How to organize trash and recyclables in a small kitchen
Just because you live in a small home or apartment, doesn’t mean you have to compromise your desire to recycle. Recycle bins can take up valuable space and be an eye sore. Here’s a way to keep your trash and recyclables organized and floors clear of clutter. If you lack floor space, a simple under the counter sink pull out system can be a great way to store your recyclables and trash. The counter space under the sink is usually the largest open cabinet area in your kitchen and the perfect place to store your recyclables. However, any cabinet area that can be spared will also work.
A trip to the hardware store will offer all the supplies you need for this simple home project.
First measure the height and width of your cabinet. Take into account you will need enough room for a trash and recycle bin. If you compost, you can also factor in a bin to collect your compost material.
Setting up a smooth gliding roll out system is made easier with kits from companies like Rev-A- Shelf. This site is a great to help you optimize your cabinet and storage areas. They offer many options on roll out systems to custom fit your cabinet size. Ikea and Simple Human also offer similar systems to install into your cabinets. If you are friendly with the people at the local hardware shop, the may be able to point you in the direction of other options as well.
After you have found the rollout system that will work best for your area, clean it out and get started. This is where some math skills will come in handy (But it shouldn’t be a problem because you measured and then double checked your measurements before you bought your supplies right?). Follow the directions that came with your roller track. It will guide you through the installation process and ensures you are able to maximize your space. Once your tracks are installed, and it is easy to slide the track out from under your sink and back again, you can get to the fun part, bin shopping! Collect the amount of bins you need that will fit under your sink. Typically three will work best, one for trash, one for recycle and one for compost items. If you can, use a brown paper yard waste bag to line your compost, that way you can simply toss the biodegradable bag in with your compost once it is full. Having a lid on the compost bin will also keep pests from finding their way into your bin as well as hide the smell of decomposing food items. Lowes, hardware stores and other home improvement shops often carry an assortment of bins in many shapes sizes and materials. Once you have found the bins that will work best for your system, put them to work and start recycling!
This quick kitchen revamp will take part of a Saturday morning but help you for months to come. Once you start sorting your trash, you’ll see just how much everyday products can either be recycled or composted. Once your bins are full, empty them into community recycle collections or add them to your trash and recycle pick up service. You’ll also see just how quickly you can start a compost pile, to be used in your own backyard or community garden.
Millennium Waste is here to help you with all of your waste and recycling needs. Follow us for tips on how you can waste less, recycle more and get the most out of your everyday items.
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