We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

A beautifully curated kitchen can quickly lose its charm all thanks to one glaring detail: the garbage can. Whether it’s bulky, smelly, or it doesn’t match any of your décor, an exposed bin can easily throw off the whole vibe of any home. Built-in pull-out garbage cans are the most effective way to solve this problem, especially when they’re hidden among your other cabinetry. But how do you hide your garbage without a designated storage area built right into your kitchen? With a few DIY alterations, you can transform any old cabinet into the prettiest trash can you’ve ever seen. This DIY involves modifying a freestanding cabinet that will easily store your designated waste baskets, with enough storage space for garbage and recycling. 

The key to this hack is creating a designated space for your garbage that serves as a functional piece of décor around your home. Traditional garbage cans are often only used for waste management, eating up your necessary kitchen floor space in the process. By using a cabinet, your garbage is hidden away from sight. You can then use the additional surface area for a stylish at-home coffee bar or additional cooking space. The cabinet itself can also be jazzed up with décor. 

You’ll need a few pieces of plywood, cabinet door hinges, a chain, and a cabinet that can accommodate two 10-gallon garbage cans — like the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket – which are around 15 inches wide. Each item is highly affordable, creating a budget-friendly storage solution. And by upcycling an old cabinet, you can make use of pieces of furniture that might be underutilized in your space.

First, remove the existing doors and the hinges on the side of your cabinet. If there is an interior shelf, you can remove that as well, but don’t toss your scrap wood — turn it into chic wall art instead. Measure the interior of your cabinet and the width of your doors, leaving a ¼-inch gap at the back of the cabinet. Using a few pieces of ½-inch plywood, create a small wooden box where the garbage cans will sit. If you’re using two 10.25 gallon cans, your box should be around 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep on the interior. Install a set of hinges on the bottom of your cabinet so that the doors are able to fold outwards. Reinstall the cabinet doors on the newly-placed hinges using the provided screws.

With the doors reattached, it’s time to add the plywood box. On the bottom of your cabinet doors, screw in the box, leaving enough room for the door to close in the upright position. On the interior of your cabinet, attach a small chain to both the door and the side of your cabinet. Adjust the length of the chain to allow the door to properly open without falling to the floor. Ensure there is enough room to also remove the garbage can when you need to clean your cabinet. You’ll want to choose the right cabinet hardware for your space, whether it’s an over-the-door set up or a few t-bar pulls that match the rest of your kitchen. Place your garbage cans in the cabinet and enjoy your sleek disposal solution.