In a lot of kitchens, the trash can is often stored right under the sink behind a cabinet. That’s fine for some people, but if you don’t have that option, or if you’re tired of constantly reaching into a cramped space to throw everything out, then coming up with an alternative solution can be a bit tricky. Lucky for you, there are lots of options! Depending on how much room you have in your kitchen and the look you’re trying to create, you could find other ways to hide your trash can somewhere else, or even dress it up to match the decor of your kitchen so you can leave it out in the open. Here are some ideas to consider.

Install a Pullout Cabinet Drawer for Easier Access

Perhaps the most popular alternative to simply putting a trash can under the sink is the pullout drawer. Amazon is one place where you can find these. Not only does it keep your trash can hidden behind your cabinets, but it also prevents you from having to reach right into your dark cabinet and feel around for it.

Get a Kitchen Cart with a Trash Compartment

Do you have extra room for another furniture piece? If you do, you might want to think about getting one of these nifty kitchen carts that give you a bit of extra counter and storage space. This white one from Coaster Furniture has a built-in trash compartment to keep it hidden.

Try a Tilt for Smaller Spaces

So, maybe you don’t have enough room for a big kitchen cart or extra cabinetry. Instead, you could try hiding your trash can in a tilt if you have just enough room along a wall, in a corner, or beside your counter. This tutorial from Dawn Nicole shows you how you can make your own to match the look of your kitchen or you can easily purchase one from Amazon.

Use a Hangable Bin for Cramped Cabinets

A trash can that hangs over the door of your cabinet, like this one from Crate and Barrel, is great for saving space in your cabinets and an easy alternative to installing a pullout drawer. It also keeps your trash can fully hidden and super easy to access.

Get Crafty with Old Trash Cans

Are you up for a little DIY project? You can take your existing trash can (or go out and get any kind of generic one that you want) and give it a makeover with some paint and stencils if you like. Just have a look at some of these boring trash cans turned works of art!

Have Fun with Labels

You can get some really great looking trash can and bin collections that come with labels to separate your trash, recycling, and composting. In fact, you could even make your own too! Check out these bins featured on BHG for some inspiration.

Use a Large Basket

Not ready to upgrade from your current ugly trash can that’s been sitting out in the open? An easy fix for that eyesore is to simply hide it in a big wicker basket that ideally comes with a lid. All you have to do is lift it up to toss something away.

Try a Wine Barrel

For a real rustic look, you can add an old wine barrel to your kitchen if you have an area in mind where it could fit. Wine Country Craftsman takes old barrels, converts them to functional trash cans, and sells them on Etsy. Simply open the lid on the top of the barrel to use it!