While your kitchen likely has enough space for the essentials — a range, a sink, a microwave, and cabinets — there may not be an ideal spot for a trash can. This means you’ll have to put your trash can in plain view. And this can be an eyesore, especially since kitchens are often a place for central gathering. After all, no one wants to look at an unattractive trash receptacle while cooking, paying bills, or chatting at the breakfast bar.
But throwing away your garbage doesn’t have to happen in plain sight. Consider a concealed trash can that blends in seamlessly with your kitchen decor.
How to Create Concealed Trash Can Storage
You can hide your trash using a custom cabinet or enclosure to keep your garbage bin out of sight. It’s easy to adapt this DIY project as needed to best fit your trash can’s dimensions and match your existing cabinetry.
Get the Materials
To conceal your trash can, you’ll need:
- Plywood or boards for the cabinet box
- Cabinet door material (plywood, MDF, etc.)
- Hinges
- Hardware for doors/drawers
- Paint/stain to match kitchen cabinets
- Full-extension drawer slides if incorporating drawers (optional)
- Soft-close hinges for smooth, quiet operation (optional)
Steps to Build the Trash Can Enclosure
Building your custom trash can space involves just six primary steps. Follow this process to create an enclosure that fits your trash can perfectly:
- Cut plywood pieces to size for the top, sides, back, and base.
- Attach pieces with wood glue and nails/screws to assemble the box. Make sure the corners are square.
- Add a bottom panel and optional drawer slides (if including drawers).
- Build cabinet door frames and assemble doors, allowing gaps for ventilation.
- Sand pieces, apply wood filler where needed, prime, and paint/stain to match the kitchen.
- Install hinges and hardware, then hang doors.
- Finally, slide the completed cabinet into position in your kitchen.
Design Considerations For Concealing Your Trash Can
There are a few key factors to consider when designing your hidden trash can enclosure:
Measure your trash receptacle and build the enclosure precisely to its size. Leave a small gap (one or two inches) for easy removal.
Think about what features you want in your trash can receptacle. Will you have a single or double door? Drawers for separating recyclables? Soft-close hinges?
Allow for airflow so your kitchen doesn’t have odor buildup from your trash can. Grilles, gaps, or perforated panels allow for ventilation.
Consider spots like unused space between cabinets, next to the pantry, or in the corner by the fridge. Choose a location that’s easily accessible so that you’ll be able to toss your trash with no fuss.
So, Is Building a Trash Can Enclosure Worth It?
Installing a custom trash can enclosure or cabinet is an excellent way to keep your garbage bin out of sight and improve your kitchen aesthetic. While it does require some woodworking skill and investment in materials, an intermediate DIYer can complete the project within a weekend.
The end result is a flush-fit cabinet that seamlessly integrates with your existing kitchen design and provides discreet, convenient storage for an unsightly necessity — no more awkward trash can positioning or ugly bins in full view.
Overall, a trash can enclosure is a relatively straightforward project that can make a huge difference in creating a cleaner, more unified kitchen look.
FAQs About Trash Can Enclosures
Where is the best place to install a trash can enclosure?
Look for unused spaces between cabinets near high-traffic areas like the sink. Also, consider a spot next to the pantry or tucked into a corner.
How much ventilation does a trash can enclosure need?
Small gaps around doors or vents equal to 20–25% of the total surface area. Too little airflow can cause odor buildup.
What if my trash can is extra large?
You can still build enclosures for large trash cans. Just adjust the enclosure dimensions as needed to accommodate larger bins.
Can I add drawers for separating recyclables?
Yes, full extension drawer slides make it easy to add multiple sorting bins.
Is a custom trash enclosure hard to build?
The box itself is simple to construct. The doors add a degree of challenge, but DIYers can handle it. Consider starting with a simpler single-door design if you’re new to cabinet building.