As much as we love recycling, we don’t always love the way our recycling bins look. Sure, that blue hue is pretty—but it’s pretty bold and can up a lot of space.

If you’re not sure how to successfully hide your recycling bin so you can easily access it without it being the focus of your home, you’ve come to the right place. You can still recycle your plastic bottles and paper waste while maintaining your personal style.

Here are some ideas on how to hide your recycling bin like a pro.

How to Hide Your Recycling Bin: 6 Methods to Try

1. In a Cabinet

If you keep your recycling bin in the kitchen, you can hide it in a cabinet. An easy way to do this is to find a smaller bin that will fit under the counter. But another way is to install a pull-out drawer right in the cabinet. That way, all you have to do is pull out the drawer and recycle!

You can purchase pull-out containers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart. This is also a great option for anyone living in a smaller space like an apartment or a tiny home.

2. In a Garden Shed

If your recycling bin is outside—whether it’s on the side of your home or in the backyard—it may not be the best view. To give your garden a fresh look, utilize a shed for all-things recycling.

Don’t worry—your shed doesn’t have to take up space. You can find a miniature gardening shed or even a small outdoor storage bin. A children’s outdoor toy bin can even work for this.

3. DIY Recycle Bin Cover

Another way to hide your outdoor recycle bins is to build your own bin cover. This DIY project definitely requires some handiwork and tools, but the end product is worth it.

No one will be able to spot the recycling bin hiding on the other side of this cover. You can even use upcycled materials you may already have to assemble it.

4. Use a Hamper

Trash bins aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing accessory in our homes. But hampers may add a little more flair. You can hide your recycling in a hamper—yes, a laundry hamper—to give your home a cleaner, more organized appearance.

You can use any hamper, including the one you may already own. However, if you choose to buy new, check thrift stores or find one made from sustainable materials, like recycled wood or bamboo.

5. DIY Tilt-Out Recycle Bin

Similar to a pull-out recycle bin, this recycle bin holder encloses the waste and hides the clutter. When you need to access it, pull open the door and the bin tilts out.

If this is something that interests you, you can build your own. This DIY uses an old wall cabinet and hinges. And you can even use it as an accent table, topped with a houseplant. No one will know what’s hiding inside!

6. Hide Behind Trees or Shrubs

A great way to hide your recycling bins is to hide them behind large plants or bushes. If you have a yard or garden space, plant fast-growing shrubs or bushes and position the bins behind the plants.

Arborvitae trees work best, but you can also use euonymus plants or junipers. The tall bushes or shrubs create an eco-friendly fence that releases oxygen and purifies the air. And it keeps your recycling bins out of sight!

Recycling, Sustainable Living