Unless you have a maid or you’ve been living under a rock since the 60s, you'll know that recycling is a massive part of our lives. Of its many advantages is that it helps to reduce the impact of our waste on the Earth, and diminishes the need for raw materials. In turn, this preserves them for future generations.
The majority of us will have been recycling since we were born, and you’ll likely have noticed that some of the bins you’ve used have been better than others, but it can be hard to identify why! To help you put a finger on it, and make your fight to save the planet that little bit easier, we'll reveal the best stacking, dual and 3-compartment recycling bins from brands like Brabantia, Argos and Joseph Joseph.
Quick List - Top Recycling Bin
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We know it might seem an easy enough purchase off the bat, but with a little thought about the specific nuances, you can pick up an option that will comfortably fit you and your family's recycling needs. Here's how to do it.
For a small household of 1-2 people, and where space is at a premium, we would recommend a bin capacity of around 15-30 litres. For a slightly bigger home with more floor space but which doesn't produce a lot of recycling, 30-40 litres would be fine.
If you have a 4-person family and produce a regular amount of waste (and you don’t want to be emptying your bin every other day!), a capacity of 40-50 litres should be plenty. 50+ litre bins are really only for homes with more people, like large flatshares or, as we mentioned, commercial properties that produce a lot of waste.
To save you from having to sift through your waste, consider a multi-compartment bin. These usually have two or three slots so you can separate your rubbish as you go. The only issue is that, while the bin may be large, you still have to split that capacity between two different types of recycling; a 30 L multi-compartment is actually only two 15 L bins.
The final option is to go for multiple separate single-compartment bins. These will offer you much more space, so they’re worth considering if you produce a lot of recycling. The downside is that they’re going to require more floor space, so they’re a better suited to larger properties that can afford the room.
More often than not, most bins, and not just those for recycling, are made from plastic. This is because the material is easy to clean, durable, and best of all, relatively inexpensive.
The other option would be a recycling bin made from stainless steel. This offers a little bit more class when it comes to the aesthetics of the container, and won't retain odours or stains as easily.
However, steels bins are usually saved for indoor spaces, so they may not be suitable if you like to leave your rubbish and recycling outside or in the garage. Also, though strong, they can be a fair bit more expensive initially.
The final factor to consider is the opening mechanism of your bin. Option one is a classic manual push hinge or removable lid, with the former being the least hassle. These are often used on the most inexpensive bins, however, they aren't the most convenient, especially if you’re carrying a lot of stuff and don't have a free hand.
Secondly, the omnipresent step-on pedal. Pedal bins allow you to keep your hands free for either putting things in or emptying them out. This mechanism is much easier to use, and still available on many cheaper options.
The final mechanism is a touch or sensor. These are less common and usually found on rubbish bins for hygiene reasons, but they essentially open themselves with a button or a wave of a hand. This extra tech bumps up the price a bit, and while they're convenient, their lids are the most likely to break over time.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Argos 2-Compartment Recycling Bin | ![]() | Perfect for Those With a Busy Family Life | |
2 | Addis Set of Three Waste Bins | ![]() | Keep Things Neat and Tidy With a Set That Clips Together | |
3 | Clas Ohlson Indoor Recycling Bin with Handles | ![]() | A Very Handy Stackable Recycling Bin | |
4 | Denny Shop Recycling Waste Bin | ![]() | Quirky, Innovative and Convenient | |
5 | Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Totem | ![]() | Looks Good, Performs Even Better | |
6 | Brabantia Twin Bin | ![]() | A Dual Bin Full of Practical and Convenient Features | |
7 | Trontarelli Recycle Bin Twin Set | ![]() | The Economical Option to Separate Cardboard and Glass | |
8 | Simplehuman Recycler Bin | ![]() | Futuristic and Stylish With a Pocket for Bin Liners | |
9 | Brabantia Built-In Bin | ![]() | A Cupboard Bin That Will Save Floor Space | |
10 | Keto Plastics Large Black Plastic Bin | ![]() | Massive Outdoor Bins With a Few Nifty Features |
While 60 L is on the high side, we feel most folks would prefer that than having to take your waste out every day. Also, as we mentioned in the buying guide, it's technically two 30 L and not one big bin that you'll be sifting through.
Both sections of the bin are foot-operated for ease of use and comfort when it comes to either loading or unloading, and we're keen on the simple and classy steel finish. Plus, as you're not paying for a big brand name, it's much more affordable than some. If you have a busy family life, this recycling bin could really help to ease your burdens, even if it's just a little bit.
