I’m a big believer that reducing our impact on the environment begins at home. And one of the easiest ways to make a difference is by recycling.
When I lived in an apartment, recycling was quite a feat (I had to schlep my cans, bottles, paper products, and the like to the car and haul them to the local recycling center myself). My home recycling setup consisted of one lime green garbage can set next to my kitchen island and as many paper sacks needed to corral the rest of the refuse. It worked fine, but left much to be desired. So I’ve decided it’s time for an upgrade.
Whether you have to haul your recycling to the curb or all the way to the recycling center, all you really need to successfully organize recycling in your home is a few sturdy containers—garbage cans, plastic crates, or tubs all work well—and a bit of floor space in a convenient location, such as the kitchen or garage. Ideally, you’ll want a separate container for each type of recyclable (glass, plastic, and paper are the most common). Learn more about the basics of recycling at home here.
If just any wastebasket won’t do, try this super-cool DIY recycling setup created by the folks at Blueprint magazine.
Or consider modifying your kitchen cabinets to conceal recycling bins. Options include three separate bins that rotate in a corner cabinet (a la the lazy susan) and bins that are concealed behind standard cabinet doors and roll out much like drawers. Kraftmaid has a number of cabinet storage options, including this one with four waste baskets. Or try Rev-A-Shelf’s pullout undercounter unit, which comes with color-coded yellow, blue, and green triangular bins.
Photo courtesy of Trashy
Then there’s my favorite option (if you can justify the $875 for Trashy and $225 for Cheap Trash): Trashy. This stylish multipurpose unit includes a lid that slides away to reveal removable containers for storing compost and recyclables, a side drawer for garbage that can’t be recycled, and a lower drawer for stashing bags. Plus it comes in cool colors (persimmon, avocado, and leather) and includes a work surface and sturdy casters so it can double as a movable kitchen island.
Photo courtesy of Trashy
Looking for somewhere to take your recycling? Type in your zip code and what you want to recycle (from used motor oil to glass bottles) here.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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