Let’s be real—trash cans are kinda the worst. You need one, obviously, but that don’t mean you wanna look at it all day. If you feel like you got no space for a bin in your kitchen, don’t worry, I been there. The good news? There’s plenty of ways to hide it without making your kitchen annoying to use.
Honestly, I used to just shove my trash can in a corner and pretend it wasn’t ugly, but that didn’t exactly work. Every time I walked in the kitchen, boom—there it was, messing up the whole vibe. So, I went on a mission to figure out where to put a trash can in the kitchen without it being in the way or looking out of place. Turns out, there’s a bunch of easy solutions. Let’s talk about ‘em.
Pull Out Trash Cans
One of the best ways to tuck away your trash can is by installing a pull-out system inside a cabinet. This way, it stays hidden when you don’t need it, but it’s easy to slide out when you do. You can install it under the sink, in a lower cabinet, or even inside a kitchen island. If you don’t have built-in cabinets for this, a repurposed cabinet works just as well—just paint it to match your kitchen, and no one will know it’s secretly your trash can storage.
Using small trash cans lets your cabinet fit an extra drawer, maximizing storage. Opt for soft-close drawers for quiet and smooth operation.
Pull-out trash cans make sorting waste simple and efficient. Label each bin for clear organization. (burlanes interiors).
A large pull-out drawer with a garbage bin provides ample space for waste. Make a sturdy one to support lots of weight.
Pull out trash bins and a pull out cutting board could be combined in a single cabinet. What can be more practical? (Design by Amazing Spaces) (via www.houzz.com).
One more clever combination in a single cabinet. This design keeps utensils easily accessible while hiding the trash cans below. (Design by Eileen Kollias Design) (via www.houzz.com).
A large pull-out drawer with two trash bins is perfect for managing waste and recycling. Ensure the drawer slides smoothly for effortless use.
A trash can pull-out with an auto-opening lid offers hands-free convenience. This feature keeps your kitchen hygienic. Ideal for quick and easy waste disposal. (Rockwood Cabinetry).
A craftsman kitchen can hide trash cans in smartly designed cabinets. This keeps the kitchen looking neat.
Combine trash can storage with an additional drawer for garbage bags. This setup keeps essentials within reach. Use the drawer for cleaning supplies too. (Normandy Remodeling).
Hide trash cans in a country-style kitchen to maintain a clean look. This approach blends functionality with aesthetics. (Millen's Woodworking).
A soft-close trash can pull-out allows separating food compost from regular trash. (Danzo Group Custom Cabinets & Woodworking).
A minimalist IKEA kitchen benefits from a large drawer with separate trash bins inside. This setup keeps the design clean and organized. Choose bins that fit perfectly for usage comfort.
Install a pull-out drawer with a trash can in the kitchen island for easy access while cooking. Choose bin's color that complements your island's style.
Use a pull-out drawer with four separate trash cans to efficiently sort recyclables and waste. Incorporate dividers to keep each bin securely in place. It's quite practical solution for kitchen garbage.
Design cabinets with built-in holders for garbage bags near trash bins. Use retractable bag holders for a neat and compact storage solution.
Place a family-sized trash can in a pull-out cabinet to accommodate high waste volume. Install an odor-absorbing filter to maintain a fresh smell on a kitchen. (Kevin Martin).
A pull out drawer with trash cans is a comfy solution that works for any kitchen.
Combine rustic charm and industrial style with a cabinet featuring a pull-out trash can and an industrial facade.. Use reclaimed wood for an authentic rustic look.
Install pull-out separate trash cans under the sink to sort waste easily. This is a clever upgrade of an obvious place where people usually put garbage cans.
Pull out trash cans in the sink cabinet won't take much space and will be hidden to to spoil the style.
Two large trash cans hidden in one of the kitchen cabinets is a timeless way to hide the eye sore.
Utilize a corner cabinet for smart trash can storage to maximize space. Perfect for optimizing kitchen layout. (Jackson Design & Remodeling).
An alternative way to design pull-out trash cans.
Choose bins that fit perfectly to maximize drawer space. Sometimes you could fit four of them in one cabinet. It's a great way to hide all those recycling bins in the kitchen.
Modify a single drawer slides to hold two trash bins.
Tilt Out Trash Cans
A tilt-out trash can is another smart solution for those wondering where to put a trash can in the kitchen without making it the centerpiece. These work great as standalone cabinets or as part of a kitchen island. You can even DIY one using an old dresser or nightstand—just add a tilt-out panel, and you’ve got a hidden bin that blends in perfectly with your decor.
A small tilt out drawer with a trash can inside is ideal for many ktichens.
Create a custom tilt-out trash can for a unique and functional kitchen solution.
A tiny kitchen island with a tilt out trash can inside.
Tilt out rustic cabinet with a trash can hidden inside.
A simple white tilt out cabinet for hidhing your trash can inside.
Vintage-inspired white cabinet with a rustic top and a tilt out trash can.
Any traditional kitchen cabient can hide a bin.
Rustic weathered wood add charm to the space.
Other Space-Saving Trash Can Ideas
Here are some more clever kitchen trash can ideas that might help you to save your sanity:
- Sneak It Into a Narrow Space: You know that tiny gap between your fridge and the wall? Or that awkward sliver of space next to the oven? Turns out, a slim trash can can fit right in there, keeping it outta the way but still super easy to reach.
- Disguise It as a Wicker Basket: This is one of my favorite tricks! A large lidded basket instantly hides the trash while adding a cozy, farmhouse feel to the kitchen. No one’s ever gonna guess what’s inside (unless they hear you tossing something).
- Make Your Kitchen Island Do Double Duty: If you got an island, think about sneaking a hidden bin inside. You can even cut a little hole in the countertop so you just sweep scraps straight in—honestly, it’s a game changer.
- Go for a Rotating Bin: If you’re big on recycling, a rotating trash system makes life way easier. It keeps multiple bins organized without making your kitchen look like a garbage sorting station.
- Mount It to a Cabinet Door: When I had a tiny kitchen, I installed a small trash bin inside a cabinet door. It kept things tidy and gave me back some much-needed floor space. Highly recommend if you’re short on room!
- Slide It Under a Shelf: Got an open lower shelf or extra space under a kitchen cart? Tuck a small trash can underneath and call it a day. You can even add a curtain or sliding panel to hide it when not in use. Super handy and out of sight.
So yeah, even if you feel like your kitchen has zero space for a trash can, there’s always a clever workaround. Got your own creative solution? I’d love to hear it!
Integrate a trash can into a countertop with a cutting board for a practical kitchen solution. This design allows for easy disposal of food scraps while preparing meals.
A rotating trash can allows to accomodate more trash cans and comfortable using.
A rustic cabinet with two tash cans inside will hide them in a neat way.
Place a small, stylish trash unit on wheels between the fridge. This discreet placement keeps the trash can out of sight while maintaining easy access.
A stylish food recycler can be a nice idea for food trash.
A trash can inside the kitchen island with a stylish hole for putting trash there.
Corner cabinets are perfect for hiding dustbins. Use a pull-out or rotating mechanism for convenient access.
Put the trash inside your kitchen island and then take it out when you can.
Simply drop your bin into a wicker hamper for a vessel that adds a bit more style in your kitchen.
Such cute separate trash boxes needn't hiding, they look cute anyway.
Finding where to put a trash can in the kitchen can be a challenge, but there’s always a way to make it work. Whether it’s hidden inside a cabinet, tucked into a narrow gap, or disguised as part of your decor, your trash can doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Do you have a creative way to hide yours? Let me know—I love discovering new space-saving hacks!