The Tesla Cybertruck includes a unique storage feature that many owners and observers have nicknamed the “Cybertruck trash can,” referring to the angular storage compartment built into the rear sail pillar behind the rear seat. This bin serves as a convenient place to store items you want to keep secure and out of sight while using the truck.
Understanding where this storage area is located, what fits inside, and how to use it effectively helps you maximize the Cybertruck’s interior organization and keep your cabin clutter-free.
What Is the Cybertruck Trash Can?
The Cybertruck trash can is an enclosed storage bin molded into the truck’s rear interior sail panel on the driver’s side, accessible from the rear seat area. The compartment features a triangular opening that matches the Cybertruck’s angular design language and includes a lid that opens to reveal a cavity shaped to follow the exterior body contour.
Location and Access
You’ll find this storage compartment on the left side of the rear cabin, behind the driver’s seat and integrated into the body panel that connects the roof to the bed. The lid lifts upward to provide access, and the opening is positioned at a height that allows rear passengers to reach it easily without leaning forward significantly.
The compartment sits above the wheel well, which dictates its irregular triangular shape. This design uses otherwise wasted space created by the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton structure and sloped rear roofline.
Dimensions and Capacity
The storage bin measures approximately 10 inches wide at its widest point, roughly 12 inches deep from opening to the back wall, and about 8 inches tall. The exact capacity varies depending on how you measure it due to the irregular shape, but owners report it holds several liters of storage volume.
The triangular taper means the opening is narrower than the interior depth, so you need to angle some items to insert them. Soft items like jackets, towels, reusable shopping bags, or trash bags fit more easily than rigid rectangular boxes.
Practical Uses Beyond Trash
While many owners use this compartment as an actual trash receptacle during trips, the space works well for multiple purposes. Consider these common applications based on owner reports and the compartment’s design:
- Emergency supplies such as first aid kits, flashlights, or reflective triangles
- Cleaning supplies including microfiber towels, glass cleaner, or interior detailing products
- Charging cables and adapters that you want accessible but out of the way
- Reusable shopping bags that compress to fit the space
- Small tools or tire pressure gauges
- Winter gloves, hats, or other seasonal items
- Disposable trash bags or small wastebaskets designed for vehicle use
Using It as an Actual Trash Bin
If you plan to use the compartment for trash, you’ll get better results by placing a small plastic bag or purpose-built car trash can inside rather than putting waste directly into the cavity. The textured plastic interior can be wiped clean, but a removable liner makes cleanup simpler and prevents odors from settling into the material.
Small collapsible car trash cans with drawstring closures work well in this space. Look for models between 1 and 2 gallons in capacity with flexible sides that conform to the triangular shape.
Drainage and Moisture Concerns
The compartment does not include built-in drainage holes, so any liquid spilled inside will pool at the bottom. Avoid storing wet items or uncovered beverages that could leak, and clean up spills promptly to prevent moisture from sitting against the plastic.
If you live in a humid climate or plan to store damp items, consider placing a small absorbent mat or towel at the bottom. Check the compartment periodically for condensation, especially if you store items that can trap moisture.
Temperature Considerations
This storage area is inside the cabin and benefits from the same climate control as the passenger compartment. Items stored here won’t experience the extreme temperature swings that occur in the vault bed or frunk, making it suitable for electronics, medications, or other temperature-sensitive items you want to keep at moderate temperatures.
The compartment shares airflow with the rear cabin, so running the climate control will maintain a similar temperature inside the bin. This differs significantly from exterior storage areas that reach ambient outdoor temperatures.
Security and Privacy
The compartment lid closes flush with the surrounding panel and is not lockable separately from the vehicle. Anyone sitting in the rear seat can open it, and if your Cybertruck is unlocked, someone could access it through the rear doors.
