My Kitchen Trash Bin Project – Getting it Done
Okay, so I got tired of that freestanding trash can always being in the way. You know, tripping over it, the dog trying to nose into it. Plus, it wasn’t exactly pretty. I saw these built-in ones online and thought, yeah, I need that. Hide the mess, get it out of sight, maybe even get a spot for recycling too.
First thing, I had to figure out where to put it. Looked at my cabinets. Needed one near the sink, obviously, where most of the kitchen prep happens. Measured a lower cabinet next to the dishwasher. Seemed wide enough, deep enough. I wanted to fit two bins if possible, one for regular trash, one for recyclables. This spot looked promising.
So, I went shopping for the hardware. Found these pull-out drawer systems specifically made for trash bins. Lots of different types, some fancy, some basic. I just got a sturdy-looking metal frame one with sliders. It came with two plastic bins, which was perfect.
Getting Down to Business
Weekend comes, time to get this thing installed. First, I emptied that entire cabinet. Found some stuff I forgot I even had back there. Cleaned it out really well. Had to take out the shelf that was in there.
Then I got my tools ready:
- Drill
- Screwdriver bits
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- The instruction sheet (which, let’s be honest, are sometimes confusing)
The main part was attaching the sliding tracks to the bottom of the cabinet. Measured carefully, marked the spots for the screws. This part was a bit fiddly, leaning into the cabinet, trying to keep the tracks straight while drilling pilot holes. Screwed the tracks down tight.
Next, I assembled the metal frame that holds the actual bins. That was pretty straightforward, just a few screws. Then came sliding the frame onto the tracks I just installed. It clicked into place, felt solid.
I didn’t attach the cabinet door to the pull-out system itself, though some kits let you do that. I just wanted the bins inside the existing cabinet, hidden behind the regular door. Simpler for me.
Finally, I dropped the two plastic bins into the frame. Gave the whole thing a few test slides. Pulled it out, pushed it in. Smooth! It worked just like I hoped.
The Result? Pretty Good!
Man, what a difference. Open the cabinet door, pull out the bins, drop the trash, slide it back in. No more ugly can sitting out. The kitchen instantly looked cleaner, less cluttered. Plus, having the recycling bin right there next to the trash makes sorting way easier. It definitely helps keep the smells contained inside the cabinet too. Took a bit of effort, sure, but totally worth it for how much better the kitchen feels now. Happy I did it.
