Recycling bins are convenient, but also out of the way, when you convert them into drawers.

Keep recycling bins organized and out of the way by making rails for the bins to ride on, and mount them under a cabinet or workbench.

Here’s what to do:

1. Make two L-shaped cleats by screwing and gluing a 1×2 and 1×3 together.

2. Attach the cleats to the bottom of a countertop or workbench with screws so the lip on the recycling bin will fit into them.

3. Slide the recycling bin in the cleats, and pull the bin out as needed.

Watch this video to learn more.

Further Information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Joe Truini: To encourage homeowners to recycle, most communities are now providing these plastic storage bins. Now, these are great for keeping your bottles and cans, but where do you store them so they’re out of the way and out of sight? Well, here’s one idea.

I took a one by two and screwed it to a one by three to form this little L-shaped cleat. Then I screwed it to the underside of this countertop here in the garage. Now, the dimension between the cleats is just slightly wider than the container itself, allowing the overhanging lip to rest right on the cleat. Now, when you need to put in some recycling, you slide it in, it’s out of the way and out of sight.

The other nice thing is you can use the space below for other storage. In this case I have some shoes and boots back there. And here I have room to put two or three more bins. So, I have to make up a couple more cleats. That allows you to separate the plastic from the bottles and the cans and even the newspapers.

Editorial Contributors
Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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