The Best Recycling Bin

Buying Guide

It’s important that everyone does their part to protect the environment. One easy way to do this is to recycle glass, plastic, metal and paper using recycling bins. Some counties provide outdoor recycling bins, while others do not. Of course, you’ll still need indoor bins to keep the recyclables organized.

Find out whether your township requires you to separate plastic and paper products. If they don’t, you’ll only need one dedicated bin for your kitchen. If they do, look for a model like that has four compartments within one bin.

When it comes to outdoor recycling containers, you want a bin that is quality made and able to withstand all types of weather. Look for a model that is also constructed with a UV inhibitor that protects the container from fading or becoming cracked from constant sun exposure.

Should the outdoor recycling bin require a liner, check for integrated cinches that help hold the liner place. This feature will also make it easier to remove the liner when you’re ready to replace it with a new one.

Recycling bins that have a lid are ideal, as they keep critters from getting into your trash. Some models have a locking mechanism to keep the lids in place. Others have a feature that keeps the lid propped open while filling or emptying it.

Look for an outdoor recycling container with wheels if you have a long driveway and dragging the bin to the curb is unrealistic. It’s best if the wheels are durable and outfitted with performance treads that work well on multiple surfaces.

Another option is to go with recycling containers that can be stacked on top of each other. Some of these bins can also be used indoors to store toys or in a garage to hold tools.

While recycling containers are available in a wide range of colors, such as yellow, green, blue, gray and white, you’ll want to make sure they are outfitted with the universal symbol for recycling before you buy them. This is the only way the trash men will be able to distinguish your recycling cans from your regular trash cans.

• Since your recycling bins hold trash, they will become dirty and smelly over time. Use a garden hose to give the recycling cans an initial rinse. Next, fill the bin a quarter of the way up with warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to help clean and deodorize the bin and then scrub the inside and outside of the bin. Rinse clean and allow to air dry.
• It’s always best to rinse cans and bottles out before tossing them in your outdoor recycling bin. This helps deter outdoor pests, like raccoons and possums from getting into your trash.
• Take a few extra seconds to flatten any cardboard and food boxes before placing them in your recycling bin. You’ll be able to fit much more in that way, which means you won’t need as many bins.
• Check to see if you live in one of the 10 states that pay for recycled cans. If you do, you may want to set these items aside and take them directly to the recycling center. Every penny adds up.
• Believe it or not, not all plastics are recyclable. Your city’s website should list which plastics it accepts. If you can’t find a list, take a look at the plastic’s number. Most centers tend to shy away from numbers 3, 6 and 7. If you have a number 1 (soft), 4 or 5, call the city and ask whether they accept those plastics in their recycling program, as some cities take these, while others don’t.
• When comparing recycling bin prices, you’ll need to take into consideration extra features and whether the can is meant for indoors or outdoors. Models made from a soft material are the most affordable. In the middle, you’ll find the Rubbermaid Slim Jim Plastic Recycling Bin and the Genuine Joe Rectangular Recycling Bin, as these have a more solid construction. On the higher end are the bins that are also stackable.