Looking for an attractive recycling bin/station

July 4, 2006 12:16 PM

Looking for attractive, cheap recycling bin options. Open the lid, because there's

I'd like to be better about recycling cans, bottles, glass, paper, etc., but I have yet to find any somewhat attractive recycling bins that I wouldn't mind having in my small apartment. I have relatively no money to spend on this project to boot, so I'm asking you guys.

Ideally I'd like something that's three compartments (glass, plastic, aluminum) and possibly a drawer for papers. The footprint would need to be no bigger than, say, 3 kitchen sized trashcans. Something I can put trash bags in to hold the stuff, and easily remove when I'm ready to take the load to the recycling center.

Something prefab or homebrew - doesn't really matter which. I found this at Target - but it seems a like a bit too much. I invision mine being made of sturdy plastic.

What do you guys suggest?

posted by nitsuj to Home & Garden (9 answers total)

Response by poster: P.S. I did find this previously asked question, but was thinking my question was a little different.
posted by nitsuj at 12:17 PM on July 4, 2006

They make bins for sorting clothes that have 3 divisions, with wheels under them, usually mesh or canvas. Could you line the bins with a plastic bag? Maybe find something flattish and kitchen counter-y to sit across the top to hide the contents?
You could roll it out of sight if you got company or if it was in the way. They're fairly inexpensive, and wouldn't look bad in canvas.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 12:30 PM on July 4, 2006

Not *exactly* what you want, but some friends of ours have these things.
posted by Medieval Maven at 1:10 PM on July 4, 2006 [1 favorite]

I have wanted the same thing for a while now. I am constantly walking out to my garage to pile stuff into a couple small containers I have, (sometimes the extra handling and steps required force me to just chuck it in the regular trash--I know, very bad).

Very colorful containers at Sears Catalog Home Center.

Stackable metal bins. I really like these, but I would think one would have to transfer to other containers if you have pick-up recycling as I do.

Stacks and Stacks

Nice containers, but sold in the UK

Very neat, but another UK product Maybe they ship, or maybe you live in the UK?

Good luck!
posted by LoriFLA at 2:57 PM on July 4, 2006

Stacks and stacks link not working. You can do a search if you are inclined. :)
posted by LoriFLA at 2:58 PM on July 4, 2006

There is a much greater selection of attractive regular trash cans than there is for pre-sort ones you're seeking. Buy one normal trashcan for plastic/metal/glass, and a bin for paper. When you get groceries, try to snag some paper bags instead of plastic. Whenever the recycling trashcan gets full, sort everything into the paper bags. As long as you're rinsing your recyclables out beforehand (which you should do anyway) and are careful not to leave jagged edges on your empty cans of kidney beans, the job wont be all that gross. Take 4 bags of recycling to the center, and recycle everything. Better for the environment, better aesthetically, better use of floorspace, and better for your wallet.
posted by enfa at 7:13 PM on July 4, 2006

We used to use one green garbage can (get it?) for glass/plastic and one black one for regular trash at my mom's house. The papers got bundled and carried to the garage immediately. It's not a perfect solution, but it was the best we could come up with in her cramped townhouse kitchen.
posted by wildeepdotorg at 8:13 PM on July 4, 2006

Why not just get four matching trashcans, and label them "Glass," "Plastic," "Aluminum," and "Garbage"? (Or, my favorite, "Waste"?) I'm not aware of any custom-made recycling bins that look decent, but I've found lots of attractive trashcans. And having four of them, coordinated, might make them look a little more stylish. (Or just make you look like you're obsessed with trashcans?)
posted by fogster at 9:28 PM on July 4, 2006

You don't need to spend any money. Just borrow some empty milk crates from behind your local convenience store.
posted by zonkout at 7:38 AM on July 5, 2006