Pull-Out Trash Can Cabinets: Size, Placement and What to Look For
Quick answer: For most kitchens, a 21 in. wide pull-out trash cabinet is the sweet spot. It has room for a trash bin plus a recycling bin without taking over your base cabinet run. Choose 18 in. if space is tight and you only need one bin. Put the cabinet next to the sink or dishwasher, on the side where you scrape plates and prep food, and look for full-extension, heavy-duty slides.
A trash can sitting in the middle of the floor or crammed under the sink is one of the most common kitchen complaints. A dedicated pull-out trash cabinet fixes that. It keeps waste out of sight, contains the smell and puts the bin exactly where you need it.
What is a pull-out trash can cabinet?
It's a standard-height base cabinet with a frame inside that holds one or two bins. The frame rides on drawer slides, so when you pull the door, the bins slide out toward you. The top stays open for tossing scraps, and the door closes flush with the rest of your cabinets.
Our 21 in. Kitchen Base Cabinet with Trash Can Pull Out in Unfinished Poplar is one of our best sellers. It has a Shaker door that matches the rest of our unfinished poplar line, and it uses full-extension heavy-duty slides made to carry the weight of trash and recycling.
What width should you choose?
| Width | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 in. | Very small kitchens, single small bin | Limited capacity; better as a recycling-only pull-out |
| 18 in. | One standard bin, or two smaller bins | Good for apartments and galley kitchens |
| 21 in. | Trash plus recycling side by side | The most popular size for family kitchens |
| 24 in. | Large households, two big bins | Uses more base cabinet space |
If you're choosing a prefinished look instead, we also carry Fabuwood Ovela pull-out trash cabinets in 18 in. and 21 in. widths with soft, smooth slides.
Tip: Check the product details for whether bins are included and what bin size the frame fits. That way you know whether to buy replacement bins before your kitchen is finished.
Where to put the trash cabinet
The best spot depends on how you cook and clean. The most common choices:
- Right next to the sink. You scrape plates, rinse and toss in one motion. This is the most popular location.
- Between the sink and the dishwasher zone. Plates go from the table to the trash to the dishwasher without crossing the kitchen.
- Near the main prep counter. If you chop a lot of vegetables, put the bin under the counter where you prep.
- At the end of an island. It's handy if the island is your main prep area, and it keeps traffic out of the cook's path.
Avoid: - Putting it right next to the range, where heat and a busy cook compete for space. - Putting it in a corner, where the bins can't pull straight out. - Placing it where an open dishwasher door blocks the pull-out.
What to look for in a trash pull-out
- Full-extension slides. The bins should clear the countertop overhang completely so you can lift them out.
- Weight rating. Trash and recycling get heavy. Heavy-duty slides hold up to daily use.
- Door mounting. Door-mounted pull-outs open with one pull of the handle. That's handy when your hands are full.
- Solid box construction. Plywood boxes stand up better to spills and moisture than particleboard.
- A good fit with your line. The door style and finish should match the rest of your base cabinets.
Finishing an unfinished trash cabinet
Our poplar cabinets come unfinished, so you can paint or stain them to match your kitchen. Because a trash cabinet takes more spills than most, seal it well:
- Lightly sand the door and face frame.
- Prime and paint, or stain and topcoat, like the rest of your cabinets.
- Finish the inside edges of the door and face frame too, since they're exposed every time you open it.
- Let everything cure fully before installing the slides and bins.
Read 5 ways to refinish unfinished kitchen cabinets for more finish options, and tips for buying unfinished kitchen cabinets before you order the full set.
Planning it into your layout
When you sketch the base cabinet run, treat the trash cabinet like any other base cabinet. It's the same 34 1/2 in. height and 24 in. depth. A common layout along a sink wall looks like this:
- Drawer base, then trash pull-out, then sink base, then dishwasher, then drawer base
Pair it with a matching 33 in. unfinished poplar sink base and browse the rest of our unfinished cabinets. For help with the whole layout, see how to design a kitchen.
FAQ
What size cabinet do I need for a pull-out trash can? Most homeowners choose a 21 in. cabinet for trash and recycling. An 18 in. cabinet works for a single bin.
Where should a trash pull-out go in a kitchen? Next to the sink is the most common and practical spot, since that's where you scrape plates and prep food.
Can I add a trash pull-out to an existing cabinet? Sometimes, with an add-on kit, but you need enough interior width and depth. A dedicated trash cabinet is the cleaner option in a new kitchen.
Do trash pull-out cabinets come with bins? It depends on the product. Check the product details before ordering.
Will a trash cabinet smell? A closed cabinet actually helps contain odors. Empty bins regularly and wipe the cabinet interior occasionally.
Can I paint an unfinished poplar trash cabinet? Yes. Poplar takes paint very well. Seal all exposed surfaces since this cabinet sees more spills.
