If you’re living in a small kitchen, the question of where to put the trash can is probably at the top of your mind.
It can be tricky to find a spot for trash cans that is both convenient and aesthetically pleasing.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best options for where to put your trash can in a small kitchen. We will also provide tips on how to make the most out of your limited space!
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8 Places to Put Trash Can in Small Kitchens
There are a few different ways that you can put the trash can in your small kitchen.
The best way to find the right option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Under the Sink
This is probably the most common area to put a trash can in a small kitchen. It is convenient because it is close to the sink, and it can be hidden away behind a cabinet door.
However, this option can be cramped and inconvenient if you have a lot of trash to dispose of.
You’ll need to ensure you have enough waste storage space to fit a trash can inside as well as keeping clear of any garbage disposal equipment.
2. In Place of a Cabinet
If you don’t have a lot of kitchen cabinet space, you can put the trash can in its place.
This will free up some valuable storage space and make it easy to access when you need to throw away the garbage.
It also keeps your trash cans out of sight, which can make your small kitchen feel more open and clean.
3. In a Corner
Corners are often under-utilized spaces in kitchens. So it can be a great place to put the trash can.
You can install or add garbage cans in a corner cabinet or an open corner area, depending on your layout and available floor space.
This is a good option if you want to keep the trash can out of sight, but it can be difficult to access if you have a lot of garbage to dispose of.
4. Buy a Tilt-Out Trash Cabinet
If you want to have a trash can that is both hidden and easy to access, you can buy a tilt-out trash cabinet.
This is a cabinet that has a door on the front that swings out, revealing the inside of the cabinet where the trash can is stored.
This is a good option if you need additional counter space since it is a free-standing cabinet.
5. Add a Counter Top Trash Chute
If you want to keep your trash can hidden, but also need easy access to it, you can add a countertop trash chute.
This is a small opening near the sink that leads to the trash can below.
This is a good option if you have limited kitchen space since the trash chute takes up very little room.
6. Get a Garbage Shed
For those who like a clean but rustic aesthetic, a garbage shed can be a great option for where to put the trash can.
This is an outdoor shed that is specifically designed for trash can storage. It is made from wood or vinyl and can be painted to match your home’s exterior.
This is a good option if you have a lot of outdoor space and want to keep your trash cans out of sight.
7. Use Small Trash Cans
If you don’t want to make a major purchase or install a new cabinet, you can use small trash cans.
This is a great option if you only have a limited amount of space to work with.
You can find small trash cans in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit in the space that you have available.
Place your small trash bin in an easily accessible place, like under the sink or in a cabinet or corner.
This will make it easy to dispose of food scraps and other garbage. You can also try using a compost bin to reduce the amount of waste that you produce.
8. Use a Kitchen Island
Kitchen Islands are great ways to add more space to kitchens that are lacking counter or storage space.
But you can also get an island that has built-in trash storage as well. This is a great solution if you want to keep your trash cans hidden, but it can be a bit expensive.
9. Get a Rolling Trash Bin
If you want to have a trash can that you can move around your kitchen as needed, you can get a rolling trash bin.
This is a bin that has wheels on the bottom so that you can easily move it from one spot to another.
This is a good option if you like to keep your kitchen organized and want to be able to move the trash can out of the way when you are not using it.
10. In The Laundry Room
If you have a laundry room just off your kitchen, this can be a good place to store your waste bins.
Often laundry areas are under-utilized but they can be used for trash can storage so long as it’s easy to access your laundry room from the kitchen.
Be sure to leave a window cracked or use other ventilation if you are using the laundry room for trash storage, as smells can quickly build up.
Where Should I Put My Trash Can Cabinet?
When deciding where to put your trash can cabinet, you will need to consider a few factors.
First, you need to think about how much space you have available.
If you don’t have a lot of space on the floor, you will want to put your trash bin cabinet somewhere where it won’t be a big deal when the door swings open.
For example, make sure your trash can cabinet doesn’t bump into the fridge door or the oven door when one or both of them are open.
Second, you need to decide if you want the trash cabinet to be built into your existing kitchen cabinets or if you want a stand-alone cabinet.
If you have a lot of extra space in your kitchen, a stand-alone trash can cabinet might be a good option.
But if you are short on space, you might want to consider using an existing cabinet and adding a door to the front that will act as the trash cabinet.
Third, you need to decide what type of trash cabinet you want.
