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Tired of the usual plastic bins for recycling? Why not build something more practical and stylish yourself? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create custom recycling bins using affordable materials like chipboard, plywood, blockboard or MDF. With some basic tools and a bit of DIY enthusiasm, you can make a neat, efficient system to keep your waste sorted and your home tidy — ideal for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and wants a cleaner space.
Introduction
An issue of pressing relevance is the recycling of waste materials such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, and more. The topic is timely not only because of the undeniable impact recycling has on reducing household waste and protecting the environment, but also because many local councils now 'require' residents to separate their waste—or risk facing hefty fines. In this highly eco-conscious context (and also because he lives in a council that has long enforced waste sorting), the great Forumauro has designed and created these bins for sorting household waste for recycling.
The project and the materials needed for its construction
Let's start with the basics... The materials required are your choice of chipboard, plywood, laminated wood, MDF or any other material with similar thickness and strength characteristics. Next to this text, you’ll find a diagram with sketches of the parts needed for assembly. The measurements provided are, of course, indicative and can be adjusted based on the space available. Since, in this particular case, there was quite a bit of depth available, a small door with a storage compartment (Opening 1) was also added to store the bags used for waste recycling. However, this feature can be omitted if preferred.
The top shelf
The top shelf is made from the piece marked with the letter "D" in the diagram, and it should obviously be cut to fit the space available. In this case, it was a niche where the boiler is installed, so the measurements were taken accordingly. Keep in mind that such spaces or storage areas often (or rather, almost always) do not have perfectly parallel walls. This is usually due to plastering issues, which are harder to make even in tight spaces. As a result, the shape you end up with is more of a trapezium than a rectangle.
If you have the tools and the patience to trim it to size, you can cut the wood to the measurement of the longer side and then carefully shape it to fit precisely. Otherwise, as in this case, the use of "wedges," which can then be appropriately filled and painted, will effectively solve the issue.
Fixing to the Wall
The cover panel will be attached to the wall using "L"-shaped profiles that are appropriately drilled and fastened to the panel with wood screws, and to the wall with expansion plugs. Personally, I prefer aluminium profiles, which, although more expensive, are much easier to work with compared to iron (they are extremely easy to cut and drill). They are sturdy enough, but most importantly, they never rust and are practically everlasting.
Mounting the Doors
Once the doors have been appropriately shaped, they should be attached to the top panel using hinges. These can be of the traditional type, with the downside of being mounted "in plain view," or concealed ones with springs and pistons, which can hold the door open but come with the disadvantage of a higher cost.
A stopper should then be fixed to the underside of the top panel to prevent the door from being pushed down when closed. In the photo, you can spot it at the bottom with the screws holding it in place.
Optional compartment to store the recycling bags
Using the same technique, the optional door for the compartment designed to store the recycling bags should also be fixed. Once this is done, a hole must be drilled in each door to allow the screw for attaching the knobs, which will enable their opening, to pass through.
Assembly of the Recycling Bins
At this stage, the bins should be assembled by attaching the parts marked as "A," "B," and "C" in the diagram. To secure them, it’s best to use glue and screws suitable for the material you're working with—there are specific types for wood, chipboard, or MDF. It's essential to drill a pilot hole with a bit smaller than the screw’s diameter to prevent the wood from splitting, as screws are conical in shape.
If you’re using screws with a countersunk head, it’s advisable to countersink the hole first with a 10 or 12 mm bit for metal before inserting the screw.
Mounting the Wheels
Once this is done, swivel wheels and handles will be attached, allowing the bins to be easily pulled out from their housing for emptying or moved wherever needed. To complete the project, the base should be properly prepared and given a couple of coats of paint. Naturally, even though the project includes only two bins, there's nothing stopping you from adding a third one if you have enough space.
Good luck with your work!
I hope you enjoyed the idea.
Thank you all!
ForuMauro