Team KBB

Where should I put my kitchen bin?

Posted on 16th November 2024

Today, we’re literally talking rubbish – well, bins anyway. Where should you put your kitchen bin, should you have more than one, and what option is right for you? We bring you the answers…

The humble kitchen bin is something that is very much overlooked and perhaps not deeply considered when planning your renovation. But effective waste management and recycling solutions can make a lot of difference, greatly enhancing the functionality of the space.

So, to help you find the best spot for your kitchen bin, KBB journo Francesca Seden has asked the experts for advice…

Wood cabinetry with bespoke bin setup near the sink. — In this bespoke set-up by Uncommon Projects, the bin system is from its Core range, located in a handy position by the sink. Cabinetry for a small Core kitchen costs from £12,000. Photography: Jocelyn Low.

So, where should you put your kitchen bin?

Often, the waste bin and recycling bin will be placed side-by-side in an integrated set-up. But how you choose to organise your waste may depend on the waste collection in your local area. For example, if you are encouraged to separate food waste out, to have it composted, or if you compost at home, you could opt for a food waste bin underneath an integrated chopping block, into which you can scrape the scraps, or a caddy.

The way you organise your recycling may also depend on how it needs to be separated.

Housed within a beautiful slatted European oak cabinet, this food waste bin set-up, by bespoke kitchen maker Alexander Lewis, comes complete with an integrated butcher’s block.

Bin under the sink with multiple compartments. — This waste bin solution from Blum utilises TANDEMBOX antaro. While Blum doesn’t supply bins it does supply the runners, which come with a lifetime guarantee, and the drawers. Amanda Hughes, ergonomics and aging solutions at Blum, advises that the bin should extend beyond the point of the countertop, to easily be able to remove it when emptying, and for cleaning efficiently.

The kitchen triangle

Generally speaking, Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company, says that the bin should be somewhere within the kitchen triangle, ideally near the sink or prep area. “A pull-out cabinet near these zones keeps it accessible yet unobtrusive, allowing for quick disposal of waste and packaging as you cook.

“Alternatively, placing it in the island offers a central solution that’s both concealed and easy to reach, preserving a clean, uninterrupted look across your kitchen.”

Blue kitchen cabinetry with pull-out drawers and bins. — Tom Howley recommends tailored internal bin configurations, elegantly hidden within your island or cabinetry. This not only simplifies sorting paper, plastic, and waste but also frees up floor space, removing the need for a freestanding bin that can interrupt the room’s flow. Shown is the Summerville collection.

Under-sink organiser with multiple compartments. — Blanco’s Universal bag XL 40 features a flexible, resistant XL bag, perfect for storing large objects for recycling like glass, paper or cans, featuring stable aluminium handles for comfortable portability making it a practical everyday companion. With a wide opening and full extension sliding function, the bag is practical for everyday use. Priced £198.

Cream cabinetry with black handles and clever storage solutions. — This slim-line bin system set within a Moores Kensington Haze kitchen makes use of space that might otherwise be wasted, and is conveniently located next to the dishwasher, making it easy to scrape plates before putting them in. Integrated bins from Moores cost around £250, including the unit. Photography: @scarlett_at_home.

Multi-compartment bins

Jo Sargeant, sales and marketing director at Franke UK, recommends looking out for models with multiple compartments so that waste can be easily categorised, flush-fitting lids to contain odours, and smooth gliding mechanisms for easy access as well as convenient emptying and cleaning.

Sleek handleless cabinetry with pull-out bin. — Hettich’s AvanTech YOU Pull all-inclusive sets with Quadro YOU feature useful boxes to sort your waste, plus the system can be retrofitted, and if the kitchen has Hettich drawers, you can even colour match the drawer sides.

Under-sink organiser with three bins. — Franke’s waste sorter systems offer a convenient alternative to the conventional waste bin. They are available in a variety of capacities and configurations including the handy Sorter 300-60 Trio, from £388, and fit neatly into 450 and 600mm kitchen base units.

Modern, neutral cabinetry with built-in appliances. — Available in a variety of colours and designed to fit in a wide range of units, built-in systems keep waste and recycling hidden behind closed doors rather than on display – perfect for a cleaner, more hygienic environment. Shown is the Gollinucci pull-out waste bin by Second Nature.

But while many kitchen designers might recommend integrated solutions for a streamlined finish, it may not always be possible due to your kitchen’s layout and cabinet configuration, according to Brabantia’s creative director Twan Verdonck. However, it’s now possible to get some very innovative, stylish and even – dare we say it – beautiful bins.

Alternative solutions

Twan says that the position of your kitchen bin also depends on your kitchen’s layout, size, and intended use, and one advantage of a freestanding option, is that you’re not limited by the cabinetry that can accommodate it. Although some integrated bins can be retrofitted, you ideally need to consider positioning and housing at the design stage of the kitchen, as this will inevitably be the easiest way.

Modern design with freestanding waste solution. — We love the Bo Touch bin by Brabantia, with its sleek legs and stylish design. Shown in Satin Taupe, prices start at £187.

“Typically, placing a bin next to the dishwasher or sink is most convenient for clearing plates of food waste,” Twan says. “Alternatively, if your bin allows for waste separation – for recycling and mixed rubbish, for example – position it somewhere within easy reach, like at the end of an island or in a corner. Opt for a slimline shape, designed to fit against a wall or at the end of your cabinetry, to help keep your floor space clear and clutter-free.”

So, which will it be – integrated or freestanding? Don’t forget to carefully think about the way you use your kitchen before deciding where to place your bin.