Best Solutions: How To Hide Trash Can In Kitchen

Do you want to know how to hide that kitchen trash can? Many people feel the same way. A trash can can take up space and maybe smell bad. It also doesn’t look nice in a clean kitchen. The good news is there are many great ways to hide it. You can use special cabinets, put it under the sink, or even build your own spot for it. We will show you the best ways to keep your kitchen looking and smelling fresh by making the trash can disappear.

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Why Hide Your Kitchen Trash?

Why would you want to hide your trash can? It seems simple, right? It is just a place for trash. But think about your kitchen. It’s where you cook. It’s where you eat. It’s often where you spend time with family and friends.

A big trash can sitting out in the open can mess up the look of your kitchen. Even a nice-looking one is still a trash can. It might not fit your kitchen style.

Then there is the smell. Trash holds food scraps and other waste. Even if you use trash bags, smells can escape. This is not nice in a place where food is prepared and eaten. Hiding the can often helps keep smells more contained.

Also, trash cans take up floor space. In a small kitchen, this space is needed. Hiding the trash can in a cabinet frees up floor space. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and easier to move around in.

Hiding the trash can also keeps it away from pets and small children. Some pets love to get into the trash. This makes a big mess. It can also be bad for the pet. A hidden trash can is much safer.

So, hiding your trash can is about more than just looks. It’s about keeping your kitchen clean, fresh-smelling, safe, and making the best use of your space.

Popular Ways to Hide Kitchen Trash

People have come up with many clever ways to hide kitchen trash. These ideas fit different kitchen sizes and styles. They also fit different budgets. Let’s look at some common and popular methods.

• Inside Cabinets: This is a very common way. You put the trash can inside an existing cabinet. Or you can buy a cabinet made just for trash.
• Under the Sink: The space under the kitchen sink is often unused. It is a perfect spot for a small trash bin.
• Pull-Out Systems: These are special setups that slide a trash can out of a cabinet when you need it. Then they slide back in.
• Built-In Bins: Some kitchens are designed with a bin door or drawer that opens right to a trash can. This is part of the kitchen cabinets.
• Freestanding Enclosures: You can buy or build a box or cabinet that looks nice but holds the trash can inside.
• Door Mounted Bins: Small bins can attach right onto the inside of a cabinet door.

Each of these ideas has good points and bad points. We will look at each one in more detail. This will help you pick the best one for your home. These hideaway garbage can ideas help make your kitchen look much better. They are great kitchen trash storage solutions.

Using Existing Cabinet Space

One of the easiest ways to hide a trash can is to use a cabinet you already have. You just open the cabinet door and put the trash can inside. This works well if you have a cabinet that is wide or deep enough. It is a simple way to have concealed kitchen trash.

Hiding Trash Under the Sink

The space under the kitchen sink is often used for cleaning supplies. But it can also be a good place for a trash bin. It is a common spot for an under sink trash bin.

• Pros:
  • Uses space that is often empty.
  • Keeps the trash out of sight.
  • Easy to use while working at the sink or counter.
• Cons:
  • Space under the sink can be small. Pipes take up room.
  • Only works for smaller trash cans.
  • Might be hard to fit cleaning supplies and trash here.
  • Might need a special bin that fits around pipes.

To use this space, first measure it. Look at the height, width, and depth. See where the pipes are. Then find a trash bin that fits. Some bins are made to fit around pipes. Others are tall and thin. A bin with a lid is best here to control smells.

You can just put the bin on the cabinet floor. Or you can add a small pull-out shelf or frame. This makes getting the bin out easier. Look for an under sink trash bin kit. These kits often have frames or guides.

Using a Regular Base Cabinet

If you have a base cabinet (one on the floor) that is not under the sink, you can use that too. This cabinet should be big enough for your trash can.

• Pros:
  • Can fit a larger trash can than under the sink.
  • Keeps trash fully hidden behind a door.
  • Frees up floor space.
• Cons:
  • You lose storage space in that cabinet.
  • You have to open the cabinet door each time you use it. This can be a bit annoying when your hands are messy.

