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6 Creative Recycling Solutions

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Doing your part to help the environment is important, after all, we’ve only got one planet. Recycling is an excellent way to cut down on landfill waste and ensure that today’s refuse gets a chance at a new life tomorrow. That being said, being eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean cluttering your home with bulky, unsightly bins. Here are 6 ways to corral  your recycling without sacrificing too much space or style.

The Hidden Method
Under-sink storage is nothing new when it comes to garbage but for some reason, we tend to overlook this option for recycling. Take advantage of cupboard doors to mount a simple recycling container that will remain blissfully out of sight when not in use. As an added bonus, having both garbage and recycling in the same place makes it a lot easier to remember to take out.

The Disguise Method
When in doubt, disguise. Even the ugliest bins can be concealed with the right materials. If you’re handy with a hammer, head to your local hardware store for some lumber and build yourself a functional storage solution for a minimal cost. Not feeling crafty? Old apple crates can easily be repurposed as bin holders and require virtually no effort on your part.

The Pop-Up Method
Looking for a functional conversation piece? Check out the Hobnob Pop-up Party Bins. They’re meant to be a temporary solution but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them a permanent part of your home. They’re big enough to handle a lot of recyclables and can be folded flat when not in use. They’re also incredibly cool-looking which means that you might find yourself actually enjoying taking your cans out to the curb.

The Wall Method
Typically, recycling bins occupy valuable floorspace which can be mighty inconvenient and kind of ugly, too. Switch things up by picking up a wall-mounted container and marvel at how much better recycling can be when you’re not constantly tripping over it. Ikea offers a cheap and easy option, as does Rubbermaid. Or, if you’d prefer, make your own with a couple of strategically drilled holes and screws.

The Creative Method
If you’re willing to think outside the (recycling) box, chances are you’ll be rewarded with an aesthetically pleasing and very functional set up. Retailers like Pottery Barn offer cool laundry sorting stations that can easily be transformed into can and bottle receptacles that look a lot better than your typical blue bin. Try the Maxwell for a built-in look or the Perry Divided Hamper if beachy-chic is more your thing.

The Artistic Method
If for some reason you’re stuck with the classic plastic containers, don’t despair. Just head to the closest art supply shop and arm yourself with paint, brushes, and a whole lot of creativity. With a proper coat of primer, you can turn even the most mundane bin into a unique masterpiece and worst case scenario, you can always paint over it. The only limit is your imagination!

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