This storage area keeps items out of sight from outside the vehicle, which provides some theft deterrent compared to leaving valuables visible on seats or in open cupholders. Do not store high-value items, wallets, weapons, or anything you cannot afford to lose in this compartment when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Comparison to Other Cybertruck Storage Areas
The Cybertruck offers multiple storage zones, each with distinct advantages. Understanding where this rear compartment fits into the overall storage strategy helps you organize gear effectively:
- Vault bed: Largest capacity, weatherproof when tonneau cover is closed, accessible from outside, experiences temperature extremes
- Frunk: Moderate capacity, drainable, climate-controlled when cabin climate is on, convenient for charging equipment
- Under-seat storage: Flat shallow space good for thin items, climate-controlled, accessible from rear doors
- Sail panel bin: Small vertical space, climate-controlled, convenient for rear passengers, irregular shape
- Center console: Easily accessible from front seats, climate-controlled, moderate capacity
Aftermarket Accessories and Organizers
As the Cybertruck ownership base grows, third-party manufacturers are developing organizers and inserts specifically shaped for this compartment. These products typically include dividers, removable bins, or custom-fitted trash containers that maximize the usable space.
Before purchasing aftermarket accessories for this storage area, verify the dimensions match your specific Cybertruck configuration. Manufacturing tolerances and potential design changes between production runs could affect fit, so look for products with generous return policies or reviews from verified Cybertruck owners.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The compartment interior is molded plastic that wipes clean with a damp microfiber cloth and mild all-purpose cleaner. Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive scrubbers that could scratch or dull the surface finish.
Empty the compartment completely every few weeks and inspect for debris that may have fallen to the bottom. Small items like coins, wrappers, or dirt tend to accumulate in the corners due to the irregular shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t force oversized items into the opening, as the irregular shape and narrow entry can make it difficult to remove items that fit too tightly. Test-fit anything you plan to store long-term to ensure you can retrieve it easily.
Avoid storing food items for extended periods, as forgotten snacks can attract pests or create odors that permeate the cabin. If you do store food temporarily, use sealed containers and remove items before they spoil.
Design Philosophy and Owner Reactions
The inclusion of this storage compartment reflects Tesla’s approach of using every available interior space for functional purposes. The triangular shape is a direct consequence of the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton design, turning what would otherwise be dead space into usable volume.
Owner opinions on the compartment’s usefulness vary. Some appreciate the extra hidden storage for small items they want accessible but not visible, while others find the irregular shape and modest capacity less practical than traditional door pockets or larger under-seat bins found in conventional trucks.
Passenger Comfort Impact
The compartment does not intrude on rear passenger legroom or shoulder space. The lid sits flush when closed and doesn’t create sharp edges or uncomfortable contact points for passengers seated directly in front of it.
Rear passengers can access the bin without asking the driver to stop or move seats forward. This independence is useful on long trips when passengers want to retrieve or store items without disturbing the driver.
Value Proposition
This feature adds no extra cost to the Cybertruck, as it’s integrated into the standard interior design. Whether it adds meaningful value depends on your storage needs and organizational preferences.
For owners who carry numerous small items, charge cables, or emergency equipment, the extra concealed storage proves helpful. For those who rarely use the rear seats or prefer keeping the cabin minimal, the compartment may remain empty most of the time.
Making the Most of This Storage Space
Maximize the compartment’s usefulness by dedicating it to items you need occasionally but want readily available. Emergency supplies, seasonal gear, or cleaning products work well because they don’t need daily access but benefit from climate-controlled storage and quick retrieval when needed.
Rotate the contents seasonally to keep the compartment relevant to current conditions. Store sunscreen and cooling towels in summer, switch to ice scrapers and hand warmers in winter, and adjust the contents as your driving patterns and cargo needs change throughout the year.
The Cybertruck’s rear sail panel storage compartment offers a practical example of how the truck’s unconventional design creates unique interior features. Whether you use it as an actual trash receptacle, emergency supply storage, or general catch-all bin, understanding its size, location, and limitations helps you organize your Cybertruck more effectively and keep frequently needed items secure and out of sight.
Continue exploring helpful guides on vehicle features, storage solutions, and ownership tips to get the most from your truck.