To use a regular cabinet, measure the inside space. Make sure the door opening is wide enough for the trash can to go in and out. Just place the bin inside. You can add a small hook on the door’s inside to hang the trash bag roll or extra bags.

This method is very simple. It is a fast way to get concealed kitchen trash without buying new furniture.

Installing a Pull-Out System

A popular and helpful way to hide kitchen trash is a pull-out system. This is a frame that holds one or two trash bins. The frame is fixed inside a cabinet. It slides out on tracks. When you need to throw something away, you just pull the cabinet door or handle. The trash cans slide right out. Push them back in, and they are hidden.

This is often called a pull out trash can cabinet. It is one of the best kitchen trash storage solutions for many homes.

Benefits of Pull Out Systems

Pull-out systems offer many good points:

• Easy Access: They slide out fully. This makes putting trash in easy. It also makes taking the bag out easy.
• Hidden Away: When pushed in, the trash is completely out of sight.
• Saves Space: It uses cabinet space, leaving your floor clear.
• Holds More: You can often fit one or two decent-sized bins in a pull-out system. Some hold a main trash bin and a recycling bin.
• Cleaner: Because the bins slide out, you are less likely to get trash on the cabinet floor.
• Better Smells: Most systems come with lids or are in a cabinet with a door. This helps trap smells.

Different Pull Out Systems

There are many types of pull-out systems. They come in different sizes and styles.

• Single Bin Pull-Out: This holds one trash can. It is good for smaller families or smaller cabinets.
• Double Bin Pull-Out: This holds two bins side by side. You can use one for trash and one for recycling. This is very popular.
• Bottom Mount: The slides are attached to the floor of the cabinet.
• Side Mount: The slides are attached to the side walls of the cabinet. Side mount can often hold more weight.
• Door Mount Kit: Some systems attach directly to the cabinet door. When you pull the door handle, the bins slide out with the door. Other systems require you to open the door first, then pull the bin frame out. Door mount is smoother and faster to use.

Installing a Pull-Out System

Putting in a pull-out system is a DIY project many people can do. Kits come with all the parts you need. You will need basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, and tape measure.

1. Measure Your Cabinet: Measure the inside height, width, and depth of the cabinet opening and the inside space. Check for any pipes or shelves. Make sure the pull-out system you buy will fit. Pay attention to the height needed for the bin and the frame above it.
2. Read Instructions: Each kit is a little different. Read the instructions that come with it carefully.
3. Install Slides: The slides attach to the cabinet floor or sides. Mark where they go using the template or measurements in the instructions. Drill small guide holes. Then screw the slides into place.
4. Attach Frame: Put the pull-out frame onto the slides. It should click or lock into place.
5. Add Bins: Put the trash bins into the frame.
6. Adjust: Pull the system in and out. Make sure it slides smoothly.
7. Attach Door (If Door Mount): If your kit attaches to the door, follow those steps. This usually involves putting brackets on the door and connecting them to the frame. This part needs careful measuring to make sure the door sits correctly when closed.

Installing a pull out trash can cabinet takes some time but is worth it. It gives you easy access to your trash while keeping it hidden. It’s a top hideaway garbage can idea.

Built In Kitchen Bin Systems

Some kitchens are designed with trash storage already in mind. These are called built in kitchen bin systems. They are part of the kitchen cabinets when they are made or installed.

What is a Built In Bin?

A built-in bin is a trash can that is fully integrated into the kitchen design. It might be in a drawer, a special cabinet, or even part of a kitchen island.

• Drawer Style: The trash can is in a deep drawer. You pull open the drawer, and the trash can is inside. Often, there are two bins in one drawer for trash and recycling. This looks very clean.
• Tilt-Out Bin: Some older or custom kitchens have a cabinet front that tilts open at the top. The trash can is inside and tilts out with the door.
• Chute System: In very high-end designs, a small opening on the counter or island might lead down to a bin inside a cabinet below. You just push trash into the hole.

