 22.23 inches long, 11.17 inches wide, and 26.09 inches high. This under-counter model fits perfectly beneath standard kitchen counters. The compact height allows for cabinet clearance while maximizing waste capacity.
Standard counter heights measure 36 inches, leaving over 10 inches of clearance above this model. This size suits residential kitchens, small offices, and compact spaces. It’s the most versatile option for home use.
Slim Jim Trash Can Size Comparison
All models share the same narrow width and nearly identical length — only height changes with capacity.
| Capacity | Length | Width | Height | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23-gallon | 22″ | 11″ | 30″ | High-traffic commercial areas |
| 16-gallon | 22″ | 11″ | 25″ | Medium-traffic spaces |
| 13-gallon | 22.23″ | 11.17″ | 26.09″ | Under-counter & compact areas |
Key takeaway: Width = ~11″ | Length = ~22″ | Only height scales with gallon size.
How to Measure Space for Your Slim Jim Trash Can
Height Clearance Considerations
Always measure the vertical space available before buying a Slim Jim. For under-counter placement, measure from floor to the bottom of your counter. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance above the trash can rim.
The 13-gallon model at 26 inches high needs minimum 28-inch clearance. Account for extra space if you plan to use lids or accessories. Standard counters at 36 inches provide ample room for comfortable use.
Width and Length Requirements
The signature 11-inch width is the key advantage of Slim Jim trash cans. Measure your corridor or space width and subtract 13-14 inches for comfortable clearance. This leaves room for easy bag removal and foot traffic.
The 22-inch length requires adequate depth for proper placement. Measure front to back in your intended location. Allow 2-3 inches on each side for wall clearance and easy access.
What Size Trash Bag for a Slim Jim?
Match the can capacity to the bag size — here’s exactly what fits.
23-gallon slim/tall bags
~23″ × 10″ × 39″
Also fits: 20–30 gal slim bags
Prevents slipping in high-traffic areas
16-gallon slim bags
Fits 13–20 gal range
Slightly larger = extra top room
Ideal for medium-use offices & kitchens
Standard 13-gallon tall kitchen
Most common & cheapest
Buy in bulk at any store
Perfect for home & under-counter use
Quick Fit Guide
- Always choose “slim” or “tall” bags — never round ones.
- Bag width should be ~10–11″ to hug the 11″ can width.
- Bag height should be at least 35″ to fold over the rim.
- Slightly larger bag? Better — gives room to tie & lift.
Avoid: Regular round 13-gal bags — they bunch up and slip down in Slim Jims.
Slim Jim vs. Standard Trash Can Dimensions
How Slim Jim Compares to Full-Size Trash Cans
Standard round trash cans typically measure 18-24 inches in diameter. Full-size commercial bins often span 20-24 inches wide compared to Slim Jim’s 11 inches. This creates a 50% reduction in floor space usage.
The rectangular shape of Slim Jim cans maximizes wall space efficiency. Round cans waste space in corners and against flat surfaces. Slim Jim designs fit where traditional round cans cannot.
Slim Jim vs. Standard Kitchen Trash Cans
Typical kitchen trash cans measure 16-18 inches wide and 25-28 inches tall. At similar heights, Slim Jims offer comparable capacity with less width. The narrow profile works better in galley kitchens and small spaces.
A standard kitchen can uses nearly double the floor space of a Slim Jim. For apartments and compact homes, this difference matters significantly. The space savings allows better kitchen layout and traffic flow.
Choosing the Right Slim Jim Size for Your Space
23-Gallon: Best for High-Volume Needs
The 23-gallon capacity handles waste from commercial kitchens and busy restaurants. Break rooms with 15 or more employees benefit from this larger size. Public spaces and lobbies need this volume for 2-3 days of moderate use.
This model reduces the frequency of bag changes in high-traffic areas. Food service operations generate significant waste that requires larger capacity. The 30-inch height provides maximum volume while maintaining the slim footprint.
16-Gallon: The Versatile Middle Option
Small offices and retail stores find the 16-gallon size most practical. Hallways, reception areas, and food courts use this capacity effectively. The model provides daily to 2-day waste capacity for moderate traffic.
This size balances waste volume needs with easy maintenance. The 25-inch height makes emptying more comfortable than taller models. It’s the best choice when you need good capacity without excessive height.
13-Gallon: Compact and Residential-Friendly
Home kitchens and apartments work perfectly with the 13-gallon model. This size fits under counters and in tight residential spaces. Small offices or personal workspaces also benefit from this compact option.
