Keep a small sorting center in your kitchen, where most recycling is typically generated.
By Michelle Kaufmann
Only about half of all paper and a third of plastic bottles get recycled in the U.S. That means a huge amount of reusable resources are going to waste in our already overflowing landfills. Time to step up our efforts!
One solution is to make recycling easier on yourself with a roll-out, under-the-sink recycling center. You generate the most recycling in your kitchen so location is key. Plus, you’ll appreciate having a simple system for sorting all your glass, plastic, and paper if you live someplace where you have to separate your recycling.
The only things you’ll need to buy in order to make your recycling center are a roll-out drawer and the bins to go on top of it. These roll-out drawers come in several dimensions so you should be able to find one that fits your sink. Look for trash cans that are slim enough to fit three on the shelf and that are short enough to fit under your sink. We love the sleek Angle Cans from OXO.
VIDEO: Check out how Michelle sets up her own recycling center >>
1. Measure the space underneath your sink to figure out what size roll-out drawer to use and how tall your bins can be.
2. Install the roll-out drawer according to the instructions it comes with. Just don’t put it right under our disposal or else your bins won’t fit.
3. Before placing the bins in the roll-out drawer, you can visit the Michelle Kaufmann blog and download the recycling decals (light green and bright green) we created just for this project. Print them on sticky back paper or static cling vinyl or you can use them as stencils and cutout the patterns. Stick one to each bin.
4. Then simply plop the bins right on top of your roll-out drawer. You may want to put the bin you know you’ll use the most in front so you have easy access.
5. If you have a little space in front of your bins you can run a length of wire from the back of the drawer to the front and twist it on the sides to keep them in place. In the leftover space you can store things like cleaning supplies.
Use this system to transform recycling from a tedious chore to a seamless part of your daily tasks.
Download instructions for this project from Michelle Kaufmann's blog >>
Provided by Michelle Kaufmann - http://www.michellekaufmann.com
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