18 Recycling Storage Ideas That Make Going Green Easier Than Ever

Stash your recyclables in the kitchen until you're ready to deposit them in the bin or transport them to your local recycling center. This pullout cabinet houses the trash can as well as containers for recyclable cans and compost. A small shelf above holds paper bags.

Fit all of your recyclables in one cabinet with cleverly shaped containers. Instead of a single rectangular bin, this pullout is outfitted with three triangular ones that fit into the same amount of space. Storage for recyclable paper, plastic, and cans is all easily within reach.

If you have space in a garage, utility room, or mudroom, set up one station to sort and gather all items that can be recycled, reused, or returned. Combine stackable containers and label each container with the intended item so everyone in your family can sort as they go. Cover the walls with pegboard to make hanging and repositioning bags and wall-mount collectors easy.

Taking cans and bottles to your return center is less of a hassle when you dedicate a bag or other container to the job. Hang the bag from a pair of hooks and add a label so everyone knows what items can be returned for a deposit. Using two hooks ensures stability and helps hold it open as you toss items inside.

Find out how to properly dispose of paint, batteries, light bulbs, electronics, strong chemicals, and aerosol containers in your area. Consult your local waste management service's website for details. Collect these special items in one container until you have enough to make a special trip.

Choose a set of matching bins to sort recyclables in style. Any basic trash receptacle or office container will work; these lidded step-on cans make it even more convenient. Purchase multiple and add labels so you can easily separate metal, paper, plastic, and other items.

If you're responsible for transporting your recyclables to a center, rely on stackable plastic bins. Label each with stickers or a permanent marker and fill with items until recycling day. Be sure to choose containers with adequate lips to prevent contents from spilling out, as well as ones that are small enough to comfortably lift when full.

Conceal your recycling containers with a stylish storage vessel. Hunt down an old wicker laundry basket and place a few small garbage cans inside. This large lidded vessel conceals containers for plastics, glass, and paper.

Many lines of semicustom cabinets are now available with options and upgrades that make recycling easier. Look for pullout base cabinets that hold a few plastic garbage cans. Designate one bin for trash and the others for recyclables.

Supplement a trash-bin pullout in your kitchen by gathering newspapers, cardboard, and other flat paper items in a low, unused drawer. Before you begin stacking items, place string or twine for binding in the bottom of the drawer. That way, you can quickly tie up and carry away the papers.

Corner cabinets offer lots of space, but they're often difficult to access and smaller items can get lost in the recesses of the cabinet. Make the most of this space by installing a lazy Susan on the bottom of the cabinet and placing recycling bins on top of it. Simply open the door and spin the bins until you reach the correct container. Lift out bins when you're ready to dispose or recycle items.

Use matching reusable shopping bags with flat bottoms and sturdy handles to sort, store, and transport recycling items. Ensure the material is plastic-coated so they're easy to wipe clean when needed. Line up the bags on a deep shelf in your garage or utility room.

An inexpensive wire rolling cart (originally designed to corral office supplies and file folders) scoots into the space under a workbench, desk, or staircase. Drop items directly into the cart or line the compartment with a flat-bottom bag. Simply tuck it away when not in use.

Use matching baskets to sort recyclables in the low open area underneath a bench or built-in. Protect the baskets with oilcloth liners or treat fabric liners with several coats of spray paint or polyurethane. This will help protect the natural fibers from spills and stains.

If your home is overflowing with bags, set up a three-part storage system by the door to your mudroom or garage. Stuff used plastic bags in a wall holder ($20, Bed Bath & Beyond). Dangle reusable fabric shopping totes from hooks. Finally, fill a wire wall basket with folded paper sacks.

Convert a plastic cereal dispenser ($24, Target) into a trash receptacle for your car. Line it with a trash bag and fill with garbage and recyclables while you're on the road. You can sort or dispose of materials when you return home.

Purchase a countertop compost bin ($30, Target) or make your own from a small, lidded trash bin. After each meal, transport refuse to a large outdoor container, where the natural material can decompose. With a little practice and planning, you can make free, nutrient-rich material to spread on your plants and throughout your garden.

Make any container easier to maneuver to the car or curb by outfitting it with rollers or casters. Choose casters with ball bearings, which might cost more but roll more smoothly. Always install at least four casters to any container, and consider including two locking casters if you're worried your container might roll away.