Simple, compact, easy clean and, we would even venture to say stylish...we really like this solution from an article on setting up recycling areas...jump below for details:
Small Space Solutions: Space Saving Recycling Ideas
Popular Mechanics
The June issue of Popular Mechanics featured a reader question with an answer giving "convenient and attractive ways to cope with the typical household's revolving collection" of recyclables. What we took away from the article was two very good ideas that we think will work especially well in small homes.
First up is the solution shown above - It is Elfa's Medium Mesh Laundry sorter ($129), pressed into service to hold cans, glass and paper. As the piece mentions, it "complements contemporary interiors nicely" and is conservative (and realistic) in limiting how much recycling you want to deal with at once - a big bin may not be necessary or convenient in the long run. The Elfa sorter is compact and pretty much hides in plain sight, not looking a bit like a big ole trash bin.
The second good (and inexpensive - it's an easy DIY) small space solution is to hang recycling bags (aka laundry bags) from simple hooks. Its up off the floor, taking up wall space instead of valuable floor space and making it easy to tote your recycling to wherever it needs to go when it leaves your kitchen. The bags can be thrown in the wash when they need it.
Check out the entire article at Popular Mechanics for more info and other ideas.
Images: Photo by Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D, Illustration by Iconwerk, both via Popular Mechanics
Comments (10)
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I like the look of the Elfa set in the picture - but I'd need to a)justify spending $130 on recycling, and b)figure out how to get some good liners in there because that might start to get a little messy after a while!
view birdie_dc's profile
the article mentions the under the cabinet "slide" recycling center. I went to lowe's last week and had no idea how expensive they were!! My parents and I saved money by making our own out of the drawer sliders(not sure of exact name), a $6 piece of plywood and bought two waste baskets. We probably only spent $25 at most and we have more room than the $50 one offered in stores. Its a good idea for people who are living on a budget and want to recycle without it being seen by everyone who walks into your kitchen.
view witchbaby's profile
You could do the exact same thing as the Elfa set with Ikea's Antonius laundry storage series.
view grrliz's profile
also on the ikea path... this trofast unit: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19819557
i want to get one and paint the frame.
view closertotheocean's profile
i think it's such a good idea, I have no space to recycle but this is really a valid solution.
view glaukopis's profile
I think most people need liners for the mesh units--and no smelly cheese.
view Palmetto's profile
I hang an Ikea shopping bag inside the broom closet, dump it into the recycling bin down the hall when full, and reuse. The Elfa unit is very attractive, but until they give me one for free, I'll stick with my DR bags.
view greer's profile
My cheap solution is to hang the bags with strings off my basement door handle..it is never seen and cheap
view parrishnut's profile
I thought that Elfa system was the Ikea "Antonius" system.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/range/10387/11751/
view inertia's profile
Has any one tried the recycling bins from Design Within Reach (http://www.dwr.com/product/categories/tools for living/kitchen/recycling-bags-set-of-4.do)? I have had my eye on them for awhile, and have decided to try hiding the recycling behind my couch. They don't carry these is the store in my city, so I haven't seen them in person...
view Bird713's profile