The Best Location for a Garbage Can in the Kitchen: A Practical Guide
When designing or reorganizing a kitchen, the placement of the garbage can might not be the first thing on your mind — but it should be. A strategically placed garbage can could make your kitchen more functional, efficient, and even more hygienic.
Furthermore, it could also elevate your kitchen aesthetics by choosing amongst the many options available here.
Whether you're dealing with a compact apartment kitchen or a spacious open-concept layout, here’s how to find the best location for your kitchen garbage can.
1. Near the Prep Area: Maximize Workflow Efficiency
The kitchen prep area is where most of the waste is generated — vegetable peels, food packaging, wrappers, and more. Placing the garbage can close to your main cutting board or counter workspace minimizes back-and-forth trips and keeps your workflow smooth. Ideally, you want to be able to sweep scraps directly from the counter into the can.
Best spots:
Beneath the prep counter (if you use a pull-out trash system)
Beside the prep area, if space allows for a freestanding bin
2. Next to the Sink: Simplify Cleanup
Another high-traffic waste zone is near the kitchen sink. Rinsing dishes and food often leads to bits of debris that need to be thrown out. Keeping a trash can nearby streamlines dishwashing and cleanup duties.
Tip: Consider installing a small compost bin here too, if you separate food waste.
3. Under the Counter: Hide It for Aesthetics
If keeping your kitchen looking clean and clutter-free is a top priority, an under-counter pull-out trash system is one of the best options. These hidden cans are usually installed in a lower cabinet, often close to the sink or prep area. They’re especially useful in small kitchens where floor space is at a premium.
You could also choose a smaller garbage can to place inside a hidden compartment. There are many options available such as Nimbin.
Pros:
Conceals trash for a cleaner look
Reduces odors with a cabinet door
Safer from pets and kids
4. Island Integration: Great for Open Layouts
In open-concept kitchens with an island, integrating the garbage can into the island cabinetry makes sense. This setup is excellent for multitasking and allows easy access from multiple points in the kitchen.
Considerations:
Requires proper ventilation and odor control
Must fit seamlessly with the island design
5. Away from High-Traffic Zones: Avoid Congestion
While accessibility is crucial, placing the trash can in the middle of a busy pathway — like between the stove and refrigerator — can interrupt the kitchen’s flow. Choose a spot that is easy to access but doesn’t obstruct common movement paths.
Bonus Tips for Optimal Placement
Use multiple bins: In larger kitchens, having a secondary garbage can or recycling bin in a secondary area (like near the dining area or coffee station) can be a convenience booster.
Foot pedal or touchless options: Especially helpful if your hands are full or dirty. Touchless options such as Luma Touchless Bin are an excellent choice for smooth workflow.
Proper ventilation: Ensure that trash bins, especially those tucked inside cabinets, have proper seals or liners to manage odors.
Conclusion
The best location for a garbage can in your kitchen depends on how you cook, clean, and move within the space. For most, a position near the prep and sink area, possibly concealed within cabinetry, offers the best balance of convenience and cleanliness. By taking workflow, aesthetics, and safety into account, you can make your kitchen more efficient — one trash can at a time.