We built a Recycling Bin Storage Rack to make it easy to store, hold and sort out our recyclable items. 
Our Recycling area was starting to get a little unkempt. To fix this we built a…
Recycling Bin Storage Rack
Single Stream Recycling
When recently moved into a new home, we found that we would no longer have the luxury of a single-stream recycling service. Single-stream recycling is so convenient, no need to sort you just load everything into the huge provided container, and off it goes. It is easy to take for granted until you have to sort and store your recycling as we do now.
How Do I Store Recycling In My Garage?
Previous to building our recycling storage system we collected and sorted all our recycling in storage bins on the ground.
How do I organize my garage recycling bins?
While this did work, there was no real organization to the system and it took up more than its share of our valuable garage space.
Recycle Bin Storage Ideas
Blue Plastic Recycling Bins
One option and the most common solution is to use Blue Plastic Recycling Bins to sort and store recycling waste. These are durable and designed to allow easy access for filling. Blue Plastic Storage Bins are the best way to store recycling before pick up or drop off at your recycling facility. 
Rubbermaid Storage Bins
While using Blue Plastic Recycling Bins is the best option, another option is to use plastic Rubbermaid Storage Bins. We had many of these sitting unused so decided to implement them as recycling bins. They have lasted for two years now but are not as durable as they have started to break. I coaxed some extra life by holding them together with heavy-duty tape. 
How Do You Make A Recycling Bin Holder?
There are many options for making a recycling bin holder. The simplest option would be to purchase a shelf unit with spacing large enough to fit your bins and stack them on the shelf racks.
Buy vs Build
Another option would be to build a custom shelf to suit your needs. This way it can fit the height of the space as well as have shelving dimensions to fit the bins without wasted space.
Recycling Bin Storage Rack Design Criteria
Tall and Narrow
Our garage has a high ceiling. The rack needs to be tall to not leave wasted space above the rack. The shelf will be 8 feet tall to match the length of standard spruce lumber. Along with being tall, the rack needs to be narrow to fit the space between our freezer and the garage door.
Access
The bins need to be accessible—plenty of room to place items in the bins without pulling them out. Open sides and a little extra space above the bins will allow for easy access.
Cross Bracing
To strengthen the shelving frame enough to prevent twisting, the design will incorporate a cross-bracing design, commonly seen on shelves and stands.
Building A Recycling Bin Storage Rack – The Video
The Tools
- Ryobi Sliding Mitre Saw
- Milwaukee 12v Drill Driver
- Bit Driver Set
- Countersink Drill Bit
- Bar Clamps for WoodWorking (Quick Clamps)
- Right Angle Corner Clamps
The Parts
- 1 5/8” Deck Screws
- One-Step Stain & Polyurethane
- Exterior Grade Wood Glue
- 1/4″-20 Threaded Wood Inserts
- 2” Disposable Paint Brushes
- Stretch Wrap
- 1/4″-20 x 1 Pan Head Screw
The How – DIY Recycling Bin Storage Rack
Step-1 Building The Upright Sections
First, we use Extra Strength Wood Glue and screws to bond together lengths of 1×2 and 1×3 spruce. This increases strength without too much weight. We square up the side frames by measuring across, corner to corner. When both measure the same you know it’s square. 
#ProTip Thin Spruce lumber tends to split, so predrilling with a Countersink Bit is recommended.
Step-2 Cutting The Shelf Pieces
Next, we use our Ryobi Sliding Mitre Saw to cut the shelf pieces. 
Step-3 Building The Shelf Beam And Brace Pieces
The shelf pieces are screwed together in an H frame with 1/4″-20 Threaded Wood Inserts installed in the ends.
#ProTip: Use Right Angle Corner Clamps to hold the wood square while installing the screws.
Step-4 Stain And Seal
Two coats of One-Step Stain and Poly will keep this shelf looking fresh for a lifetime.
#ProTip: Wrap your brush with Stretch Wrap between coats to prevent the brush from drying out.
Step-5 Assembly
All pieces are screwed together using 1/4″-20 x 1 Pan Head Screws
Our Recycling Bin Storage Rack Is ✅
Finished and in use, our new Recycling Bin Storage Rack works great. It is easy to place items in the bins and easy to load and unload the full bins.
More Home Projects From Weekender Van Life
Campsite Cookup With These Awesome Camp Kitchen Accessories
Powered Up And Ready To Go
As always, thank you for taking the time to visit Weekender Van Life. And remember, always take the road less traveled!
Leave a Reply