How to Turn a Cabinet Into a Pull-Out Trash & Recycling System (Without Paying $3,000)
- hellojosabode
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
When we were at the design centre, this upgrade would have cost us almost $3,000. So instead, I turned two basic cabinets into hidden pull-out trash and recycling bins for a fraction of the price.
Watch the video here:
What You'll Need
You don't need many tools for this project:
Single Bin or Double Bin Mechanism?
I ended up buying two different sizes. I bought the smaller single-bin mechanism first, and once it was installed, I realized it was harder to remove the bin from the slider without a bag in it. That one worked fine for trash, since I'm always pulling a bagged bin out anyway.
For recycling, though, we don't use a bag — so I needed to be able to lift the whole bin out on garbage day. That's why I went with a double-bin mechanism for that side, even though I was only using it for one bin. If you're starting fresh and your cabinet size allows it, I'd just get two of the larger single mechanisms instead of mixing like I did.
Most dual pull-outs only fit bins around 4 gallons each. Mine hold 11 gallons each, which means fewer trips taking out the garbage.
Shop the double-bin mechanism I used: Amazon YJHome Pull-Out Trash Can Under Cabinet with Soft-Close Slides (or the RUNMI Double Pull Out Trash Can). Shop the single-bin mechanism: Amazon Insputer Heavy Duty Pull Out Garbage Bin. |
Step 1: Check Your Cabinet Depth
The double-bin mechanism I used lists a 24-inch cabinet depth requirement, but the mechanism itself is only about 22 inches deep. My cabinet is actually 22.5 inches, and it still worked fine.
If your cabinet is just over the stated depth requirement, it's still worth measuring the mechanism itself rather than assuming it won't fit. I checked that everything opened and closed properly multiple times throughout the install before finishing up.
Step 2: Watch Screw Depth on Shaker Doors
One thing to watch for, especially with shaker cabinets, is screw depth. I slightly popped the panel in two spots on the narrower single-bin mechanism, because of where the screws landed on a thinner part of the door — so measure carefully before drilling.
If I were to do it again, I'd put a piece of wood between the door and the pullout so the screw has more to grab onto. With the double-bin mechanism, the install landed directly on the thicker part of the shaker door, so that issue never came up.
Step 3: Adjust the Door
Prior to installing the door onto the pullout, you have to remove two screws and reinstall them through the actual pullout mechanism in order to secure whatever you adjust. Here's what each screw controls:
· The screws that attach the metal plate to the door also move the door left or right. I wouldn't adjust those too much, especially if your doors are MDF.
· The middle screw moves the door up or down — tighten it and the door goes up, loosen it and it should go down. If the screw just spins without the door moving, the plate screws above are too tight.
· If you need the door to sit further out from the frame, loosen the inside screws until they push tight against the mechanism — that pushes the metal plate (and the door) further from the frame.
Choosing Hardware
I decided on cup-style pulls for these pullouts since I wanted to further mix and match the hardware in my kitchen. I didn't follow the usual one-third rule for drawer sizing, since I wanted something larger and sturdier for hardware that would be used constantly. I also got them in unlacquered brass to match the rest of my kitchen hardware, so they can patina naturally over time.
Shop unlacquered brass cup pulls: Amazon QOGRISUN 5-Pack Unlacquered Brass Cabinet Cup Pulls. |
Bonus: These Slides Are Already Soft-Close
Both mechanisms come with soft-close slides built in, so the doors close smoothly instead of slamming — one less thing to retrofit. I'm working on a full guide to adding soft-close to the rest of my cabinet doors next, so keep an eye out for that one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to add a pull-out trash and recycling system?
Builder or design-center quotes can run into the thousands — mine was almost $3,000. Doing it yourself with a pull-out mechanism and bins costs a fraction of that. We spent about $250 total.
What size trash pull-out should I get?
Standard dual pull-out kits usually hold around 4-gallon bins each. If you want fewer trips to take out the garbage, look for a mechanism that fits larger bins — mine hold 11 gallons each. Just double check the mechanism's actual depth against your cabinet, since the stated requirement can be more conservative than what's actually needed.
Can I use a single-bin pull-out for recycling that doesn't use a bag?
Yes — a single-bin removable slide-out is actually easier to manage without a bag, since you can lift the whole bin out on garbage day rather than pulling a bag free.
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Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally used or believe will be helpful for DIY projects.
About Jo's Abode
Hi, I'm Joanne — a self-taught DIYer sharing ways to upgrade a builder-grade home with smarter storage, practical design decisions, and hands-on projects. I'm learning as I go and sharing what works along the way.
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