Advantages of Built In Systems

• ** Seamless Look:** They blend perfectly with your cabinets. You don’t see the trash can at all.
• Saves Space: Like pull-outs, they use cabinet space, not floor space.
• Convenient: Easy to use, especially the drawer style.
• Hides Smells: The cabinet or drawer helps keep smells locked in.
• Looks Custom: It makes your kitchen feel high-end and planned.

Kitchen Island Trash Cabinet

A very popular place for a built-in bin is in a kitchen island. A kitchen island trash cabinet puts the trash right in the center of the kitchen work area.

• Pros:
  • Very handy when prepping food on the island.
  • Keeps trash out of the way of main walkways.
  • Can often fit a larger bin or two bins.
  • Hides trash well.
• Cons:
  • Requires the island to have the right kind of cabinet space.
  • Might take up valuable storage space in the island.
  • Guests might not know where the trash is.

If you are planning a new kitchen or updating your island, think about adding a kitchen island trash cabinet. It is a great concealed kitchen trash solution.

Creative Hideaway Ideas

Beyond cabinets, there are other clever ways to hide your trash can. These are other hideaway garbage can ideas.

Cabinet Door Trash Bin

For small trash amounts, or for specific types like compost, a cabinet door trash bin works well. This is a small bin that hangs or clips onto the inside of a cabinet door.

• Pros:
  • Easy to install.
  • Uses unused space on the back of a door.
  • Good for small spaces or specific waste types.
  • Inexpensive.
• Cons:
  • Only holds a small amount of trash.
  • Might bump things stored in the cabinet.
  • Might make the door harder to close if the bin is full.

These bins are often used for compost right under the counter where you prep food. They keep the small bin hidden and off the counter.

Freestanding Enclosures

If you don’t have free cabinet space, you can hide your trash can in a piece of furniture. This could be a purpose-built trash can enclosure or a modified cabinet.

• What it is: It’s a cabinet or box that looks like furniture but has a door or tilt-out front to put a trash can inside. Some look like tilt-out hamper cabinets.
• Pros:
  • Can place it anywhere it fits.
  • Looks nicer than a plain trash can.
  • Helps contain smells.
  • Can choose a style that matches your kitchen decor.
• Cons:
  • Takes up floor space, just like a regular trash can.
  • Can be expensive to buy a nice one.
  • Needs enough space around it to open the door or tilt front.

You can find these enclosures online or in furniture stores. They come in different styles and materials. Some have a drawer on top for bags or other items. This is a good kitchen trash storage solution if cabinet space is full.

If you are handy, you can build your own. This leads us to our next section.

DIY Options for Hiding Trash

If you like building things, you can create your own hidden trash spot. A DIY trash can cabinet can be made to fit your exact space and style.

Simple DIY Trash Can Cabinet Ideas

Building a simple cabinet or enclosure is not too hard if you have some basic tools and skills.

• Convert an Old Cabinet: Find an old cabinet (maybe from a kitchen remodel or a used furniture store). Clean it up. Cut a hole in the top if you want a drop-in style. Or just use the door to access the bin inside. Paint it to match your kitchen.
• Build a Basic Box: Build a simple box out of wood or plywood. Add a door on the front or make the top lift up. Make sure it is the right size for your trash can. Add vents near the bottom and top to help with air flow (and smells). Add a nice handle and paint it.
• Tilt-Out Design: This is a bit more complex. You build a box frame. You attach a front panel (like a cabinet door) to hinges or a tilting mechanism at the bottom. When you pull the top of the panel, it tilts out, and the trash can is attached inside, swinging out with it. You need a stop inside so the can doesn’t fall out. Look for trash can enclosure plans online. Many free plans are available.