There are a few different types of trash cabinets, including tilt-out, countertop chute, garbage shed, and small trash cans that can be mounted.
You need to decide which one will work best for your needs.
Next, the budget is an important consideration.
The larger of a budget that you have, the more options you will have when it comes to choosing a trash can cabinet. But don’t worry, there are many affordable options available as well.
Then, you will need to think about the aesthetic of your kitchen and find a trash cabinet that will match it.
If you have a modern kitchen, you might want to go with a sleek stainless steel trash cabinet.
But if you have a more traditional kitchen, you might want to go with a wooden cabinet.
Finally, you need to think of what works best for functionality. Do you want your trash cabinet nearby when you’re washing dishes?
Or is it more helpful for you to have it in a different part of the kitchen so you don’t have to walk as far?
Do you want a trash cabinet that opens automatically or do you prefer to have one that you have to open by hand?
Now that you’ve considered these important factors, you can start thinking about where to put your trash cabinet.
Are Pull-Out Trash Cans Worth It?
There are a few pros and cons to using a pull-out trash can in your kitchen.
First, the pros. Pull-out trash cans are a great way to hide your trash can from view.
This is especially helpful if you have a small kitchen or if you don’t want your trash can to be the focal point of your kitchen.
They discourage dogs and small children from getting near the trash, and can even help to eliminate odors due to the tight seal of the cabinet.
They are excellent for narrow spaces as they can truly be made to fit the space you have available.
Now for the cons. The biggest con to using pull-out trash cans is that they can be expensive.
If you are looking for a high-quality pull-out cabinet bin, expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
They can also be difficult to install on the cabinet door, so you may need to hire a professional if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.
You can also look for a DIY option, but be aware that these can be tricky to get right if you don’t have any previous carpentry skills.
You need to ensure you keep the sliding mechanism clean as it may start to malfunction if rusted.
What Is a Good Size Kitchen Bin?
When it comes to finding a good kitchen trash can, you need to consider how much trash your family produces on a daily basis.
If you have a large family or if you cook a lot, you will want to find a trash can that has a larger capacity.
Conversely, if you have a small family or don’t cook very often, you can get away with a bin that has a smaller capacity.
You may need a bigger bin for trash than recycling, or vice versa.
Take some time to consider which type of waste is produced more in your household and find a bin that is the right size for that type of waste.
A 12 to 13-gallon garbage can is a great size for a smaller kitchen.
This will allow you to fit a week’s worth of trash without having to constantly empty it.
A slightly smaller trash bin will also require you to take out the garbage more frequently, which can help reduce the amount of time that the garbage accumulates in your kitchen (and therefore its smell).
How to Keep My Kitchen Trash From Smelling
In smaller spaces, it’s easy for odors to quickly accumulate and take over the room.
This happens in a kitchen more than any other room since it’s where all the food is. Here are a few tips for keeping your kitchen trash from smelling:
Use a Garbage Can With a Lid
This will help to keep odors inside the can and prevent them from spreading throughout the room.
It also keeps small children and animals away from the trash.
Empty Your Trash Regularly
If you wait until the trash can is full to empty it, the smell will be much stronger than if you emptied it every few days.
Try to empty your trash can at least twice a month.
If you’re throwing away anything with a fairly strong smell, you may want to skip putting it in your kitchen trash altogether.
Transfer it to a smaller bag and take it directly outside.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great way to absorb odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
You can put a small container of baking soda in your trash can or sprinkle it on the bottom of the bin before putting in the garbage.
You can also wash your garbage can with baking soda by creating a paste of baking soda and water and using a sponge to clean it.
Use a Filter
If you don’t want to have to worry about odors at all, consider using a garbage can with a filter.
These cans come with a carbon filter that helps to trap smells and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
You will need to replace the filter every few months, but this is a small price to pay for a smell-free kitchen.
Keep Your Trash Out of the Sun
Garbage plus heat equals yucky smells.
This is because heat and light can accelerate the decomposition process of organic materials, leading to a stronger smell.
Try to keep your trash can in a shady spot or out of direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know some of the best locations for a garbage can in a small kitchen, it’s time to decide which option works best for you.
Do you want your garbage out of sight? Are you looking for an easy installation?
Or do you need a garbage can that doesn’t smell? Consider your needs and preferences when making your decision.
Remember that it’s important to empty your trash can regularly, regardless of where you put it, in order to keep the smell at bay.
By following these tips, you can keep your small kitchen smelling fresh and looking clean.
