Kitchen Buying Guide

Kitchen Bins Buying Guide

Whether you want to up your recycling game or ensure rubbish is tucked out of sight, this kitchen bins buying guide will help you choose the right waste storage for your home. It covers everything from easy-clean designs and space-saving sizes, to on-trend colours for a chic look. We have also included planning considerations, such as installation and layout placement, so you can pick a style that will minimise mess and maximise style in any interior.

Recycling

Recycling has become an essential household chore, which means recycling bins have risen in popularity to make this task easy. They have multiple compartments that make it simple to separate various waste materials, such as glass, plastic, and cardboard. Some models also include lids to prevent rubbish from falling out into the back of the cupboard, making it easy to keep the inside clean and hygienic.

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Waste

Designed to store general household rubbish, such as leftover food and unrecyclable packaging, waste bins are one of the most common types of bins available. This style tends to have one compartment for waste, which makes it a good solution for those who are not required to sort their items before recycling. The single bucket design also means it can store bulkier items with ease, reducing frequent trips to your wheelie bin.

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Door mounted

Fitted on a hinge inside a cupboard, door-mounted bins swing out when a door-front is open, making them easy to access. Thanks to their small size, they ensure there is enough room inside a unit for other items, making them a space-saving choice in compact layouts. This design also keeps rubbish compartments close to hand, which helps when spaces needs to be cleared away in a hurry.

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Integrated

Also known as built-in bins, integrated models are installed behind a door-front to create an uninterrupted design – great for minimal interiors. They offer an easy way to ensure unsightly waste is hidden from view and will keep a room looking clean and clutter-free. As it is fitted within a cupboard, it saves on floor space and is best suited to layouts that have limited areas for freestanding versions.

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Pull-out

Once fixed onto runners inside a base unit, pull-out waste storage can slide right out of a cupboard, making it easier to reach compartments at the back. With less need to bend or stretch to dispose of items, this style is a practical choice that improves accessibility at all stages of life. As extra room is needed for the bin to be pulled out, this type of rubbish storage is good for those with bigger layouts.

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What are the different sizes?

Small

Providing up to 30 litres of waste storage, small bins are a great choice for couples or those living solo. Their compact size fills up quickly, making them best suited for those that like to clear out rubbish daily. Thanks to their streamlined shape, they can fit into areas with limited floor space, like boot rooms and utilities, so the whole home can be kept clean with minimum effort.

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Door Mounted Mixed Recycling Grey Waste Bin

Medium

With 30 to 60 litres of waste space and multi-compartment designs, medium-sized bins are a good option for small families and can fit into most layouts. Offering ample room for all types of mess, these models can easily hold a week’s worth of rubbish, which helps to reduce the number of times they need emptying – great for busy homes looking to cut down on daily chores.

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Large

Providing up to 90 litres of rubbish storage, larger models are a great choice for bigger households or those with spacious schemes. They have at least two compartments to help sort waste, and are a bulkier size than other designs, catering for family homes. This means they require a dedicated unit for installation, making them suitable for roomier layouts.

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What compartment options are there?

Single

Offering one container for waste storage, single bins are best used for general household rubbish, as this requires minimal sorting. They have a compact size compared to other designs, making them a practical choice for tight spaces and smaller households. They can only hold a few items at a time, making them lighter to lift and good for multi-generational homes.

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Double

Double container bins have two areas to store rubbish, making them good for separating general waste from recyclable items. Requiring the space of a whole unit, these models are an ergonomic choice for larger layouts. Their bigger size means they can hold more items and get quite heavy, so they are best placed near doorways and closer to waste areas outside.

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Pull Out 3 x 10 Ltr Recycling Anthracite Waste Bin

Triple

Featuring three separate buckets, triple container bins are great for collecting household waste, recyclable packaging, and food scraps, making them a versatile option for any home. Able to store multiple types of rubbish in one unit, they are great for saving room and money on multiple models, making them an affordable option for those with tight spaces and budgets.

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What to consider when planning a bin?

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Location

As well as making a layout ergonomic, installing your bin in the correct location will ensure your space is simple to keep clean. Fitting your waste storage next to cooking areas is a good idea, as food scraps can be quickly disposed of during meal prep. You can also position rubbish near exit points, so there is less need to carry heavy refuge bags over long distances.

Space

Before finalising your waste storage, it is important to make sure your cupboards are big enough to accommodate your chosen model. Our selection of bins come in various widths, from ultra-slim to standard sizes, to ensure you can find the best fit for your layout. The right bin size will maximise the space within a unit and hold more rubbish, so you can go longer between bin collections.

Materials

Bins need to stand up to daily mess and wear and tear, so it important to choose materials that will provide long-lasting use. Plastic containers are durable, budget-friendly and have a non-porous surface that makes it harder for germs to grow. Meanwhile, stainless-steel bins are strong, sturdy, and even fire-resistant, making them a safe option for any home.

Cleaning

Without regular cleaning, bins can quickly become home to dirt, germs, and unpleasant smells. Frequently washing or wiping down compartments with hot water and soap will help keep grime at bay. Our cabinetry comes with an anti-bacterial coating that reduces bacteria growth over a 24 hour period, making them an easy way to maintain a hygienic area.