Create a beautiful and practical recycling station—6 tips from an interior designer

How can trash-sorting, which takes up so much space, be done in a practical yet visually pleasing way? This question intrigued one of our readers.

In this article interior designer Maru Hautala offers 6 tips.

1. Factor in recycling when planning your home or renovation

Recycling systems are considered far too rarely—or too late—when designing a home. Recycling stations claim a fair amount of space, and well-thought-out systems help keep your home organized. When recycling systems function well, day-to-day life becomes easier. Above all, prioritizing recycling is good for the environment.

Brabantia's black sorting bin with legs blends seamlessly in with this kitchen. The bin comes in eight different colors, including burgundy, yellow, matte steel, and platinum.

2. Hide it if you can

When you have a dedicated cabinet—or even multiple—for recycling, items like compostable waste, cardboard, and metals stay out of sight. Many manufacturers now offer small “hidden drawers” for kitchen pull-out cabinets. You can find 10 tips for storing kitchen items here [in Finnish].

Ikea, for instance, sells hidden drawers that fit into pull-out cabinets.

3. Make use of other rooms

The only carefully planned recycling station is often in the kitchen, but you could place it elsewhere too. That way, you can reserve as much of the kitchen’s precious storage space as possible for dishes, groceries, pots, and pans.

Your paper and cardboard could go here! Most recycling stations aren’t exactly a feast for the eyes. Ecosmol is Finnish design made from FSC-certified birch and ash. It’s available in several colors, and with the dividers you can easily separate different waste items. Most importantly, the product looks great, and you can hide waste under the lid.

If you don’t accumulate much waste and can empty it quickly, smaller recycling bins are sufficient. Brabantia’s colorful bins can even be mounted on the wall if needed. They come in four different colors with capacities of 6, 12, or 16 liters.

4. Consider where to place your recycling station

Usually, the recycling station is placed under the sink. While this can be a good choice, I’m increasingly convinced that the best spot is next to the sink, on the right. This frees up space and makes it easier to work—potato peels are easier to toss into the adjacent drawer, and washing them at the same time becomes simpler.

Interior designer Maru Hautala recommends placing the recycling station next to the sink rather than right in front of it. Photo: Ikea.

5. Place newspapers and cardboard in the entryway, on the porch, or in the garage

I recommend having space in the kitchen for compost, general waste, and possibly energy waste. You can consider placing glass, newspapers, cardboard, and metal somewhere else if the kitchen is cramped—for example, in the entryway, on the porch, or in the garage.

You can recycle newspapers and magazines right in the entryway if they’re neatly collected. The Everyday Design holder is Finnish-made, and you can easily update its look by choosing a new, fun paper bag from time to time.

A sorting bin this stylish can stand up to scrutiny outside the kitchen, too. Available in eight different colors. Photo: Brabantia.

If possible, set aside a closet in the entryway for recycling. Give each type of recyclable its own box, and you can easily carry them outside.

Stackable boxes are convenient to empty once they fill up. Photo: Ikea.

6. Would a storage bench work?

If you have a balcony, porch, or a really spacious entryway, you can set up a recycling system inside a storage bench. Put together your own DIY solution. Look for inspiration from Pinterest, for example. If your budget allows, consider ordering a beautiful bench from a carpenter.

In our “Ask an interior designer” series, interior designer Maru Hautala answers questions that are on readers’ minds. Maru is also known to readers from her blog, Marulla.