Do you live in a big house with lots of waste? Then this trio of separate bins, which can conveniently clip together, will be a godsend, thanks to each holding a mammoth 40 litres.
The fact that they can be attached also helps them to stay neat and tidy wherever you decide to home them, whether that's outside or in a utility room. Plus, the set is sturdy, straightforward and easy to clean, which is great if you're looking to go even greener and ditch the bin liners altogether.
This handy little bin is perfect for those small households that don't produce too much recycling. The design has a top lid that needs to be removed when being completely emptied, but there is also an easy-access flap for convenience when popping your waste in on the regular.
However, if your house begins to grow, or you feel like you'd prefer to separate your types of waste (there is only one compartment), worry not. Clas Ohlsen designed these bins to be stackable, perfect for adding to if necessary. They're also made from recycled plastic.
This offering from Denny Shop is all about practicality. It has three separate compartments that total a roomy 40 L. The rectangular shape is ideal for fitting in modern kitchens, plus the whole thing is on wheels which is great if you don't want to carry the bags through the house.
The contraption uses a manual opening mechanism for the smaller top buckets, and a step-on for the lower larger bucket. It's quirky, it's innovative and it's convenient, so if you're looking to give something a little different a try, this could be right up your street.
There are many factors to admire about this recycling unit – which we're calling that because it's so much more than a plain old bin. Straight off the bat, we love the aesthetics which give it a sharp, contemporary look that'll look great in most present-day kitchens.
But it's not all about looks, as the two compartments offer ample space, and there's also a little 3 L compartment which can be stored in either of the larger ones for compost or food waste. Our favourite feature, though, is certainly the ventilated odour filter in the main lid, which will reduce bad smells and moisture buildup.
This offering from Brabantia has a lot of practical and convenient features, such as the two-compartment buckets being removable. Alongside this, there is a special feature which will raise the buckets, so you don't need to bend over when applying a liner.
It has a light motion-controlled pedal which works smoothly and silently when opening and closing. Plus, there is a no-skid base ensuring it won't be unstable or sliding around and ruining your kitchen floor. This would be a great option for those who want a dual bin for both kitchen waste and recycling.
This is a simple and straightforward twin set of recycling bins which should make your recycling chores a whole lot easier. The set comes with glass and paper stickers that can be put on the bins to identify which is which, but you can always choose not to use them.
The round shape of the head is supposed to help ensure an easy--clean bin, which is always handy. They are manual opening, though a swing-lid is better than having to lift off a separate lid. The design isn't the most pleasing on the eye either, so they could dirty your kitchen decor a bit. Still, they are super cheap.
This full-steel, futuristic-looking bin from Simplehuman comes with two different compartments that total a very respectable 58 L. The rectangular, space-efficient shape helps to ensure the contents stay arranged, and allows it to slot nicely into any nooks or corner in the house.
Additionally, the bin also comes with a bin liner pocket around the back, so you'll never have to go rooting under the sink in the dark for them again. Yes, it's expensive, but it looks good, so if you have the money we're sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
From the large to the little, this offering from Brabantia is perfect for those small homes that don't have a lot of space. This is because the recycling bin comes with a bracket that can be attached somewhere, for example, the inside of a cupboard or a utility room door.
The bin has a 10 L capacity so it is on the small side, still, if you live alone or with a partner and you don't produce a lot of recycling, you'll probably be able to go a couple of days before emptying it. Just make sure you can start drilling it into the furniture if you're renting your place.
Getting us underway are these huge plastic bins from UK-based company Keto Plastics. They're pretty simple and straightforward but come with a couple of features that make them a solid choice, most notably the carry handles and the locking lids, which are great if you plan to leave the bins outside.
The reason they're propping up the bottom end of the list is the fact that many people will not require a total of 160 litres of waste recycling. Plus, we don't know about you, but we wouldn't fancy sifting through 80 L of waste to organise it into the correct bins.
Whether you're on a mission to make your home as environmentally-friendly as possible or you're just looking for more practical waste solutions, we can help. Take a look at our related articles for inspiration, tips, and product recommendations.
Whether you're looking for a recycling bin for a couple, a family, or a business, hopefully you've found our recommendations useful. We believe that if you follow the tips in the buying guide and apply them to your personal situation, you'll find something that will provide an adequate waste solution. Here's to saving the planet, one wine bottle at a time!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Argos|2-Compartment Recycling Bin
No. 2: Addis|Set of Three Waste Bins
No. 3: Clas Ohlson|Indoor Recycling Bin with Handles
No. 4: Denny Shop |Recycling Waste Bin
No. 5: Joseph Joseph|Intelligent Waste Totem
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