The 13 Best Recycling Bins Big & Small

When it comes to the best recycling bins, the internet has countless options. Still, not every bin will work for every purpose — or every setting. In order to find the best fit for your space, you’ll want to consider the size, capacity, material, and additional features that make it convenient and sanitary.

First, decide exactly where you plan on keeping your recycling bin, and then measure that nook, cabinet, shelf, or wall space. You’ll want to find one that makes the most out of the area; in other words, it fits well, but still has a large enough capacity to hold your recyclable materials of choice — without needing to be emptied constantly. Purchasing a bin on the internet often means that it can be difficult to visualize the size, so I’ve included both the dimensions and the capacity for each one below.

You’ll also want a bin that’s durable and waterproof — especially if you’ll be keeping it outside, or in a shed or garage. Almost all of these options are made from heavy-duty, crack-resistant plastic (the exceptions being the hidden recycler and sorting bags, both of which are made from waterproof, washable fabric).

Finally, think about the extra features that stand to make your recycling routine way easier. Would a swing lid, a built-in handle, or a foot petal make things easier and more pleasant? How about a bin that hides away in a cabinet? Could you save space by stacking multiple bins on top of each other? These recycling bins offer all of that and more — and they’re some of the highest rated options on the internet.

1. The Best Basic Recycling Bin For Inside

If you’re looking for a basic, affordable indoor recycling bin that works for almost any room of the house, opt for the United Solutions wastebasket. It holds 7 gallons at once, but thanks to its squared corners, it fits in most empty nooks and cabinets. It’s also washable, quick-drying, and durable. No wonder more than 3,000 reviewers have given it a near-perfect 4.8-star rating overall.

• Capacity: 7 gallons
• Size: 10.5 by 15.25 by 14.5 inches

One reviewer wrote: “Just wanted a small recycle can to sit by my trash can. This is perfect. [...] It easily holds a mix of wine bottles, cans, cardboard boxes and milk jugs at the same time.”

2. The Overall Best Recycling Bin For Outside

This Rubbermaid Brute recycling bin holds 20 gallons at once, and it’s made from heavy-duty, commercial-grade plastic. As a result, it’s a great outdoor bin that holds your recyclables while they’re waiting for pickup. It’s both crack- and UV-resistant, plus it has special ridges and indentations that hold liners securely, but allow for easy release. It even has built-in handles, and since Rubbermaid is such a well-established brand, you can also purchase additional accessories, like compatible lids and even dollies with easy-glide wheels to complement it. There are even multiple colors to choose from including black, red, and gray.

• Capacity: 20 gallons
• Size: 22.34 by 19.38 by 22.91 inches

One reviewer wrote: “This container is thick and sturdy. My husband has the habit of throwing our recycle container over the fence onto the cement walkway. He has broken so many of the thin containers, in the winter, as plastic cracks when frozen! Don't seem to bother this one.”

3. The Easiest To Empty

Short, but wide, the Good Natured Handy Recycler fits well on shelves and in cabinets — plus, if you purchase multiples, you can stack them one on top of the other. Since it has a lowered lip and a built-in handle, it’s both easy to load and empty. Its construction is also eco-friendly, being made from 90% plant-based materials and is BPA-free plastic. (Still, it’s durable, easy to clean, and capable of holding 6 gallons.)

• Capacity: 6 gallons
• Size: 10.5 by 13.5 by 13.375 inches

One reviewer wrote: “We love this little handy dandy recycle bin! It’s so cute and it holds just the right amount of recyclable goods before it’s time to take them outside to dump in the city container! The handle makes it easy to carry and it looks good in just about any space.”

4. A Set Of Color-Coded Stacking Recycling Bins

Because they have lids and stack one on top of the other while still allowing you to put materials inside, these Suncast bins are definitely worth considering if you want a stacking set. (They’ve earned a 4.5-star rating overall from over 1,300 reviews to boot.) The three-pack comes with one green, one yellow, and one blue, so you can color-code your recyclables — but you can also opt for a two-pack in blue or green. Finally, these can be used both indoors and out.

• Capacity: 18 gallons each
• Size: 24 by 18 by 17 inches

One reviewer wrote: “Best price I could find online - sturdy, nicely stackable, and hold way more than we anticipated!”

5. A Hidden Cabinet-Door Recycler

If you’re looking to stash your recycling out of sight but in a compact, easy-to-access spot, the Hidden Recycler from Rubbermaid is a top-seller for a reason. You can screw it directly into the cabinet, or use the over-the-door hooks for damage-free installation; that way, it stores underneath the counter, but without taking up the entire cabinet. When it’s full, the washable, waterproof basket (made from recycled materials) detaches and has a built-in handle for easy transferring.

• Capacity: 5 gallons
• Size: 12.4 by 9.9 by 17 inches

One reviewer wrote: Nice little recycler to save space! [...] I’ve done tons of space-saving shopping and this was a definite must-have on my list. It’s out of my way in my studio apartment kitchen and gives me more cabinet space under my sink for other items.”

