Since recycling is one of the easiest and best ways we can be kinder to our planet, many of us are already onboard. But so often it seems like a hassle with all the different recycling cans taking up a lot of space or making your kitchen seem dirtier or messier. Here are some clever hacks to make recycling a whole lot easier as well as being more attractive.
Making Recycling Easier And Cleaner
Everything in One Place
If you have more space and you have a garage or a utility room you can set up a designated corner for all materials that can be recycled, reused, or returned. Combine some stackable containers, and label each container for its intended use, so that every family member can sort as they go. Alternatively, cover the walls with a pegboard (and sturdy pegs, or two for each bag) so that you can hang labeled bags instead. This is particularly good for bottles or deposit items, so you can just take the bag with you when you return the items for deposit. You can also cover the floors with tiles which are easy to lift separately to clean.
Hazardous Materials
Find out how to properly dispose of hazardous materials in your local area, such as light bulbs, batteries, electronics, aerosol containers, strong chemicals or paint cans. Check out your local waste management service’s website for this information, and set these items aside in a separate container until you have enough to make a trip.
Matching Containers
Find a basic trash container and buy at least three and label them accordingly, leaving you to recycle in style.
Matching Containers
Hide It
Another option for stylish recycling is to get a large old wicker laundry basket and place a few garbage cans inside, each one designated for a different material (plastics, glass, paper, etc.), and voila, all trash is concealed!
For Smaller Spaces
If you have less space to play around with, there are a number of kitchen cabinets which are ideal for making the most out of the available space, as well as hacks for using those otherwise mostly under used corner cabinets. If you have a corner cabinet you can place a turntable (otherwise known as a rotating tray, or a Lazy Susan) on the bottom of the cabinet, then place recycling cans on top of it, so that all you have to do is open the door and spin the bins until you reach the container you are looking for. Another option here is looking for pullout base cabinets that can hold a number of garbage cans.
Drawers for Paper
Instead of getting an entire trash can just for paper, try supplementing it by gathering all your paper waste in a low, unused kitchen drawer. You can also put some string or twine in the bottom of the drawer so that when you have a full stack you can quickly tie them all up, making the carrying and transporting part a lot easier and cleaner.
