| | |

How to Install a cabinet garbage and recycling pull-out system

We recently installed a garbage and recycling pull-out system in one of our cabinets. I wanted my waste containers to be hidden, but also conveniently placed for daily use.

The system we bought has two waste bins encased in a stainless steel frame. The stainless steel drawer slides out smoothly, and at full extension, both containers are accessible.

Once my trash and recycling system was installed, my kitchen became more functional. I wish I installed this system a long time ago! Today, I’ll be sharing just how simple this pull-out waste container system is to install. So, let’s dive in!

Garbage and recycling bins in a cabinet

What Size Trash Can Fits In A Pull-Out Cabinet?

You probably haven’t give much thought to your trash can till now – it’s just something that sits in the corner and holds your garbage, right? Wrong! Believe it or not, there is such a thing as the perfect trash can for your kitchen—and it’s called a pull-out trash can.

Pull-out trash cans are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets, and they come in various sizes to suit any need. So, how do you choose the perfect pull-out trash can for your kitchen cabinets? Let me help! 

Size Matters

The first thing you must consider when choosing a pull-out trash can for your kitchen is size. After all, what good is a trash can if it’s too small to hold all of your garbage?

To determine the right size pull-out trash can for your needs, start by measuring the width, length (depth), and height of your cabinet opening.

Once you have that measurement, find a system that fits within those lengths. Prior to purchasing your unit, read the installation instructions online if possible.

If you have a lot of garbage or entertain often, you may want to consider a larger pull-out trash can.

For example, many companies make double bin pull-outs designed to hold twice as much garbage as a standard single bin model. Of course, double bin pull-outs will require a wider cabinet opening, so be sure to measure carefully before making your purchase. This is the system we used.

Consider Your Needs

Another aspect to undertake when choosing a pull-out trash can is what you’ll be using it for.

For example, if you have young children in the house, select a model with a child-proof lid to prevent little fingers from getting into the garbage.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a pulled-out trash can to hold recyclables, you’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to hold all of your materials and has separate compartments for each recyclable.

screen shot of a garbage and recycling system with the dimensions on the picture.

How Can I Hide My Kitchen Bins?

I am sure no one likes looking at trash cans, but they’re a necessary evil in any kitchen. If you’re tired of your bins being an eyesore, here are some smart things you can do to hide them away:

Install a garbage and recycling pull out system in your cabinet

This is one of the most popular methods for hiding kitchen bins. A pull-out cabinet is installed near your sink and can be pulled out when you need to access your containers.

This method keeps your bins hidden away until you need them and is also very easy to use.

garbage and recycling system pulled out of cabinet.

Use A Cabinet Door With A False Front

This option is similar to the first, but instead of installing a separate cabinet, you create a false front for one of your existing cabinets.

You can hinge the front door, so it opens when you need to access the bin or fix it. Either way, it keeps your recycling and trash bins out of sight. 

Install A Rolling Cart

Using a rolling cart is another popular trick to keep kitchen bins discreet. You can store a cart in the pantry or other out-of-the-way locations and roll it out when needed.

Where should a kitchen cabinet garbage system be placed?

Figuring out which cabinet to put your garbage and recycling system in really depends on your specific cabinets.

First you have to find an available cabinet that isn’t being used to store something else. The next thing to consider is the size of the cabinet.

If you have a cabinet large enough then you can find a trash system to fit within those dimensions.

If you have a few cabinet options in your home, then I would choose a cabinet that is closet to the sink. It’s so nice to be able to scrape plates in the trash before putting them in the dishwasher or rinse recycling and not have to go far to add them to the recycle bin.

Kitchen cabinet with garbage system near sink.

How do you attach a trash can system to a door?

Whether or not you can attach a trash can system to a door really deeds on the kit you buy.

Most systems do come with the option to either manually pull of the system or attach it to the door of the cabinet.

The system we used came with very simple instructions on how to attach the hardware to the door so the system pulls out as you open the cabinet door.

Garbage and recycling system with text over the screen.

How do I clean a pullout bin?

Each bin in in the garbage and recycling pull-out system comes out of the metal frame. This makes keeping the pullout bins clean very easy die to being able to wipe them down each time you take the trash or recycling out.

I also like to put a trash bag in the recycling bin. This helps to keep the mess contained to the bag instead of the bin. Rinsing your recycling is helpful too.

How to distinguish between your trash and recycling cans?

Having a designated spot for your garbage and recycling is helpful is being able to distinguish between the garbage and the recycling cans.

Also, I like to use two different colors to make it more visually obvious which is the garbage and which is the recycling.

Garbage and recycling bins in a cabinet

Tools to Install your pull-out trash and recycle bin In your cabinet

Here’s the tools you’ll need: 

  • Trash Can and Recycling Bin Unit
  • Drill bit
  • Power drill
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape

How to Build a pull-out recycle and trash bins organizer in your cabinet

Installing a slide-out trash can be pretty simple. Much simpler than my last DIY where we retrofitted our corner cabinet to fit our farmers sink. This project will only take about 10 minutes. Here’s a quick overview.

  1. Remove everything from the cabinet. This includes taking out all the shelves and any other items that might be in the way.
  2. Install the brackets according to the instructions that come with them. Make sure they’re secure so that the bin doesn’t wiggle loose when you’re using it. 
  3. Slide the bin into place and test it to ensure everything is working properly. 

Put everything back into the cabinet and enjoy your new pull-out bin! Alright, let’s get into it a little bit more.

Build the metal frame

The first step is to build the metal frame. The kit will come with all the necessary parts and instructions on how to do this.

Once the frame is built, you must measure the cabinet face and mark the centerline if you want to mount the cabinet door to your new trash system.

Depending on the kit, you can either leave your cabinet door mounted to it’s current hinges, or you can attach the door to the frame of the trash can system. Reference your particular kit’s instructions.

Man building metal frame  for a garbage and recycling system.

Drill holes

Once everything is level and lined up, you will pre-drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Ensure that the holes in your metal frame line up with the newly drilled holes in your cabinet floor.

Man drilling holes for trash system.

Mount the metal frame 

Once the holes are drilled, you can mount the metal frame. Drive the screws in carefully and don’t over tighten them, this will ensure a secure fit, and keep the unit from wiggling loose over time.

And there you have it! A quick and easy way to install pull-out trash and recycle bins in your cabinet.

Trash system in cabinet.
Woman pulling out a garbage system hidden in cabinet.

Pin for later!

graphic of garbage and recycling system with text over the image.

Rounding Up

Installing a garbage and recycling pull out system can in your kitchen cabinet is a smart and relatively easy DIY project. With the right supplies, any homeowner can complete this project in a few hours.

The result is a hidden trash can that is out of sight but still easily accessible. Not only does this improve the look of your kitchen, but it also helps to keep your counters clean and clutter-free.

If you want to make your kitchen more functional and organized, installing a pull-out trash can is a great option.

Want to shop this post? Click on the image below. *This link is an affiliate link and if used I make a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog of mine.

Want to read more about updating your home on a budget? Check out my post below!

Stain over paint

Thanks for reading!

Chat soon,

Kori

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *