Buying Recycling Bins for Your Home
– A Guide for Australians
This post was last updated in 2023
Hello lovely readers! In this blog post, I’m going to get into a topic that might not sound all that glamorous but it can help us live more sustainably – it’s buying a household recycling bin 🗑️
I know what you’re thinking – “Recycling bins? Really?”
But like a lot of things in this sustainable living space, when it came to buying recycling bins for my home there were no buying guides for Australians. Most of the product reviews cover items you can only find in America or the UK.
It took a lot of searching to find what was available in Australia. To find products that were high quality, would do the job and not break the bank.
Which is why I created this recycling bin guide. Here I have documented all the information I found when shopping for kitchen recycling bins. I cover the range of high quality options available to us in Australia so you don’t have to go hopping around different websites like I did!
Here in this blog post, I cover the following topics:
Jump to the section that interests you.
This buying guide is focused on two-compartment bins – one for general rubbish and another for mixed recycling. If you are interested in recycling bins for your office, check out this blog post.
And if a guide on recycling bins is not crazy enough, I also delved into the world of council recycling bins in Australia – looking at the bins councils provide and what each bin colours represent. If that is something you want to know more about, check out this blog post.
But let’s get into recycling bins for the home 🚀
Best Household Recycling Bins in Australia
Below are some key measurements for all the products mentioned in this blog post.
Size is an important consideration when looking at recycling bins for your kitchen and this should be your starting point.
Best Kitchen Recycling Bins
Finding the best recycling kitchen bins can make a significant difference in how efficiently you manage recyclables in your home.
Here, we’ll explore the best options available in Australia, to help you make an informed choice.
I have listed the options from least to most expensive but you will need to go onto the product website for exact pricing.
And don’t ask me why but bins tend to be ridiculously expensive. I didn’t look at anything beyond $500 for this guide and if you are after a budget options, there’s one in the next section.
iTouchless Dual Step Trash Can & Recycling Bin
The iTouchless Dual Step Trash Can & Recycling Bin ensures satisfaction with its Full-Service Manufacturer and Dedicated Customer Support services, which you can read about here.
Its lid closes gently and quietly with the help of a sturdy pedal, and it even comes with a replaceable air damper for lasting performance.
The stainless steel design is both sophisticated and resistant to fingerprints and smudges, making cleaning a snap. It’s design blends seamlessly with any decor.
What’s to like
- Easy to clean the outside as is fingerprint-proof
- The lid opens and closes without a sound
- Self-closing lid
- Easy to open with foot peddle
- Elegant and discreet
What’s not to like
- Some noted dents when they first received the product
- Seems to dent easily
- There are plastic elements in the bin that are not durable
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Joseph Joseph Totem Max Recycling Bin
The Joseph Joseph Totem Max Recycling Bin is a smart and efficient waste management solution.
Its standout feature is the unique vertical design that maximises capacity while saving valuable floor space. This bin also incorporates integrated odour control with replaceable activated carbon filters, ensuring a fresh and pleasant environment.
Additionally, it comes with a convenient 3-litre removable food waste caddy complete with a lid for hygiene and ease of use. The main removable buckets feature liner retaining holes (so you bag liner stays in place) and handy carrier bag hooks (so you can lift out the bin bukets easily), making emptying and maintenance a breeze.
It comes in four colours: graphite, stainless steel, stone and carbon black.
What’s to like
- Looks premium and elegant
- Durable
- Removable buckets make cleaning a breeze and may negate the need to use plastic bags
- You can use regular plastic bag liners if you want
- Light and easy to move
What’s not to like
- Some have noted issues with the lid hinges breaking
- Some noted issues with the lid not opening fully
- The food caddy is impractical
- The lid is not self-closing
>> Click here to check the price for the 2 x 30L version
>> Click here to check the price for the 2 x 20L version
Clear here for sizing details
Simplehuman Dual Compartment Recycling Bin
The Simplehuman Dual Compartment Recycling Bin offers an efficient and stylish solution for waste disposal and recycling needs.
Its strong steel pedal ensures durability and ease of use, while the Lid Shox technology (it’s what they call it!) guarantees a quiet and smooth lid closure.
With built-in wheels, this bin is effortlessly mobile, making it simple to transport when needed. Additionally, its fingerprint-proof finish maintains a clean and polished appearance, ensuring that this recycling bin not only provides practical functionality but also complements your home’s aesthetic.
It’s on the pricier end of the price scale for a reason!
What’s to like
- A larger compartment for recycling is handy
- The finger-proof finish works to make cleaning a breeze
- Lid works smoothly
- Easy to move around
What’s not to like
- You can’t use ordinary plastic bags to line the bin
- The size of the smaller compartment may be too small for some
>> Click here to check the price for the 46L
>> Click here to check the price for the 58L
Clear here for sizing details
Brabantia BO Pedal Bin
The Brabantia BO Pedal Bin is a recycling champion, designed to simplify waste separation with its two removable inner buckets.
