Every council in the UK now operates its own recycling scheme. The aim is for the UK to be completely waste-free by 2050. Its now your civic duty to separate, and recycle, your household waste. To help you get on top of the task we’ve created a list of the 5 Best Recycling Bins (for kitchens) in 2018. We’ve also added some quick buying advice regarding features to look out for when buying a new recycling bin.
See also: Best Hot Water Dispensers.
Recycling
The UK is on track to hit the EU target of recycling at least 50% of household waste by 2020. Most recent figures show the UK managed to recycle 45.2% of all Waste from Households (WfH) in 2016.
The UK’s waste ambition doesn’t stop there. On 1 February 2018, the government released a policy paper detailing a 25-year environmental plan. Here are the two (summarised) points that will directly affect your WfH. i) “Working towards our ambition of zero avoidable waste by 2050” ii) “working to a target of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by end of 2042.”
This means, like it or not, you’re going to need to get on top of your household’s waste and recycling. And your Kitchen is the place to start as this is where the majority of household waste comes from.
See also: Best Kitchen (and Boiling Water) Taps 2018.
What size Recycling Bin do I need?
There are two things you need to consider.
1. How big is your kitchen?
Answering the first question is simple. Quickly measure the area you want to put your bin and the double check dimensions before you buy.
2. How many people live in your house?
A bin with a 30-40 litre capacity is a good fit for a house with four or more people. Any less and your bin(s) will fill-up quickly. Meaning you’ll be making frequent trips to your wheely bin.
Households with fewer than three people will naturally produce less waste. A 20-30 L bin is the best option here. 40-litre bins will obviously work too, however, it’ll take more time to fill your bin. Whcih means food waste will be sitting in your kitchen bin for longer – increasing the chance of your waste turning foul and producing a bad odour.
Best Recycling Bin for Kitchens style?
There are multiple different types of bins available to chose from. Each is personal preference. Here are the four main types.
Pedal: This is a tried and tested way of keeping both your hands-free when disposing of rubbish. Newer pedal bins offer two or three different compartments to help you separate your waste at the source. We advise against buying cheaper pedal bins as these tend to have lower build-quality and are more likely to break.
Motion sensor: If you want a completely no-touch bin then getting one with a motion sensor is the way to go. These battery-operated bins open and close when you’re in close proximity (or when you wave a hand over the sensor).
Touch bin: This works in a similar way to a mini lock and requires downwards pressure on the lid to open/close. On the plus side, this bin is one of the most airtight, keeping odours locked in… until you open it again.
Swing bin: A little on the unhygienic side but really easy to use. Buy this if you’re happy to regularly clean the swing lid and/or put up with frequent staining.
Manual lid: The old-fashioned manual lid adds an artistic feel to a kitchen and can look oddly fashionable. However, this is also the least hygienic and requires the most effort to use.
See also: Best Halogen Oven.
The 5 BEST Recycling Bins (for Kitchens)
1. VonHaus Recycling Bin with Lids for Kitchens
Price: £84.99
- Capacity: 35 L / 45 L / 50 L
- Style: Pedal
- Compartments: 3
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 48.5cm (H) x 60.5cm (W) x 34cm (D)
The VonHaus Recycling Bin is the ultimate recycling bin for kitchens. Its three colour-coded compartments make sorting your waste and recycling easier than ever. Each bucket has an ample 15 L capacity along with a dedicated pedal so you only need to open the compartment you need.
Keeping this been clean and free from unpleasant odours smell is too, thanks to the stainless steel shell and hardened plastic trim.
This affordable, and recycling-ready, kitchen bin is available in three sizes 35 L / 45 L / 50 L. Each bin comes with a non-slip base and 2-year warranty as standard.
If you want to get on top of your house’s waste and recycling. This is a great option.
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2. Brabantia Bo Touch Bin (3-in-1)
Price: £149.00
- Capacity: 32 L (21 L and 11 L)
- Style: Touch
- Compartments: 2 or 3
- Material: Stainless Steel and plastic
- Dimensions: 32.5cm (H) x 32.5cm (W) x 77.2cm (D)
The Brabantia Bo Touch Bin is a little different. Its aim is to “Make Waste Beautiful”. And it does, sort of. With its bold design and unapologetic touch-button opening, it fronts up to the issue of waste management in your home.
It’s made from durable corrosion-resistant materials which make is simple to clean and free from odours. Under the lid you have the option of a two or three container set up (this decision needs to be made at the time of purchase). Finally, it features a removable lid-unit that makes changing the bin liners easy.
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3. Mari Home 3-in-1 Foot Pedal Recycle Bin Dustbin
Price: £69.99
- Capacity: 45 L
- Style: Pedal
- Compartments: 3
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 60.5cm (H) x 34cm (W) x 48.5cm (D)
The Mari Home represent a slightly cheaper way of sorting your household waste into three orderly colour-coded bins.
It’s neautral design makes it perfect for any kitchen. Homeowners will also appreciate the hygenic individual pedals that let you only open the bin you need. Each bucket has a 15 L capacity and can be independantly removed too.
This bin gives you the chance to sort you rubbish into general waste, recycling and compost at the source.
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4. simplehuman Rectangular Pedal Bin
Price: £109.99
- Capacity: 30 L / 38 L / 46 L / 50 L
- Style: Pedal
- Compartments: 2
- Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 65.3 cm (H) x 40.1 cm (W) x 31.8 cm (D)
The simple human Rectangular Pedal Bin is a great freestanding option to help you get on top of your recycling.
The 38L bin (featured here) comes with two internal bins, one is 30L and one is 16L capacity, which makes sorting your rubbish for recycling easy. (All models feature a 15:8 split).
The pedal mechanism is made from a strong steel material that’s been engineered to last over 150,000 steps. Which is more than 20 steps a day for over 20 years!
It comes in multiple different sizes – 30 L / 38 L / 46 L / 50 L – and if you want to save a bit more money, you can buy the 38 L, 46 L and 50 L bins with a plastic lid.
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5. Harima Stainless Steel Recycling Bin
Price: £74.99
- Capacity: 34
- Style: Pedal
- Compartments: 2
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 32.5cm (H) x 32.5cm (W) x 77.2cm (D)
The Harmina two-compartment bin is a great choice for anyone looking to save space in their kitchen. The upper bin boasts an 18 L capacity and is operately via a push button located on the bin’s rim. The second bin sits neatly underneath and can be opened via the foot pedal at the base of the unit.
The bin is has a brushed stainless steel finish making it fingerprint resistant too.
B0788P82WK
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What happens to your recycling?
Food waste is turned into fertiliser and biogas fuel, through a process called anaerobic digestion.
Garden waste is turned into compost.
Dry recycling is separated into different materials, cleaned and re-processed so that it can be used make new products.
Read next: Best Coffee Machine 2018.
