Place the kitchen garbage can near the sink and dishwasher for easy waste disposal.
Consider under-the-counter or built-in cabinet options to keep it out of sight and maintain the kitchen's look.
Alternatively, position it next to major appliances or in a central island for better access.
Choose a location that supports the kitchen's flow and design.
Assessing Kitchen Layout
Assessing your kitchen's layout is essential for determining the best location for your garbage can. The kitchen's shape influences the workflow and accessibility. An efficient layout improves meal prep and cleanup efficiency.
Place your trash can close to the sink and dishwasher for easy waste disposal. If your sink is central, consider placing the trash can within the island or a nearby cabinet.
Using kitchen cabinets for trash storage, such as a pull-out drawer, keeps it out of sight and easily accessible, which is useful for maintaining a clean look and functionality.
For smaller kitchens, placing the garbage can in a corner or unused space saves floor space and keeps it within reach. The goal is to find a balance between accessibility, aesthetics, and practicality when choosing a location for your trash can.
Near the Sink Area
Placing the garbage can near the sink area improves waste management during cooking and cleaning. It allows for quick disposal of food scraps and waste, which helps maintain the workflow in the kitchen. The location of the garbage can is also key to preserving the kitchen triangle's functionality, which is the layout that optimizes the space between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
A pull-out trash cabinet under or next to the sink provides easy waste disposal without needing to walk across the kitchen. This is useful when clearing plates before putting them in the dishwasher, which is often located near the sink. A waste pullout beside the sink cabinet can save space and blend with the kitchen design.
Experts Lucy Searle and Alessia Lamonaca highlight the benefits of a hidden trash bin under the sink, such as saving space and reducing smells, leading to a cleaner kitchen. Zara Stacey's advice to place the trash can in a nook near the sink helps maintain accessibility in challenging kitchen layouts.
Under the Counter
Homeowners should consider placing their garbage can under the counter to improve kitchen functionality and appearance. A pull-out trash system within a cabinet hides waste, making the space cleaner and more organized. It is often placed under the counter near the sink for easy access during food preparation and cleaning.
Storing the trash under the counter uses space effectively and keeps the kitchen layout efficient. It also reduces the chance of spills by decreasing the distance to the trash can. A lidded trash can helps control odors and keeps pests away, maintaining kitchen hygiene.
Industry expert Alessia Lamonaca supports this placement for its contribution to kitchen organization. This is especially useful in small kitchens to preserve space and prevent clutter. Integrating the trash can into cabinetry helps maintain a tidy kitchen design, keeping waste out of sight until disposal. This placement is beneficial for those wanting a practical and well-designed kitchen.
Inside Cabinetry
Integrating a garbage can into kitchen cabinetry saves space and hides waste containers, improving the room's appearance. Positioning the trash cabinet near the sink and dishwasher makes disposing of waste during food preparation and cleanup more efficient, resulting in a cleaner work area.
Pull-out trash systems are commonly used to conceal garbage bins. These can be added to existing cabinets, often featuring a side for waste and another for recycling, which saves space and encourages recycling. The drawers glide smoothly for easy access.
Placing the trash under the kitchen sink is advised to contain odors and spills, providing an area that is easy to clean and also allows for storage of cleaning supplies.
A tilt-out cabinet offers a discreet disposal option that saves counter space and maintains a tidy kitchen.
Hiding the trash can within cabinetry prevents it from becoming a visual centerpiece, balancing functionality and design to cater to waste and recycling needs without drawing attention.
Beside Major Appliances
When placing a garbage can near major appliances like a refrigerator or oven, consider kitchen workflow and space. In small kitchens, it's important to use space efficiently and avoid placing trash bins where they could block appliance doors or drawers. A garbage can located near the kitchen island could be practical without disrupting access to appliances.
Placing the garbage can near a refrigerator is convenient for throwing away packaging, but make sure it doesn't prevent the doors from opening fully. Additionally, keep in mind that heat from appliances like ovens can cause odors if waste is too close.
Kitchen designers often suggest built-in waste pullouts next to major appliances. These solutions hide the garbage can, control odors, and maintain a clean kitchen appearance. They also keep the trash within reach of the sink and dishwasher, supporting an efficient kitchen workflow.
Corner Placement
Placing a garbage can in a kitchen corner can effectively use space that might otherwise be wasted, while also keeping the area clear for cooking and other activities. This location helps conceal the trash bin, contributing to a cleaner and more appealing kitchen environment. A corner cabinet with a built-in waste pullout can add convenience, allowing easy access to the trash without disrupting the kitchen's main workflow. It is essential that this pullout mechanism works smoothly and that there is enough space for the bin to be fully opened.
In smaller kitchens, using a corner with a tilt-out cabinet for the trash can be a smart way to utilize limited space and the often-neglected corner areas. This setup can also offer extra storage for items like trash bags and deodorizers. A corner trash bin placement strikes a balance between accessibility and discreetness, but the kitchen's shape and layout must be considered to ensure that the bin placement does not obstruct movement in the room.
Central Island Solutions
A kitchen island with a built-in garbage can provides a hidden and convenient way to dispose of trash. It uses the space inside the island to store bins, keeping waste out of sight. A common feature is a pullout trash compartment on the side closest to the sink, allowing easy disposal of waste directly from the countertop. This setup often includes separate bins for trash and recycling.
The design saves space, as it eliminates the need for additional trash cans in other areas of the kitchen. With the garbage can located in the center of the kitchen, it's easily accessible from all work areas. This central waste system helps maintain a clean kitchen and promotes recycling.
Freestanding Options
Freestanding garbage cans offer flexibility in kitchen organization, especially in small spaces. These cans can be easily relocated as needed. Options include basic bins and more stylish trash cans that match the kitchen's design.
It is recommended to place freestanding trash cans near the sink and dishwasher for convenient disposal during meal preparation and cleaning. This placement helps prevent spillage across the floor.
For concealment, trash cans can be placed under the kitchen sink, which also helps contain odors. If space is limited, tilt-out cabinet trash cans provide an alternative that saves space and keeps the can hidden.
Kitchen design expert Jackie Schagen advises considering a pull-out drawer for trash in the clean-up area to maintain a tidy kitchen while keeping waste disposal within reach.
If concealing the trash can is not possible, placing it in a discreet area of the kitchen can keep it accessible without disrupting the layout and functionality of the space.