It’s soft closure and super-light pedal operation ensures a gentle and quiet user experience. Moreover, this bin is a space-saving marvel, perfectly fitting into corners or snugly against the wall.
With a 10-year guarantee and a bronze-level Cradle to Cradle certification, this pedal bin not only provides practicality but also reflects Brabantia’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
What’s to like
- High-quality materials
- Commitment to sustainability from design to materials used
- The ability to keep the lid open is handy
What’s not to like
- Some have complained that the product was dented on delivery – quite a few complaints about that
>> Click here to check the price and read more reviews
Clear here for sizing details
Simplehuman Butterfly Step Recycler
The Simplehuman Butterfly Step Recycler is a space-efficient and innovative solution for waste separation.
Its unique split lid design opens from the centre, making it ideal for areas with limited clearance. Its slim profile fits perfectly into tight spaces while maintaining durability through a strong steel pedal. The Lid Shox technology ensures a quiet and smooth lid closure, preventing any disruptive noise.
This recycling bin not only maximises functionality with its dual compartments but also prioritizes convenience and discretion in any environment. Comes in grey and white.
What’s to like
- Very sturdy
- Finger-proof surface works well, making cleaning easy
- Great for narrow spaces
- Lid opens effortlessly
What’s not to like
- It is expensive
- You may not be able to use standard garbage bags
>> Click here to check the price
Clear here for sizing details
Best Budget Recycling Bin
Target Stainless Steel Pedal Duel Bin
The Target Soft Pedal Dual Bin is a sleek addition to your kitchen.
This stainless steel bin consists of two separate bins that can be easily removed for hassle-free waste disposal. The stainless steel exterior boasts an anti-fingerprint coating, which is both rust-resistant and easy to clean.
With its rectangular shape and slow-release lid, this bin minimises noise and odours while providing a convenient foot pedal for hands-free operation. It also includes a garbage bag fixer and removable plastic interior buckets, ensuring a clean and user-friendly experience.
For a budget option, this bin ticks the box on a lot of the key features out there. It combines style, functionality, and ease of use to enhance your kitchen’s waste management capabilities.
There are not enough external reviews on this bin for me to comment on what is to like and what’s not to like but I can tell you from inspection that it’s not a sturdy product, in particular the lid mechanism. Also, the sections are a little small at 11 L each so that may be an issue.
However, the rest of the bin looks solid and it can certainly do the job.
>> Click here to check the price and check it out
Clear here for sizing details
Best Cupboard Recycling Bins
If you are looking for small recycling bins for kitchen and you want something that can be tucked away, then kitchen cupboard recycling bins are what you need.
Cupboard and undercounter recycling bins are a fantastic way to maximise space efficiency in your kitchen while maintaining a clean and organised recycling system.
Here, we’ll explore some of the best cupboard recycling bins and provide product recommendations to help you make the right choice.
Kaboodle Kitchen Soft Close Waste Bin
The Kaboodle Kitchen Soft Close Waste Bin is a highly functional addition to your kitchen space. Designed to be base mounted within a 400mm cabinet, it offers a discreet and efficient waste management solution.
With soft close runners, it operates smoothly and quietly. The bin includes two removable compartments for convenient sorting and disposal of waste. An integrated lid not only helps control odours but also doubles as an additional storage shelf for lightweight items.
What’s to like
- The soft close feature works great
- The lid can be taken off easily for cleaning
- Sturdy
- Easy to install
What’s not to like
- No repeated issues found in the reviews
>> Click here to check the price for the 2 x 20 L version
>> Click here to check the price for the 2 x 15 L version
Clear here for sizing details and the minimum cabinet size needed
The Kaboodle Kitchen Soft Close Waste Bin was the best recycling bin I could find at Bunnings. The full range of Bunnings recycling bins can be found on their website here.
The Kaboodle range has some mixed reviews but the soft close waste bin seems to be a winner.
The other bins available in the Kaboodle range are not so bad – most of the bad reviews come from the fact that people are not taking the right measurements and the bins don’t end up fitting in their cupboard.
This is a very common problem when it comes to cupboard recycling bins!
So putting that issue aside, I have listed some other Kaboodle cupboard bin options that are reasonably priced and may suit your space – just make sure you refer to the measurements in the table above to make sure the product will fit within your cabinet space.
Simplehuman Pull Out Under Counter Recycler Bin
The Simplehuman Pull-Out Recycler Bin is designed to impress while providing exceptional functionality.