Steps for a Simple DIY Enclosure

Here are basic steps if you want to try a simple box enclosure with a door:

1. Plan and Measure: Decide where the enclosure will go. Measure your trash can (height, width, depth). Make the enclosure slightly larger than the trash can so it fits easily. Think about the style you want.
2. Gather Materials: You will need wood (plywood, MDF, or solid wood), screws or nails, wood glue, hinges for the door, a handle or knob, paint or stain, and sandpaper. You might need small vents or drill holes for air flow.
3. Cut the Wood: Cut the pieces for the base, sides, back, top, and door. If you don’t have a saw, the hardware store might cut the wood for you.
4. Build the Box: Put the pieces together using wood glue and screws or nails. Make sure the corners are square. Add a solid base.
5. Add the Door: Attach hinges to the box and the door. Install the door. Make sure it opens and closes smoothly. Add a magnetic catch to keep the door closed.
6. Finish: Sand the wood until it is smooth. Paint or stain it. Add a handle.
7. Add Vents (Optional but Recommended): Drill some holes near the top and bottom of the back or sides. Or buy small vent covers and install them. This helps air move and reduces trapped smells.
8. Place Bin Inside: Put your trash can inside the finished enclosure.

Building a DIY trash can cabinet is a fun way to get a custom look. It can also be cheaper than buying a ready-made one. It is a great kitchen trash storage solution that you made yourself.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Kitchen

With many options, how do you pick the best way to hide your trash can? Think about your kitchen and your needs.

Consider Your Space

• Do you have a free base cabinet? Using it for a pull-out or just putting a bin inside is a good choice.
• Is the space under your sink open? An under sink trash bin works for smaller needs.
• Do you have space for a freestanding unit? An enclosure might be best if cabinet space is full.
• Are you building a new kitchen or island? Plan for a built in kitchen bin or kitchen island trash cabinet.

Think About How You Cook

• Do you make a lot of trash while cooking? A large bin or a double bin system (trash and recycling) might be best. A pull-out is very handy when prepping food.
• Do you want a compost bin separate? A small cabinet door trash bin is perfect for this.

Look at Your Budget

• Low Budget: Just putting an existing bin in an existing cabinet, or a simple cabinet door trash bin.
• Medium Budget: Buying a pull-out system to install yourself.
• Higher Budget: Buying a nice freestanding enclosure, or having a built in kitchen bin planned into new cabinets.
• DIY Budget: Cost depends on materials, but often less than buying new.

Think About Style

• Do you want the trash totally hidden (built-in, pull-out)?
• Is a nice piece of furniture okay (enclosure)?
• Does the solution match your kitchen’s look?

Need for Recycling

If you separate recycling, look for solutions that hold two bins. Many pull out trash can cabinet systems and built in kitchen bin drawers come with two bins.

Choosing the right kitchen trash storage solutions means looking at space, how you use your kitchen, money, and style. All these hideaway garbage can ideas offer different benefits. A well-chosen concealed kitchen trash solution makes a big difference in your kitchen’s feel and function.

Maintenance Tips

Keeping your hidden trash area clean is important. Because the trash is in an enclosed space, smells can build up if you are not careful.

• Use Lids: Always use trash cans with tight-fitting lids. This is especially true for under sink trash bin and bins inside cabinets.
• Change Bags Often: Don’t wait until the bin is overflowing. Change the bag regularly, especially after putting in food waste.
• Wash Bins: Every time you take a full bag out, it’s a good time to wipe down the inside of the trash bin with a cleaning spray. Once in a while, take the bin outside and wash it with soap and water. Let it dry fully before putting it back.
• Clean the Cabinet/Enclosure: Wipe down the inside of the cabinet or enclosure regularly. Food scraps or liquids can sometimes miss the bin.
• Use Baking Soda or Air Fresheners: Put some baking soda at the bottom of the bin (under the bag) to absorb smells. You can also use stick-on air fresheners made for trash cans or cabinets.
• Ventilation: If you built a DIY trash can cabinet or enclosure, make sure it has some air vents. If using an existing cabinet, you might leave the door open for a bit after putting in something smelly, if possible.

Good cleaning habits keep your concealed kitchen trash system working well and your kitchen smelling fresh.

