How to Install a Hidden Kitchen Trash Can
When sharing my basement bar reveal, I had quite a few people ask where we ended up putting the trash can. It’s also a question I’m asked about in our main kitchen… so, where’s the trash? I love a hidden pull-out trash can. They’re functional, the best aesthetic option (in my opinion), and they’re more affordable than you might expect. Today, I wanted to share how to install a hidden kitchen trash can! Click through for this easy concealed upgrade…
Two Types of Hidden Kitchen Trash Cans
The first thing you should know- there are two main types of concealed cabinetry trash cans… one that attaches to the cabinet door and one that attaches to the bottom of the cabinet itself. Luckily, we have one of each, so I can easily show you the difference below.
Option one: the door slides with the trash can, as it’s attached to the cabinet panel. This is typically the premium, more expensive option.
Option two: the door must first be opened to pull out the trash, as it’s attached to the bottom of the cabinet. This option is usually less expensive.
Measure & Order the Best Fit for Your Kitchen
You’ll need to measure your cabinet and determine which concealed trash option is best for your kitchen based on the size, function, and budget! This is not sponsored in any way, but we’re partial to Rev-A-Shelf brand- that’s also the brand Emmett’s work uses (he works for a custom cabinetry shop). We’ve just had really good luck with their cabinetry inserts over the years.
Installation Steps
We ordered this less expensive pull out trash can for the basement kitchen. Here is everything that comes with it, including the trash can (you can choose your color)!
The first step is to remove the cabinet door. It makes it easier to install the pull out frame. Since we just replaced & upgraded our cabinet doors and hinges, our doors clips on and off the soft close hinges, making this task really quick.
Next, you’ll want to figure out the frame placement. We nudged ours to the left a little to avoid catching the cabinet hinges.
Once we had the frame in a good position, we attached it to the cabinet bottom with four screws- one for each corner.
Then we permanently affixed the based to the frame. It just required two screws…
Next, the trash can pull out included a wireframe basket to hold trash bags… a nice feature. It was also easy to screw to the frame.
Last, we unfolded the frame and snapped on the pull bar. It creates a frame to hold the trash can.
We put the waste basket into place, added a bag, and reattached the cabinet door. This project took less than 10 minutes to install and was super easy.
FAQ
The option in our main kitchen is more convenient because it only takes one pull… you don’t have to open the door first. It’s also made of solid wood, so it feels much heavier. While that’s my personal preference, the option in our basement is still very convenient and functions well! It’s perfect for a bin that isn’t used as frequently and is an awesome budget pick.
Lots of them, actually! Check out my kitchen cabinetry video tour for a peek inside our cabinets. It’s a fun one to watch!
I’ll include a photo of that below! It sits behind the trash can near the back of the slide out. My standard size bags fit perfectly!
Related Kitchen Posts
Looking for more kitchen renovation related posts? I’ll link some of my favorites and most popular blog posts for you below…
- How to Replace & Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors
- Kitchen Cabinetry Video Tour
- Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (With Examples)
- A Peek At Our Cabinetry Installation Process
- Classic Brass Cabinetry Knobs from Amazon
- Roundup: Non Permanent Kitchen Islands
- Kitchen Design : Panel Ready Appliances
- How to Choose a Kitchen Sink
There you have it… now you know where the trash exists in both of my kitchens! I hope this post was helpful if you were on the fence about pull-out or concealed trash cans. They’re really convenient and an easy aesthetic move. I’ll link some good options for you below, as they come in many colors & configurations…