Families of 3-4 people typically need daily emptying with this capacity. The shorter height and standard bag size make it budget-friendly. It’s the most accessible option for residential buyers.
Installation and Placement
Optimal Placement Based on Dimensions
Place Slim Jims in corners to maximize space efficiency. Against walls in high-traffic corridors, they stay out of the way. The 11-inch width allows placement where standard cans won’t fit.
For under-counter installation, measure the 13-gallon model carefully. Multiple Slim Jims work great for creating recycling stations. Line them up side-by-side for waste sorting in commercial settings.
Accessibility and ADA Compliance
ADA accessibility requires reach ranges between 15-48 inches from the floor. All Slim Jim models fall within this height range for compliant use. Keep pathways at least 32 inches wide, where the 11-inch width helps significantly.
The narrow profile of Slim Jim cans helps meet building codes easily. They don’t obstruct hallways or create safety hazards. Proper placement ensures compliance while maintaining functionality.
How to Check Your Trash Can Size
Measuring Existing Trash Cans
Step 1: Measure the exterior height from the base to the top rim. Step 2: Measure width at the widest point from side to side. Step 3: Measure the depth or length from front to back.
Use a standard tape measure for accurate readings. Write down all three measurements in inches. These numbers help you find replacement bags and plan for new cans.
Determining Gallon Capacity
Calculate capacity using this formula: (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 231 = Gallons. For example, 22 × 11 × 30 ÷ 231 equals approximately 31 gallons interior space. Most manufacturer labels also stamp capacity on the bottom or side.
Visual estimation works for quick checks of existing bins. Compare your can’s size to standard gallon measurements you know. A 13-gallon bag fits snugly in a 13-gallon can as a reference point.
Measuring Your Available Space
Grab a tape measure, paper, and pencil to start. Measure the exact space where you plan to place the trash can. Account for door swings, foot traffic, and nearby obstacles.
Leave 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for easy access. Measure height from floor to any overhead obstacles like counters. Double-check measurements before ordering to ensure proper fit.
Other Dimensions: Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions: Size, Height and Length
Question’s
What size is a Slim Jim trash can?
Slim Jim trash cans come in three main sizes: 23-gallon, 16-gallon, and 13-gallon capacities. All models share the same narrow 11-inch width. Heights range from 25 inches to 30 inches depending on capacity.
What size trash bag for a Slim Jim?
Use 23-gallon bags for the 23-gallon model, 16-gallon bags for the 16-gallon size, and standard 13-gallon tall kitchen bags for the smallest version. Always choose slim or tall bag styles for proper fit.
What are the dimensions of a Slim Jim?
The 23-gallon measures 22″L × 11″W × 30″H, the 16-gallon measures 22″L × 11″W × 25″H, and the 13-gallon measures 22.23″L × 11.17″W × 26.09″H. All dimensions are exterior measurements.
What are the dimensions of a trash can?
Trash can dimensions vary widely by type and capacity. Residential cans range 12-18 inches wide and 20-28 inches tall. Commercial cans span 18-24 inches wide and 30-44 inches tall.
What is a full-size trash can?
A full-size trash can typically holds 32-55 gallons of waste. These models measure 20-24 inches wide for commercial use. Slim Jim cans are considered mid-size at 13-23 gallons with space-saving profiles.
How to check trash can size?
Measure height, width, and depth in inches using a tape measure. Multiply these numbers and divide by 231 to calculate gallon capacity. Check manufacturer labels on the can for printed capacity information.
Does Slim Jim make trash cans?
Rubbermaid Commercial Products manufactures Slim Jim brand trash cans. They’ve been the industry leader for decades in commercial-grade waste containers. Slim Jim is a registered trademark of Rubbermaid.
What is standard bin size?
Standard residential bins hold 13-16 gallons for kitchen use. Commercial standard bins range from 23-32 gallons for businesses. Industrial standards start at 55 gallons for heavy-duty applications.
Conclusion
The three main Slim Jim trash can dimensions offer solutions for every space need. The signature 11-inch width provides unmatched space savings in tight areas. Always measure your available space carefully before purchasing any model.
Choose your size based on waste volume and physical space constraints. The 23-gallon works for high-traffic commercial use, the 16-gallon suits medium spaces, and the 13-gallon fits residential needs. Verify exact dimensions with the manufacturer for your specific model to ensure perfect fit.
Haru, the dedicated Admin of candimension.com, curates an informational blog on Can Dimension. With passion and expertise, Haru delivers insightful articles to educate and empower readers on this fascinating niche.
