Are Recycling Bins Worth Fitting in Your Kitchen?
When you are deciding to renovate your kitchen or if you are just adding a few bits and pieces here and there, recycling perhaps isn’t something that immediately springs to mind.
You will probably spend much more time thinking about what colour scheme you want, where the new fridge is going to go and if you can add in a shelf on the wall or not.
However, recycling is important and there are options available to make storage integrate seamlessly with your kitchen design.
We are going to look at recycling and if recycling bins are worth fitting in your kitchen or not.
Recycling in the UK
Even though we seem to be recycling more these days, the UK is actually on course to miss it’s target of recycling 50% of household rubbish by 2020.
There was 10.3m tonnes of household waste recycling in England in 2016-17 and while this number is certainly bigger than 15-20 years ago, there is still a long way to go.
This is why recycling is so important. Not only is it vital for the environment but some councils impose fines for incorrect recycling. So, when it comes to options for recycling, is it better to have a fitted (built-in) bin or is it better to have a freestanding one that you see in most households?
Advantages of fitted recycling bins
There are two options when it comes to recycling storage in your kitchen. Fitted recycling bins are usually found underneath the sink and can either be just a built in bin or it can slide out for easier access. There are some advantages to having this over a freestanding bin.
Saving vital floor space
For people who have small kitchens or prefer to go for a minimalist look, a fitted recycling bin can really save on your floor space.
In compact kitchens saving space by whatever means necessary is important. Not only will it make the room appear bigger but it’ll give you more space to manoeuvre around too.
Keeping your kitchen tidy
Aside from saving on floor space, keeping your recycling out of the way makes the whole kitchen appear tidier as well.
For anyone that is a bit of a neat freak or just doesn’t like clutter at home, a built in recycling bin option is recommended. There are some downsides in that you will lose some storage space in your cupboards (usually under the sink) which, when you have a small kitchen, it can make a big difference to your storage options. You may also need to install a frame and runner if you don’t have a large drawer and want it to slide out and the bins themselves tends to be smaller that those that just sit in the corner.
What about freestanding recycling bins?
Even with the modern options of built in recycling storage many people still opt for a freestanding bin.
These bins then to be larger so you won’t have to empty it as often. It can suffer from smells which are more noticeable though. In fact, you will need to clean it more often as it is sitting out in the kitchen floor and will be more liable to spills. That being said, a freestanding bin is a cheaper option, is effective if you have a reasonable sized kitchen and aren’t too bothered about how minimalist it looks.
Are Recycling Bins Worth Fitting in Your Kitchen?
It depends on a number of factors.
If you have a small kitchen with limited floor space then a fitted recycling bin can be a great option. We might not think much of it when it is sitting in the corner but when it’s gone the room can seem bigger.
They can be a bit more expensive than a freestanding bin. However if you are still wondering are recycling bins worth fitting in your kitchen then they are certainly worth it not only to give you more room but to remove clutter and keep everything a bit tidier too.
We are proponents of creating ‘green kitchens’ here and recycling is a big part of that. Choose a recycling storage option that suits your kitchen, it’s size and ultimately allows you to recycle efficiently and effectively.