Where To Place a Garbage Can in the Kitchen? (8 Places)
A garbage can is an absolutely necessary item to have in a kitchen. Prepping, cleaning, and cooking food all involve having a waste system that is functional, efficient, neat, and tidy.
But garbage cans or bins can often be quite unsightly when it gets filled and some can even make the kitchen stink.
You also have the issue of saving and making the best use of the available space in your kitchen.
The best place to put a garbage can in the kitchen is one that is convenient to use where it is near the prepping or sink area but also away from the fresh food. This could be in a pull-out drawer, under a countertop, next to or under the sink, in a closet, on a cabinet door, or near the exit of the kitchen.
Any of these locations will ensure the garbage can is in an appropriate position based on your kitchen and personal preferences.
Below, I go into more detail about each option to consider that will help you decide on the best spot to place a garbage can that will help keep you organized but also be useful in terms of your kitchen design.
Table of Contents
Best Locations for a Garbage Can in Kitchen
In a pull-out drawer
An easy and simple solution to place a garbage can is in a pull-out drawer. This system allows for a quick and easy way to discard and get rid of trash while also being organized.
You can simply slide the can out and put it back making it one of the best-hidden garbage storage methods as well.
If you’re someone who hates to see dirt lying around, this method might be the best for you.
A great thing about this option is that you can also have multiple pull-out containers for dried and wet food but also other trash items.
This makes it easy and efficient to stay organized especially if you take recycling seriously.
Under a countertop
Place the garbage can under a countertop where you typically prep food and unpack groceries. This way, you can easily drop the dirt in while you’re working.
Here you can have the garbage bin in the drawer or cabinet under the countertop or if it’s an island countertop, consider getting a fancy foot pedal bin or a proper trash can that is presentable but also easy to use.
At the end of a counter
Place the garbage can at the end of a counter or right next to the counter. As you can see, this location is ideal for a small kitchen as shown below.
It’s not in the way but still in a convenient location that has easy access to it.
This classic stainless steel bin blends in well with the rest of the decor and appliances but the best part about this garbage bin is its lid feature.
The trash is not visible, and this will prevent your kitchen from appearing dirty and messy.
Next to the sink
Having a garbage can next to the sink is another popular location that most people opt for, especially those with small kitchens.
With this option, you can either mount the bin on the side of the cabinet of the sink or simply place it next to the sink area.
This will avoid the need to make additional renovations or add expensive gadgets to store the bin.
A foot pedal bin can be a great option and this way you can simply use the bin without having to open the lid with your hand.
You can also keep the bin closed when not in use so you won’t have stinky trash while doing the dishes either.
It’s also a great way to quickly get rid of food scraps while doing the dishes.
Under the sink
Another option would be to put a garbage can under the sink.
If you have a drawer, you can simply place a container in the bin and separate them for different waste products if you’d like to stay organized.
Be sure to empty them out as often as you can and this way you can prevent any mess and unwanted smells.
The only concern with having a bin under the sink is the risk of bacteria. As long as there are no sink leaks and you keep the bin and sink area clean, it should be fine.
In a closet
Hidden storage is always a great idea when you hate the idea of trash visible in the kitchen. This idea is pretty straightforward and mostly involves placing the garbage can in a closet or drawer.
For this one, you can place a garbage bin or a container but the downside to this is that food waste like eggshells or leftovers can go bad and start to stink.
So, it’s really easy for the cabinet itself to start to smell bad with an open garbage container. With this option, you will have to empty out the garbage bin daily.
Another downside may be that it’s easy to forget about the trash when it’s behind closed doors but you can always set a reminder on your phone to take out the trash.
Otherwise, this solution is still a great option to place a garbage can that’s out of the way and especially if you don’t have space in your kitchen.
On cabinet door
If you do plan to have a garbage bin stored in a cabinet or drawer, consider mounting or installing the bin or container onto the door.
This way, you can simply open the door and the bin will either slide out or swing open as the door is opened.
You won’t have to bend or take the bin out from the closet to throw or take out the trash. Easy, convenient, and really simple to use.
Near the door
Lastly, you can place a garbage bin near the exit of the kitchen. This way, the trash is right there in sight and it will be easy to empty out the bin and take the trash out.
It’s also in a spot that is exposed to fresh air and this way the kitchen won’t be at too much at risk of smelling. This might be a more hygienic option where it’s the trash bin is not in a closet or near fresh food.
Odor Control Tips for a Stinky Garbage Can
If you’re fighting the battle of a stinky garbage can or bin in your kitchen, then consider using the following hacks that will help you reduce the smell or get rid of it completely.
These tips can also be used to prevent your garbage can from stinking up your kitchen.
They are as follows:
- Baking Soda – This is a popular hack that is easy to use. All you have to do to get rid of the smell is to sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the bottom of the can and it will absorb the smell.
- Coffee Grounds – Coffee is great at absorbing smells and can act as a natural deodorizer, giving off a delicious smell. Throw some coffee grounds inside the trash or at the bottom of the bin.
- Lemon Peels – Cut a few lemon peels and throw them into the trash to absorb some of the smells. You can also pair this solution with baking soda for an extra effect.
- Dryer Sheets – Use an old or new dryer sheet to get rid of a smelly trash can. Simply throw one into the trash and it should prevent the trash from stinking.
- Bleach – For a strong and powerful disinfectant, consider using bleach to clean the trash can. This will kill germs and bacteria in the can and will get rid of stains and odors.
- Regular Cleaning – Wiping the garbage can as often as you can ensure you get rid of any residue and spills from the waste that could cause a bad stench. You can also wash out the bin a few times during the year to make sure it stays clean.
Final Thoughts
The best place to put a garbage can or bin is where it will be most convenient, functional, and practical to use.
Most of the time, a garbage can is placed in a pull-out drawer near the prepping station or by the sink. But it can also be ideal to have a garbage can under a counter, sink, or even in a closet.
If you’re someone who is also forgetful, then having a garbage bin in sight will ensure it’s emptied out on time to prevent your kitchen from smelling bad.
It also depends on whether you have the space to store a garbage can in these locations.
So, consider these options and pick the one that will work well for your home.
Before you go, do check out some of these other helpful kitchen tips that you can make use of right away to improve your space and life:
Where To Put A Microwave In A Small Kitchen? (Ideal Placements)
