Kitchen design
Kitchen Bins and Recycling: Fitting It All In
Pedal, pull-out and multi-compartment bins compared, plus where to put the food caddy and recycling in a small kitchen.
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Most UK households now sort rubbish into general waste, mixed recycling and food waste, which means finding room for two or three bins in the kitchen.
Where to buy
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Bin types
| Type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal bin | Hands-free; cheap | Pedals wear out; check the lid closes quietly |
| Pull-out under-sink or cupboard bin | Hidden; frees floor space | Needs a cupboard of the right width |
| Multi-compartment bin | Waste and recycling in one footprint | Each section is small |
| Touch-top or sensor bin | Tidy look | Sensor bins need batteries or charging |
Food waste caddies
In England, the Simpler Recycling rules require councils to collect food waste from households every week from 31 March 2026 for most homes, unless a transitional arrangement applies. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own schemes. Check your council's website for what goes in which bin. A small caddy on the worktop or under the sink, emptied into the outdoor bin, keeps smells down. Use the liners your council accepts.
Fitting it in
- Measure the cupboard width and depth, allowing for the pipes and trap under the sink.
- Rinse recycling and let it drain before it goes in the bin.
- In a tiny kitchen, keep only the food caddy and a small bin indoors and the main recycling by the back door or in the utility room.
More space-saving ideas in small kitchen ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
Will my council collect food waste weekly?
In England, councils are required to collect food waste weekly from most homes from 31 March 2026, unless a transitional arrangement applies. Check your council's website for your start date.
What size food caddy do I need?
A small kitchen caddy of around 5–7 litres, emptied into the outdoor bin every day or two, suits most households and keeps smells down.
Do I have to use compostable liners?
It depends on your council: some accept compostable liners, some accept newspaper, and some prefer no liner. Check before you buy.
Sources
- Simpler Recycling in England: policy update, GOV.UK (Defra), 29 November 2024. Checked 1 October 2026.