Recycling is an essential element of modern living, but it certainly raises complicated design questions, especially in smaller places. Even those living in larger homes grapple with the question of attractive storage for the recycling before pickup day. Here's a selection of our favorite recycling storage options, plus a couple of other cool recycling products we couldn't help but share.
- iTouchless Stainless Steel Recycling Bin from Overstock ($188) - This stainless steel unit is portable and compact- a great option for any home.
- Two Bin Recycler from The Container Store ($40) - This unit takes advantage of the vertical space with a small physical footprint.
- The Smart Bin Waste/Recycling Bin from Target ($100) - Another stainless steel option that combines trash and recyling in one compact unit.
- Simple Human Front Load Recycler from Amazon ($30) - This unit is easy to load and to stack - another great option for those with available vertical space.
- Stacking Recycle Bins from Crate & Barrel ($7 - $11) These pieces are inexpensive and compact enough to fit in make cabinets.
- Dimpa Recycling Bags from IKEA ($7 for 3) - Another inexpensive option for recycling storage- ideal for folks in temporary spaces.
- Newspaper Log Roller from Plow and Hearth ($40) - This tool makes turning your newspapers into usable fireplace fuel fast and easy.
- Stainless Steel Compost Bin from The Container Store ($45) - This one gallon unit makes it easy to compost even in a small city apartment, and looks good doing it.
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We have something similar to this that we bought at Lowes:
http://www.amazon.com/Pull-Out-Waste-Container-Slides-Chrome/dp/B000Y18EOO/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1272914232&sr=1-17
It is great because it keeps it out of site and is really easy to separate between the two.
DO NOT BUY THE iTOUCHLESS! Oh man, I can't tell you how pissed I am we wasted $200 on this piece of garbage (yes, I said it!). It doesn't come with the required adapter to plug it in, and in order for us to plug it in, we'd have to run an extension cord through the kitchen (helloooo, unsightly). Tried the batteries (takes D-size) and they run out after a few days. The sensor is very weak so they don't open easily or quickly, and it's inconvenient to push a button to open your garbage can...especially when your hands are full! So, in the end this was a very expensive lesson learned. Get 2 garbage cans you like, don't waste your money!
Also, bags don't sit well in it, so you have to be sure they are positioned EXACTLY the right way or else they sink down and make quite a mess...seems to happen very easily. These babies fill up fast...there are only two of us and we now have to take out the trash daily. The top and inside are plastic, so you can't tap a spoon on the inside (if you're cleaning out some tupperware, etc) b/c its too weak.
Ok, I think I'm done now!
I'm glad to see more affordable options for storing recycling. When I was looking for something for this purpose a year ago, everything was awfully expensive and/or wouldn't fit in the space I have for it. I wound up getting three stacking bins from the Container store and stacking them up next to my garbage can. It doesn't hide the recycling away (not a big concern of mine, anyway), but the price was right and they fit the space. And having it out in the open helps certain forgetful members of the household remember to recycle and makes it easy for them to do so.
The last one is also sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
This is pretty funny. I just spent the weekend looking for good options.
Most affordable recycling system: Two paper grocery bags under the sink.
Cost: Free.
Muji has some really nice trashcans with room for 2 or 3 bags. They don't seem to be available online but the have them in store (NYC); on page 15 of catalogue:
http://www.muji.us/store/media/mujitips/catalog/2009_FW_Catalog.pdf