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Phase: Applause

Attractive Recycle Bin Designs for Any Space & Any Style (DIY or Ready-Made)

A barrier to recycling seems to be the lack of attractive recycling bins that blend into the interior design of one’s home. For those who enjoy DIY projects, I searched for simple, but solidly designed DIY solutions. This includes options that parents can build with kids. And, for those who prefer to purchase ready-made solutions, there are a variety of bin options for them.

Photo of Leigh Cullen
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Explain your idea in one sentence

To encourage people that all kinds/styles of recycling bin systems exist & that to find a style that suits your home and/or personality you might have to expand your search for other types of storage systems (and just repurpose those systems to recycling bins!)...
Design your own bucket bins Design your own bucket bins
(More) design your own bucket bins (More) design your own bucket bins
Design your own bucket bins and add some wire bins Design your own bucket bins and add some wire bins
Stack some wire bins Stack some wire bins
(More) stack some wire bins (More) stack some wire bins
Pop it in a bag bin Pop it in a bag bin
Stack some bag bins Stack some bag bins
Colorful crate bins Colorful crate bins
Paint some wood crate bins Paint some wood crate bins
Make your own wood crate bin with wheels Make your own wood crate bin with wheels
More wood crate bins with wheels More wood crate bins with wheels
Bend a wire bin Bend a wire bin
Build it with the kids bins - cut up some felt and wrap a box bins Build it with the kids bins - cut up some felt and wrap a box bins
Build it with the kids bins - cut out some pics and felt flowers and wrap some more box bins Build it with the kids bins - cut out some pics and felt flowers and wrap some more box bins
Mod wire bins Mod wire bins
Repurposed locker bin Repurposed locker bin
Classic wire bin Classic wire bin
Classic woven bin Classic woven bin
More classic woven bins More classic woven bins
Reed bins Reed bins
Mod textured bins Mod textured bins
IKEA big bag bin IKEA big bag bin
Another IKEA big bag bin Another IKEA big bag bin
Another big bag bin Another big bag bin
Attach multiple plastic bags bin Attach multiple plastic bags bin
Stack some plastic bins Stack some plastic bins
Colorful, mod bins Colorful, mod bins
A basic, sleek 3-in-1 bin A basic, sleek 3-in-1 bin
Home recycling bins are a type of storage system. So I searched for both DIY (Do It Yourself) home storage solutions & for simple, sleek ready-made storage solutions. Some of the most creative storage solutions are for children's toy storage. Any of these storage solutions can be repurposed into recycling bin solutions. I tried to find a range of styles for the range of tastes out there. And found some fun ideas on types of bins to build with your kids.

Take a spin through the images section of this post to view a variety creative recycling storage solutions out there. Below are links to the showcased bins.

If anyone builds DIY bins, like Alper did, keep a record of the materials you use and the steps taken to construct the bin. Post it online so that others can replicate your bins! -- The end goal would be to collect and post a range of easy-to-build bin styles that appeal to any home decoration taste like: mod/contemporary, rustic/traditional, vintage/retro, industrial, international, and for the kids’ room. Try creating easy bins for kids to build. Or, try building out of recycled/upcycled content. Basic reqs would be:
  1. The steps to build the containers must be easy to follow and to replicate in as few steps as possible–so that anyone at home can build the bins
  2. One must create a system where multiple items can be recycled (ie, plastic, paper, cans, glass, cans, etc.)
Companies and sites like Recyclebank, UpcycleThat, IKEA (etc) might be interested in publishing (or even selling) those ideas.

This post builds on Meena's and Alper's "at home hacks" ideas, Tom's "reuse and recycle with the kids" idea, and the many ideas of the creative Etsy community who are building cool recycling bins and items out of recycled content.

LINKS

IKEA big bag bins:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10056770/

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10243866/

Children's bins:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Altra-Kids-Pink-Flower-Bin-Storage-System/7913179/product.html?refccid=TT2ZEDUDAU3Z3QSN4DJTSYKPUI&searchidx=6

Storage systems:
http://www.landofnod.com/green-down-to-the-wire-cube-bin/s297674?rv=Kids+Storage+and+Shelving%3aKids+Storage+Under+%2410%3aMilk+Crates+Family+Page

http://www.landofnod.com/grey-stripes-around-the-cube-bin/s560421?rv=Kids+Storage+and+Shelving%3aTabletop+Storage%3aGr+Down+to+the+Wire+Cube+Bin+SKU+297674+Product+Page

http://www.landofnod.com/tabletop-storage/kids-storage-and-shelving/flea-market-wire-ball-bins/f838

http://www.landofnod.com/large-metal-locker-basket/s160396

http://www.landofnod.com/store-by-numbers-cube-bins/f10825

http://www.bestofinteriors.com/other/12-storage-boxes-and-baskets-that-mix-function-and-style/

http://www.homedit.com/easy-childrens-diy-storage-ideas/


Small space recyling & DIY:
http://www.bobvila.com/articles/small-space-recycling-centers/

http://www.organicauthority.com/8-stylish-ways-to-recycle-in-small-spaces

http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/13520-roundup-8-clever-diy-ways-to-organize-your-recycling#!PPB4d

http://canada.michaels.com/Wood-Crate-Recycle-Bin/C_32914,default,pd.html

http://canada.michaels.com/Wood-Crate-Recycle-Bin/C_32914,default,pd.html

http://green.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/best_recycling_bins.php


Colorful, mod bins:
http://www.aliexpress.com/promotion/home-storage_stackable-storage-bin-promotion.html






 

Describe how your idea would help form new habits and improve recycling at home

Having recycling bins that fit in with the style of one's home and/or with one's personality will encourage people to recycle. (Vs being stuck with unattractive bins or no bins at all.) Getting the kids involved will heighten their awareness of recycling.
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Inspired by (5)

Reuse and Recycle Rubbish Because It's Fun
Reuse and Recycle Rubbish Because It's Fun
Hacking Your Home to Become a Better Recycler
Hacking Your Home to Become a Better Recycler
The Art of Recycling: "Do It Yourself (DIY)” Creative & Fun Recycling
The Art of Recycling: "Do It Yourself (DIY)” Creative & Fun Recycling
Build At Home Hacks, draft Recycling Habit Toolkit, partner with Recyclebank.com, develop Recycling Curriculum+Contest, identify Local Recycling Repositories, and launch Coca-Cola Recycling/Happiness Guerilla Campaign
Build At Home Hacks, draft Recycling Habit Toolkit, partner with Recyclebank.com, develop Recycling Curriculum+Contest, identify Local Recycling Repositories, and launch Coca-Cola Recycling/Happiness Guerilla Campaign
R-Blocks, Updated November 22
R-Blocks, Updated November 22

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Photo of Laura Rodriguez
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Hi again Leigh!!  The results are in.  The UCLA study is complete, and my patented, decoratively versatile recycling bins DO Change habits and increase recycling!!!  Wooh, hoo!  :)  As soon as the study gets officially written up, all I need is a media campaign and an established manufacturer who want to be the "Levi Strauss" or "Band-Aid" brand of the behavioral change.  I targeted the two factors that hold down recycling practices, and the results are spectacular.  My mini-company, BinBisa Supply owns the design and proven results & and I'm dedicated to give 1/2 of all proceeds to an educational campaign towards changing mindsets and habits.  There's no one else out there with my passion and dedication.  Would you like to help build the movement and get my prodeuct into stores?  Contact me at 209-747-0865 (Please leave a message if I don't answer. I'm a school teacher by day, and I don't answer during class, but I'll get back to you when the school day ends.)  Or you can get me by email at lrods818@comcast.net     

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