TRASH TALK: CHOOSING TRASH, COMPOST AND RECYCLING SOLUTIONS FOR THE KITCHEN
While selecting a trash can isn’t the most exciting part of a kitchen renovation, we believe that a good waste sorting system has the potential to completely transform your daily life. In order to help you choose a solution that matches your lifestyle, we have decided to guide you through the 5 key steps used by our designers, including amazing tips from our designer Marie-Sophie, organization and recycling pro! Let’s start with the first step: assessing your needs!
Step 1: Your needs
In order to define your current needs (and your potential future needs), your designer will start by asking you a few questions. Do you compost your kitchen scraps? Do you use your compost in your garden? How often do you need to take out the trash? Do you have children? Do you have pets? Do you regularly buy family-sized products? What are the regulations in your sector regarding composting and recycling? These factors, in addition to the dimensions of your kitchen and your preferences, will influence the waste system chosen, as well as the depth of the bins that will be part of it.
Step 2: Dimensions of your kitchen
If space allows, we like to create a “waste centre” that includes 4 sections: a garbage bin, a compost bin, a recycling bin as well as another small bin to store garbage bags and other accessories.
In addition to being the ultimate solution in terms of organization and efficiency, the waste centre is extremely versatile and flexible, allowing bins to be easily interchanged over time. For example, you may need a smaller trash bin if you start composting, or a larger compost bin during your summer épluchette de blé d’Inde. This is why it’s so useful to vary the capacity of the bins (17, 26 or 32 litres).
Step 3: Manual or electric opening
While the drawer of the waste center can be opened manually with a sliding system, it is also possible to opt for a hands-free technology like SERVO-DRIVE, which allows the drawer to be opened easily with a simple pressure of the knee or foot. Perfect for those times when your hands are dirty or full!
Step 4: Additional storage
If the kitchen configuration allows it, it is possible to add a drawer above the waste bins to store garbage bags, compostable bags, recycling bags, table linens, dish sponges and other household accessories. Our clients who have pets also like to use this space to store treats or dog poop bags!
Step 5: Odour control
In order to avoid bad odours, all our waste bins include a lid containing an anti-odour coconut filter, as well as 2 handles that allow the bins to be easily transported and emptied. We love coconut filters because they are extremely easy to replace, and can be composted when it’s time to change them. Small details that make a big difference!
Before we finish, here are some tips and tricks from our team:
Place the waste centre next to the sink, on the side nearest to the prep zone.
Freeze your compost and take it out according to your city’s collection schedule.
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste and avoid overloading your recycling bin.
Opt for an automatic waste centre—it’s truly worth the investment!
Regularly wash your plastic bins with a small amount of baking soda to remove odours.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our designers will be happy to answer your organization questions and help you get started with your project!
