Best Recycling Bins – from budget to premium, play your part for the environment

Samuel J TanSustainable Living 0

Sorting out your cardboard, newspaper and magazine, glass jars and bottles, plastic containers from your waste can be a big job if you use a conventional bin at home. These multi-compartment recycling bins will make your life a lot easier with higher models even include a small food waste bin.

With the many recycling initiatives and facilities created by the local authorities, more and more of our household waste can now be recycle. But, sorting them out into the different categories of recyclables meant separate storage are required. Leaving glass and plastic bottles and containers aside on the kitchen counter just creates more clutter and is not the best solution.

How to Choose the Best Recycling Bin to Suit You

Recycling is an essential part of modern life, a simple yet effective way to contribute to environmental conservation. Choosing the right recycling bin, however, isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. It involves considering several factors to ensure the bin meets your specific needs while promoting effective recycling habits. Here’s a guide to help you select the best recycling bin for your home, office, or community space.

1. Size and Capacity

Evaluate Your Needs: The size of your recycling bin should correspond with the amount of recyclable waste you typically generate. A larger family or a busy office might need a bigger bin compared to a single-person household.
Space Constraints: Consider the available space. If you’re limited, opt for a compact bin that can fit under a sink or in a corner.

2. Material and Durability

Plastic Bins: These are lightweight and affordable but ensure they are sturdy enough to handle the weight of recyclables.
Metal Bins: They are more durable and often have a sleek appearance, suitable for modern office spaces but can be heavier.

3. Compartments and Sorting

Multiple Compartments: Bins with separate compartments for different types of recyclables (glass, paper, plastic, etc.) can streamline the sorting process.
Labeling: Clear labels can help avoid confusion and ensure that recyclables are correctly sorted.

4. Ease of Use and Maintenance

Lid Mechanism: A foot pedal or sensor-activated lid can be more hygienic and convenient, especially in a kitchen setting.
Cleaning: Consider how easy the bin is to clean. Removable inner buckets can simplify the process.

5. Aesthetics

Style: The bin’s design should complement your space. Many options are available, from minimalist to more decorative designs.
Color Coding: Color-coded bins can blend with your décor and also help in quick identification of different recycling categories.

6. Environmental Impact

Eco-Friendly Materials: Opt for bins made from recycled materials to further your commitment to the environment.
Longevity: A durable bin that doesn’t need frequent replacement is better for the environment.

7. Cost

Budget: While you shouldn’t compromise on quality, there are many cost-effective options available that meet a variety of needs.

8. Local Recycling Regulations

Compliance: Ensure the bin meets the requirements of your local recycling program in terms of sorting and materials accepted.

9. Special Features

Innovations: Some bins come with additional features like odor control, wheels for easy transportation, or even compactors.

We look at some of the cheapest to high-end recycle bins that will solve your recycling woes.

Budget Recycling Bins

The budget recycling bins are mainly single unit. You can get multiple of the same in different colours to sort your recycling.

1. Brabantia Sort n Go wall or cupboard mount

Surprised that Brabantia made the list? This is the S model, so cheaper than the bigger ones. The Sort n Go are individual bins available in various colours. Choose 2 or 3 to go together to complete your recycling bin collection.

3.2 gallon capacity (other sizes available 0.8 Gal, 1,6 Gal, 4.2 Gal, 6.6 Gal, 10.6 Gal)
Stay open lid
quick emptying with handy carrying handle and bottom grip
easy to clean with no nooks or rims
hanging wall bracket with fixings incl
Available in jade green (above), fir green, light gray and dark gray.

2. Rubbermaid Swing Top Recycling Container

Here is your run of the mill recycling bin. It even comes with a painted logo to show. With its swing domed lid, you won’t miss it. Made of tough resin, this Rubbermaid Swing Top Recycling bin has a 12.2 gallon capacity. The lid and main unit locks together with integrated LinerLock to hold the liner bag securely in place.

3. stonespace Kitchen Compost Bin

You might mistake this next budget recycling bin duo for expensive premium models, dare we say from Brabantia. Stonespace Kitchen Compost bins are not your recycling bins but we had to feature them here for their good looks, clever features and superb value. They are also available in different colour combinations like blue and white, lime green or bright red. Each holds up to 5 L (1.3 Gal) of waste, you have the choice of two mounting options; hook over the cabinet door or hung on the wall.

Premium Recycling Bins

The premium recycling bins in our line-up are either single bin with up to three compartments or individual bins combined as one with interlocking hinges or stackable design allowing for sorting of the different wastes.

Single units can come with either two or three built-in compartments or drawers, with a single or multiple individual lids. While the individual units are simply just individual bins, colour coded for different recyclables.