Recycling paper, plastic, glass, and other items is an essential part of making your home greener.
Implement our simple tips to quickly sort, store, and transport all of these materials.
These recycling storage ideas make it easy to work this eco-friendly task into your daily routine with minimal hassle.
Credit: Adam Albright
Thispullout cabinet housesthe trash can as well as containers for recyclable cans and compost.
A small shelf above holds paper bags.
Recyclable Sorting Ideas
Fit all of your recyclables in one cabinet with cleverly shaped containers.
Credit: Emily Followill
Storage for recyclable paper, plastic, and cans is all easily within reach.
Using two hooks ensures stability and helps hold it open as you toss items inside.
Consult your local waste management service’s website for details.
Credit: Joan VanderSchuit
Collect these special items in one container until you have enough to make a special trip.
Matching Recycling Containers
Choose a set of matching bins to sort recyclables in style.
Any basic trash receptacle or office container will work; these lidded step-on cans make it even more convenient.
Credit: Adam Albright
Purchase multiple andadd labelsso you could easily separate metal, paper, plastic, and other items.
Hidden Recycling Containers
Conceal your recycling containers with a stylish storage vessel.
Hunt down an old wicker laundry basket and place a few small garbage cans inside.
Credit: Adam Albright
This large lidded vessel conceals containers for plastics, glass, and paper.
Look for pullout base cabinets that hold a few plastic garbage cans.
Designate one bin for trash and the others for recyclables.
Credit: Adam Albright
Before you begin stacking items, place string or twine for binding in the bottom of the drawer.
That way, you might quickly tie up and carry away the papers.
Simply kick off the door and spin the bins until you reach the correct container.
Credit: Adam Albright
Lift out bins when you’re ready to dispose or recycle items.
Ensure the material is plastic-coated so they’reeasy to wipe clean when needed.
Line up the bags on a deep shelf in your garage or utility room.
Credit: Keller Photography
Drop items directly into the cart or line the compartment with a flat-bottom bag.
Simply tuck it away when not in use.
Protect the baskets with oilcloth liners or treat fabric liners with several coats of spray paint or polyurethane.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
This will help protect the natural fibers from spills and stains.
Stuff used plastic bags in a wall holder.
Dangle reusable fabric shopping totes from hooks.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Finally, fill a wire wall basket with folded paper sacks.
On-the-Go Recycling
Convert a plastic cereal dispenser into a trash receptacle for your car.
Line it with a trash bag and fill with garbage and recyclables while you’re on the road.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
you’re free to sort or dispose of materials when you return home.
DIY Composting Bin
Purchase a countertop compost bin ormake your ownfrom a small, lidded trash bin.
After each meal, transportrefuse to a compost container, where the natural material can decompose.
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Choose casters with ball bearings, which might cost more but roll more smoothly.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Credit: Adam Albright
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Credit: Greg Scheidemann
