Kitchen Island With Garbage Bin

Emily Hilton Interior Design Expert

Emily is a young, talented designer, whose professional interests gravitate towards kitchen and dining spaces. She prides herself on her attention to detail, obsession with functionality, and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Updated 21/04/2021

Garbage cans are to be unseen, and unsmelled, and these kitchen islands with garbage bin can accomplish both of those goals. Never again have a stinky garbage can putrefying in the corner, ruining a good meal. Just open the door or slide it out, toss your refuse, then close. And with many models available, there is sure to be one to match your existing kitchen cabinetry.

Buying Guide

A kitchen island with a garbage bin can be a real asset in a kitchen, especially in one where meals are prepared regularly for a busy and active family. A built-in bin which accommodates dry trash, recycles and wet garbage can save many steps during meal prep.

What are the pros and cons of bins with attached cutting board?

An additional feature offered with some islands is a pull out cutting board with a hole in the middle, positioned directly over the garbage bin. This allows garbage to be swept directly into the bin, preparatory to taking it to the compost or waste receptacle. Only vegetables should be cut directly on this board and directed into the bin. First, because vegetables and raw meat shouldn’t be cut on the same cutting board to avoid cross-contamination. Second, because meat scraps shouldn’t be placed in a compost bin. The attached board presents a third problem which is that cooks who like to chop ingredients on a cutting board and then use the board to carry the ingredients to the pot would be unable to do this. However, it’s convenient to have a board that can be stored out of sight and where vegetable waste can be quickly and easily disposed of in an ecological fashion.

What are the benefits of a pull-out garbage bin?

Single pull-outs can be the perfect way to save space and to make use of those odd places such as the space between the sink cabinet and the refrigerator. The front of the pull-out can be decorated to resemble your other cabinets so that it blends with the rest of the kitchen décor. When closed, no one will know that a trash container is concealed behind that bit of decoration.

And if one hidden bin is good, two is likely to be better. A deep pullout drawer with bins for waste and recycles can make kitchen cleanup a breeze and can keep throwaways out of reach of enterprising pets. Waste can be kept out of sight from unexpected visitors and protected from dogs or cats “researching” the trash for tidbits or toys.

What things to look for in pull-out bins?

Pull out bins work much like a kitchen drawer, so attention should be paid to the same things you would look for in a smoothly operating drawer. The track for the pull-out support should be sturdy, and the drawer part should be built in such a way that it’s removable for easy cleaning. Check to see that the action is easy and doesn’t stick. If the pull-out track is made of wood, it should be rubbed with wax or a bit of bar soap to help keep the wood smooth for easy action.

Fold-down bins are handy for the ends of islands or for oddly positioned locations. They often work on side supports rather like the pull-down deposit slots at the post office. The side supports should be made of sturdy metal that’s unlikely to bend or tear with extended use.