Its space-efficient and durable build can be easily installed beneath your counter using the included screws. Equipped with commercial-grade ball-bearing tracks, it smoothly extends for easy access.
The user-friendly features, including a pull handle, wide opening for convenient liner replacement, and stylish polished chrome finish, make it a perfect fit for any cupboard or kitchen cabinet. Plus, it’s backed by a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty, ensuring both style and longevity.
Unfortunately, detailed reviews on this product are unavailable online, however, Simplehuman is a solid brand and there is no reason to doubt that the claims made by the brand about this product aren’t true.
>> Click here to check the price and find out more
Clear here for sizing details and the minimum cabinet size needed
Brabantia Built-in Bin Sort & Go
The Brabantia Built-in Bin Sort & Go bin is a top-quality waste management solution that offers both convenience and longevity. With a generous 10-year guarantee and service, it assures long-term satisfaction.
The self-supporting mounting frame relieves any strain on door hinges, ensuring durability. Furthermore, its versatility shines through, as it’s suitable for doors opening to the left or right.
What’s to like
- Good if you are seeking something small that can go in the cupboard
- Plastic won’t rust
- Discreet and elegant
What’s not to like
- Make sure you take measurements to ensure fit
- The screws are not long and may need re-screwing from time to time
>> Click here to check the price
Clear here for sizing details and the minimum cabinet size needed
Guide to Buying Recycling Bins
When it comes to buying recycling bins for your home, there are several factors to consider to ensure the bin meets your needs and contributes towards effective recycling practices.
Here’s what to look out for:
1. Size and Capacity
Determine how much recyclable material your household generates regularly. This will help you choose the right size and capacity for your recycling storage bins.
If your family is anything like mine and you produce more recyclables than general waste, then a bin with different-sized compartments may be the right product for you. There are a few options noted above that can meet this need.
2. Compartments and Sorting
If you want to streamline your recycling efforts, opt for recycling bins with multiple compartments.
Most Australians will need to sort their household rubbish into two waste streams – general waste and mixed recyclables. As noted above, this blog post is focused on two compartment bins. The next blog post will cover three compartment bins, if that interests you.
Different compartments are necessarry to ensure everyone in the house sorts out their rubbish!
3. Durability
Consider the material and build quality of the bins, if you want your bins to last.
Materials like heavy-duty plastic, stainless steel, or galvanized steel are often more resilient.
4. Lid Design
Personally I don’t find lids essential when collecting recyclables or general waste since anything causing odours (food waste) is collected separately in a kitchen compost bin.
However, if you don’t have a separate bin for your food waste, then a lid is essential. It will contain the mess and help the space look uncluttered.
Look out for bins that come with foot pedals for hands-free opening. These bins are both convenient and hygienic.
5. Aesthetics
Recycling bins don’t have to be an eyesore. Stylish recycling bins do exist.
Many of the options provided above are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can complement your home decor. It’s important to choose bins that fit your style and blend seamlessly with your surroundings.
6. Easy to Clean
Recycling bins can get messy, so opt for models that are easy to clean. Removable liners or bins with smooth interiors make the cleaning process less of a hassle.
Fingerprint-proof surfaces are another feature to look out for. Fingerprints marks all over the bin can look so grubby and it can be a pain to constantly wipe those marks off, so fingerprint-proof surfaces can be a lifesaver!
7. Labels and Color Coding
Clear labels and colour coding can make it easier for everyone in your household to know which bin is for what type of recyclable material. Look for bins that have these features to avoid confusion.
The bins recommended above do not have labels or any colour coding. But there’s an easy fix to this – you could place red and yellow stickers inside or on top of the bin lid as a guide. I recommend doing this if you have kids in your household.
For more on recycling bins colour, check out this blog post.
8. Eco-Friendly Materials
If sustainability is a top priority for you, consider recycling bins made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic or those manufactured with minimal environmental impact.
9. Price and Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget. Recycling bins come in a wide range of price points, so find options that align with your budget while still meeting your requirements.
This may sound like a lot to keep in mind!
I was able to take much of this into account when coming up with the list of recommended products in this blog post but I could not take into account everything – that’s why you’ll find a range of options in this guide, leaving room for personal choice to play a part 🌿
Unfortunately, I could not find a product made from eco-friendly materials. And my preference would be for locally made products, but I could not find that either. This was a struggle when I was looking at kitchen compost bins and office recycling bins, so it was just impossible when it came to searching for the perfect kitchen recycling bin.
But the options presented here tick many of the the other boxes mentioned and are solid choices. Buying something that will last and everyone in the house will use is key.
It’s a small thing but getting a bin helps with recycling is something we can all do and through these conscious choices that we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future 🌎
xxx Tahsin
