Kitchen Garbage Cans for Trash and Recycling

More households are looking for ways to recycle their waste. Kitchen trash cans with built-in recycling compartments offer a convenient solution for busy families to easily sort their trash and recyclables in one unit.

These innovative garbage cans help encourage the recycling habit by having designated bins right where waste is generated. No more worrying about sorting things later or making extra trips to drop off recyclables. The divided compartments keep trash separate from recyclable materials, reducing contamination in the recycling stream.

Benefits of Kitchen Trash Cans with Recycling Bins

Kitchen recycling trash cans provide a number of advantages over traditional undivided wastebaskets:

• Convenience of sorting waste - Recycling is seamlessly integrated into daily kitchen routines.
• Encourages sustainable habits - Visual cues can motivate households to recycle more.
• Saves space - Dual compartments reduce the need for multiple freestanding trash bins.
• Reduces contamination - Separate sections prevent non-recyclable materials from mixing in.

With recycling and landfill waste separated at the source, there is less risk of recyclable materials getting soiled and being rejected by waste management facilities. Kitchen garbage cans with recycling also decrease the labor intensity of waste sorting after the fact.

Further, convenient access right within the kitchen significantly increases participation compared to centralized recycling drop-offs within a building. Positioning recycling stations where waste production is highest removes a frequent barrier cited for not recycling.

Key Features of Quality Recycling Trash Cans

Several design elements set apart well-constructed, functional kitchen recycling and trash cans:

• Durable stainless steel or plastic construction - Withstands heavy daily use and occasional spills.
• Separate lid openings - Allow convenient access to each individual compartment.
• Removable inner buckets - Make it easy to empty contents and clean as needed.
• Tight-sealing lids - Contain odors and prevent pests from getting into cans.

High-quality recycling trash cans also often include convenient design touches like quiet-closing lids to reduce noise, customizable recycling labels for clear visual sorting cues, non-skid bases to prevent sliding, and fingerprint-proof finishes for an elegant look that suits any contemporary kitchen decor without showing smudges.

Types of Kitchen Recycling Garbage Cans

Kitchen waste stations with recycling come in a variety of configurations to suit different spaces and needs:

• Side-by-side compartment trash cans - Two buckets built into one freestanding unit.
• Stackable recycling bin systems - One bin stacks directly over the other.
• Built-in cabinet trash and recycling pull-outs - Integrated right into cabinetry.
• Rolling carts with recycling sorting - Movable units with wheels for portability.

The most common setups are side-by-side compartments and stackable columns. Built-in pull-out cabinet insert styles also keep bins hidden away for a streamlined, clean look that maintains your kitchen's aesthetics.

For smaller kitchens, a divided step can with two built-in buckets conserves precious floor space. Larger families often appreciate the flexibility of rolling carts on wheels that can easily be moved around as needed.

Popular Brands

Leading manufacturers of kitchen recycling and trash cans include:

• simplehuman - Known for sleek stainless steel touch-free sensor cans
• Umbra - Offers more budget-friendly modern plastic double recycling bins
• Rev-A-Shelf - Makes pull out cabinet insert recycling systems
• Brabantia - Known for their flipping lid and pedal-operated cans

While simplehuman leads in premium bins, Umbra, Rev-A-Shelf and Brabantia offer great options at lower price points. All these brands offer excellent quality, durability and well-designed special features.

Choosing the Right Size Recycling Kitchen Trash Can

When selecting the best recycling garbage can system for your space, consider these factors:

• Kitchen size and space available - Make sure there is adequate room for the recycling bins.
• Estimate household waste volumes - Choose capacity to meet your trash output.
• Allow extra room for other waste streams like compost - Some units have space for 3-way sorting.
• Accommodate larger households' increased recycling and waste.

The average residential kitchen does well with a 20 to 30-gallon divided recycling/trash can. However, large families may need up to 50+ gallons of capacity to handle greater volumes.

When estimating your household waste and recycling needs, consider not just current usage but future plans like more frequent entertaining of guests or adding family members down the road.

Measuring Kitchen Space

When shopping for recycling bins, have these kitchen dimensions handy:

• Total available floor space
• Cabinet height, depth and width (for built-ins)
• Distance between countertops
• Aisle width between cabinets/appliances

This allows you to choose recycling cans suited to available room in your kitchen layout and traffic areas. Prioritize easy access over jamming the biggest unit into a cramped corner.

Placement Tips for Kitchen Recycling Waste Cans

Proper placement of kitchen recycling and garbage cans optimizes usage and convenience:

• Position near food prep zones for easy access when cooking.
• Allow convenient deposits of recyclable food packaging.
• Keep away from heat and moisture sources like ovens and dishwashers.
• Have multiple sorting stations for very large kitchens.

Try placing recycling bins next to islands, snack counters, and other high-traffic areas where food packaging waste accumulates. For kitchens with multiple prep zones, consider supplementing a main recycling can unit with satellite recycling bins around the kitchen to make separating waste simple.

Avoid Problem Areas

Take into account these potential drawbacks when picking locations:

• Avoid door swing paths - Risk getting hit and tipped over
• Keep away from sinks and piping - Prevents water damage and mold
• Don't cram into corners - Makes access and emptying difficult

Ideally, recycling cans should be kept in open, visible areas as constant reminders to use them. But don't let them impede major circulation routes through the kitchen.

Accessories and Supplies for Recycling Trash Cans

Specialized accessories enhance convenience and streamline recycling can maintenance:

• Custom bags sized to fit inner buckets
• Odor absorbing charcoal filters
• Flexible reusable can liners for quick cleaning
• Removable recycling section dividers

Tasks like taking out the trash and recycling become simpler with tailored accessories. Charcoal filters help contain smells, while custom bags and stretchable can liners cut down on time spent cleaning dirty containers.

Recycling bin divider trays keep trash and recycling separated if inner buckets get removed. For customizing recycling sorting, colored bags designated for paper, plastics, metal and glass can help households quickly categorize different materials.