Why Choose an In-Cupboard Bin?
In-cupboard bins are installed inside a kitchen cabinet, unlike free-standing bins that take up valuable floor space and disrupt the kitchens visual flow. Built-in bins hide neatly inside cabinets while remaining instantly accessible.
They’re perfect for small kitchens or anyone who prefers a clean, uncluttered look. Not forgetting, if you use a multi-compartment in-cupboard bin you can save time sorting through your recycling, set up a system that suits your home.
The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Modern households manage multiple waste streams—general rubbish, recycling, food waste, along with glass and even textiles. An in-cupboard bin with multiple compartments creates a sorting system that works on autopilot, making sustainable living quick and effortless rather than a daily chore.
They're particularly valuable in smaller kitchens where every square foot counts, but even spacious kitchens benefit from the clean, uncluttered appearance that comes from keeping bins out of sight.
Three Main Categories:
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Swing out bins for hinged doors
Perfect for: Smaller or shallow depth cabinets but also have great capacity and easy access but tend to be single compartment. -
Pull-out bins for hinged doors
Best for: Versatility, under-sink installations where pipework limits space, and situations where you want simple installation without specialised tools. -
Door Mounted pull-out bins
Suited to: Heavy use, larger capacities, hands-free operation, and households that prioritise ease of access. Ideal for main waste bins that get used dozens of times daily.
Key Buying Considerations
Let’s have a look at the at how we can help you choose the right bin for you, whether that be a fun, statement free-standing waste bin or a tidy and organised in-cupboard waste bin.
Cupboard Size & Fit
- Width: Measure the internal width, not the door width
- Depth: Account for any pipework, especially under sinks
- Height: Ensure adequate clearance for lids and your hand reaching in
Standard cabinet widths in UK kitchens are typically 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm. Most bin manufacturers design around these dimensions, but always verify your specific measurements.
Identify your Door Type:
- Lay-on Doors (Most kitchen styles): The door sits on top of the carcass / cabinet frame.
- In-frame: The door sits within the cabinet frame.
- Shaker doors: The doors sits on top of the cabinet but the door itself has a thicker boarder to the middle panel.
This distinction will affect whether a system is suitable for your style and whether you may need additional fittings or adjustments.
Calculate the correct capacity for your household.
Bin capacity is often measured in litres, and choosing the right size balances convenience and how often you want to empty it.
Here are some common capacity sizes and the suitability:
10-15L: Compact, suitable for recycling paper or plastics in low-volume households 20-30L: Mid-range, works for general waste in couples or small families
35-42L+: Large capacity for main household waste or busy families
How many compartments will you require?
Many households are now looking at 3 or more compartments as council recycling schemes expand. A typical set-up might include General waste (32L), Mixed recycling (42L), and food waste (5-10L).
How quickly does waste accumulate in your home? You are likely to want to empty your food waste bin more frequently regardless of capacity, while paper recycling is not so urgent but does take up more space.
You may want to consider your household habits:
How many people generate waste? Larger families need more capacity or more frequent emptying
Do you cook from scratch? You'll generate more food waste and packaging.
What does your council collect? Match your compartments to your collection schedule.
Where is the bin located? Under-sink bins are convenient but limited by plumbing.
Decide how many bins you need: Single, double, or multi-compartment systems help separate general waste, recycling, compost, etc. It is becoming more popular for people to be switching from 2 compartments to 3 as recycling expands under many council schemes.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Here are some key practical features you may want to keep in mind:
- Removable inner bins that lift out with easy for emptying and cleaning.
- Plastic or metal bins- a durable plastic or the longevity of stainless steel.
- Handles: a practical addition and can help with removal but remember items such as glass are heavy, this may not be a suitable option. A side cup handle may be the way forward.
- Standard bin sizes that work with readily available bin liners.
- Additional Storage, can you have an internal drawer installed above or does the bin come with a pull-out tray for storing bin liners and kitchen essentials.
Accessibility:
Pull-out bins reduce bending and twisting. Hinged lids or soft-close runners make daily use smoother. Look to see if the bin system comes with any hidden extras too such as individual lids or pull-out trays and drawers that allow for additional storage for bin liners and kitchen cleaning accessories.
Installation difficulty - Ease of installation can vary significantly.
Door mounted pull-out systems: They are usually more involved, especially if installing drawer runners is required, there are options that also come with templates for a simple straight forward installation.
Hinged door Pull-out systems: When mounted to the base of the cabinet these are very easy to install and can take as little as 6 screws.
Swing-out Bins for hinged doors: We would say this is medium, if an easy template is supplied it can be very straight forward.
Here’s a couple of examples of what we can offer you from Wesco:
Wesco Pullboy Z range – this range is available in various widths, number of compartments and has a long-standing reputation. Mounted on Blum runners it is durable, soft close and has a premium feel. Being door-mounted it is perfect for busy kitchens too.
If you're planning to install the system yourself, the Pullboy Soft Comfort offers all the quality of the Pullboy Z with the bonus of a complete kit and template-style installation. It's designed to make fitting straightforward, even if you're not an experienced DIY enthusiast.
The Wesco range of bins for hinged doors provides a great variety for both narrow and wider cabinets. Making the most of a 300mm wide or you can also sit this systems side by side in a wider 600mm cabinet with the flexibility of a base-mounted fitting.
Ideal for shallow-depth cabinets where pipework limits your options, the Klassikline Slim attaches to hinged doors and swings out for hands-free operation. The 5L divider insert gives you the flexibility to switch between single and multi-compartment use as your needs change.
Each Wesco system is built with longevity in mind, using quality materials and mechanisms that handle daily use year after year.
Making your decision
There certainly isn’t a “one-size fits all” when it comes to in-cupboard bins but taking your time to look through the different brands and measuring your cabinet to find the perfect capacity and layout is important.
A well-chosen in-cupboard bin system improves both your kitchen's function and appearance. It makes recycling natural, keeps floors clear, and brings order to what can otherwise be a cluttered, frustrating aspect of daily life.
Still prefer a freestanding bin.
Not every kitchen needs a built-in solution. If you have ample floor space, move frequently, or simply love the look of a designer bin, freestanding options offer fantastic designs and colours that can make a real statement. The key is choosing what works for your space and lifestyle—not following trends that don't suit your needs.
Whatever you choose, remember: the best bin is the one that quietly does its job without demanding your attention.