Summary of Solutions

Here is a quick look at the different hiding solutions:

Solution Type	Location	Pros	Cons	Good For…
Under Sink Trash Bin	Under sink cabinet	Uses existing space, easy access at sink	Small size limit, pipes take space	Small needs, limited space, single person/couple
Inside Regular Cabinet	Base cabinet	Simple, uses existing space, fits larger bin	Lose storage, must open door each time	Simple fix, available cabinet space
Pull Out Trash Can Cabinet	Base cabinet	Easy access, hides fully, often fits 2 bins	Requires installation, lose cabinet space	Busy kitchens, recycling, convenience
Built In Kitchen Bin	Part of cabinets/island	Seamless look, very convenient, custom	Requires kitchen remodel/new cabinets, cost	New kitchens, custom look, high budget
Cabinet Door Trash Bin	Inside cabinet door	Easy install, uses door space, inexpensive	Very small capacity, can hit items in cabinet	Compost, small amounts of trash, tight spaces
Freestanding Enclosure	Any floor space	Looks like furniture, place anywhere	Takes floor space, can be costly	No free cabinets, rental homes, specific styles
DIY Trash Can Cabinet	Any floor space	Custom size/style, can be cheaper	Requires tools/skill, time-consuming	Handy people, custom needs, budget-conscious
Kitchen Island Trash Cabinet	Kitchen Island	Handy for prep, central location, hidden	Requires island cabinet space, lose storage	Kitchens with islands, frequent island users

Choosing the best option depends on your specific kitchen and what you need. Each solution helps achieve hideaway garbage can ideas and improve your kitchen space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I put a trash can in any kitchen cabinet?

A: You can put a trash can in most base cabinets if it fits. However, the space under the sink is often used for an under sink trash bin. A standard base cabinet might be better for a pull-out system or just a larger freestanding bin. Measure the cabinet before choosing a bin.

Q: Are pull out trash can cabinets hard to install?

A: Most pull out trash can cabinet kits are made for DIY installation. They come with instructions. You will need basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, and tape measure. It takes some time and careful measuring, but it is doable for many homeowners.

Q: Do hidden trash cans smell worse?

A: Not if you manage them well. Using bins with lids, changing bags often, and cleaning the bin and cabinet regularly helps prevent smells. Good airflow (like vents in a DIY trash can cabinet enclosure) also helps. In some ways, a hidden bin with a lid can trap smells better than an open bin sitting out.

Q: How much space do I need for a pull out trash can cabinet?

A: This depends on the system and the size of the bins. Most systems fit into standard base cabinets, often 15 inches wide or 18 inches wide. Double bin systems usually need an 18-inch wide cabinet. Always check the product description for the exact cabinet width and depth required.

Q: Can I add a trash can to my kitchen island?

A: Yes, you can. The best way is usually with a kitchen island trash cabinet. This is a special cabinet or drawer built into the island design to hold a trash can or two. If you have an existing island with a suitable cabinet, you might be able to install a pull-out system inside it.

Q: What is a built in kitchen bin?

A: A built in kitchen bin is a trash can that is part of the kitchen cabinetry itself. It’s integrated into a drawer or a dedicated cabinet, designed to be hidden seamlessly within the kitchen’s look. This is often part of the kitchen design process.

Q: Are there simple options besides pull-outs?

A: Yes, definitely. Just placing a trash can inside a large base cabinet is the simplest. Attaching a small cabinet door trash bin is also very easy and inexpensive. Using the space under the sink for an under sink trash bin is another common and simple method.

Q: Where can I find plans for a trash can enclosure?

A: You can find trash can enclosure plans online. Websites for DIY projects, woodworking blogs, and home improvement sites often offer free plans or guides for building simple trash can cabinets or tilt-out enclosures.

Making Your Kitchen Better

Hiding your trash can is a great way to make your kitchen cleaner, nicer to look at, and more functional. Whether you choose a simple solution like an under sink trash bin or a more involved project like a DIY trash can cabinet or a full pull out trash can cabinet, you will love the result.

Explore the options based on your space and needs. A little effort in planning or installing one of these kitchen trash storage solutions can make a big difference. Say goodbye to the open trash can and enjoy your neat, fresh kitchen!