Practical Kitchen Bin Ideas
Kitchen waste disposal is no longer solely catered for by large, ugly plastic boxes with lids – although they are still available if that is all you are after. Instead, the right freestanding bin can add a finishing touch to your kitchen, or you can integrate them into a cupboard and hide them out of sight for a more streamlined and modern look. These kitchen bin ideas have been compiled to help you decide on the right option for your home.
Stash away the trash
Traditional freestanding bins take up valuable floor or worktop space, so consider dedicating a cupboard to clever rubbish solutions if you want to free up kitchen real estate or keep waste out of sight. With this idea, you can easily separate general rubbish and recycling, or use different bins for each recyclable material.
An under-sink cabinet is the perfect option as it will often be used for miscellaneous cleaning products and have limited space due to the sink and pipes behind it. Alternatively, use a cupboard under your food preparation area so you can quickly and easily sweep waste straight into the bin with minimal mess.
Our Easy-Cargo waste bins are made of food-safe and easy-clean plastic, and are a light grey colour ensuring they are inconspicuous in both traditional and modern kitchens. Each box can be lifted out and emptied individually, and the metal frame is strong enough to hold both full bins even when fully extended.
To reduce smells and mess, the bins come with a lid that stays in place in the cupboard. We recommend using bin liners or plastic bags to make emptying and cleaning it much easier.
Less is more
With recycling being a high priority for many UK councils, the need for a massive bin to throw everything in is now almost non-existent. We know that it can be a chore to empty your waste containers regularly, but smaller bins make it easier to segregate different recyclable materials and they will smell much less if taken out more often.
If you do want to be able to dedicate a whole cupboard to waste management, you might have to think outside the box – literally. Consider storing frequently used pans and crockery on racking on the side of a cupboard, or on the doors.
Show your bin off
You might not have the cupboard space to spare, or you may just prefer to have a freestanding bin – but either way there are plenty of options for all budgets and kitchen designs. It is a good idea to consider placement of a bin early on in the design process of a new kitchen to ensure it fits and is not placed near to a heat source. The heat will make the bin smell more quickly, and you do not want to be tripping over it if its location is an afterthought.
A bin needs to keep to your kitchen style – otherwise it will draw unwanted attention and become a centrepiece for all the wrong reasons. For a modern kitchen, we would recommend a stainless steel push-top or pedal bin such as this Brabantia 30-litre unit, complete with a 10-year guarantee.
In a more traditional kitchen, like the one pictured here, a classic metal can continues the retro look achieved by the Smeg fridge, subway tiles, slightly distressed cabinetry and vintage clock. You can imagine that a modern-looking receptacle would not look right here.
Both freestanding and integrated bins can work in any style, and offer practicality, substance and even style too. Visit your nearest Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets showroom for some inspiration for your new kitchen today, and see our practical kitchen bin ideas in action!