6. The Best Indoor Recycling Bin With A Lid

Maybe you have pets who get into your recycling, or maybe you’re just looking for something that’s covered. Either way, the Simpli-Magic recycling bin fits the bill. This one holds 9.6 gallons and has a square, space-savvy footprint. It also features a swing-top, dual-action lid that lets you drop bottles and cans straight in — then swings back into place afterward and comes off for emptying.

• Capacity: 9.6 gallons
• Size: 15.75 by 11.8 by 19.8 inches

One reviewer wrote: “Have a nosey dog this was perfect for the garage right outside kitchen door.”

7. The Best Sorting Bins

Some towns require that you split recyclables up into very specific categories — like metal, plastic, glass, and paper — or maybe you’ve opted to do that of your own accord. Since they come pre-labeled with built-in handles and fold up when they’re not in use, these KELKIM recycling bags are an incredible value and space-saver. Instead of rigid, bulky plastic, they’re made from polypropylene fabric, which is waterproof, lightweight, durable, and washable. They even have Velcro strips on the sides, so you can connect them all together.

• Capacity: Approximately 10 gallons each
• Size: 11.8 by 11.8 by 16.9 inches each

One reviewer wrote: “Perfect for organizing our recycling items. Velcro strips on the sides hold the range together. Easy to remove and take to recycling. Comes with an additional donations bag.”

8. The Best Pull-Out Recycling & Trash Duo

This all-in-one kit makes it easy to install rolling waste bins in almost any standard cabinet. It comes with the heavy-gauge wire frame (which is designed to support up to 100 pounds), plus two bins that fit right in which you can use for recycling, trash, or both. It mounts to the cabinet floor using four screws and has an attached handle that pulls the whole thing out. Get it in white, gray, or black, or check out more sizes and designs here.

• Capacity: 8.75 gallons each
• Size: 22.25 by 14.5 by 19.25 inches total

One reviewer wrote: “This is a great way to keep your unsightly garbage and recycling out of the way while still being extremely accessible. The frame is very sturdy, and the slide operation is very smooth.”

9. A Versatile Compact Recycling Bin

For tight spots, small offices, or households with little waste output, there’s the Umbra Garbino recycling bin. Since it holds 9 liters and has dual handles, it’s both easy to store and easy to empty. Thanks to its black finish and stylish curved shape, it’s also much more elegant than your average bin.

• Capacity: 2.38 gallons
• Size: 10.25 by 9.75 by 13 inches

One reviewer wrote: “Wanted a smaller [recycling] bin to go along with my garbage bin in the bedroom, and this is perfect. [...] It is sturdy and well made — great quality for such a low price.”

10. The Best Touchless Recycling Bin

Thanks to its stainless steel exterior, silent-closing lid, and no-touch pedal, the iTouchless kitchen bin is one of the sleekest solutions available. It has an inner bucket that pops out for easy emptying, not to mention a replaceable air damper and filter that absorbs unwanted odors. It also comes in a range of other configurations, including double buckets for both trash and recycling, different sizes, various shapes, and even additional exterior finishes (like white and rose gold). With more than 16,000 five-star reviews across the line, it seems shoppers think it’s worth every penny.

• Capacity: 13.2 gallons (also available in 1.32 gallons, 2 gallons, 3 gallons, 5.3 gallons, 8 gallons, 16 gallons, and 18 gallons)
• Size: 16.75 by 12.5 by 26 inches

One reviewer wrote: “Didn’t expect to fall in love with a trashcan. [...] I purchased this to finally put my recycling in something decent, and it's been really convenient having the two together! The foot pedal/slow lid descent have been wonderful, and the containers are fairly easy to remove to change the bag.”

11. These Stylish & Colorful Recycling Bins

Even though it’s also made out of plastic and has a space-savvy shape (like most of the other top-selling options), the Brabantia Sort & Go waste bin sets itself apart from the competition with its sleek look. It comes in your choice of four stylish colors, all with a flip-up lid, a built-in handle, and an included bracket for mounting on the wall if you so choose. It’s also stackable and can be purchased in three total capacities. Some reviewers also use them for composting.

• Capacity: 3.2 gallons (also available in 0.8 and 1.6)
• Size: 7.87 by 9.8 by 12.82 inches for the 3.2 gallon size

One reviewer wrote: “The lid is hinged on one side of the top piece - easy to lift the lid and put your recycling in.When the bucket has to be emptied just remove the top piece with the lid and carry the bucket in the handle.”

12. A Large Slim Recycling Bin

Need something that has an extra-large capacity, but still fits in a tight space? The Rubbermaid Slim Jim bin measures less than 12 inches across, but it’s still capable of holding up to 23 gallons of recyclable material at once. It also has venting channels that make for easy liner removal, plus four built-in cinches that hold the bag securely. Get it in multiple colors — and for easier transportation, consider a handy trolley like the one pictured above.

• Capacity: 23 gallons
• Size: 11 by 22 by 30 inches

One reviewer wrote: “We now own two blue recycling Slim Jim cans for organizing recycling plastic and aluminum as well as a black one (non-recycling) for trash. Pulling the bags out of these is literally amazing.”

13. The Best 50-Gallon Recycling Bin

Finally, for situations or households that would benefit from an extra-large-capacity bin, there’s the Rubbermaid Brute square container. This one holds an incredible 50 gallons at once, but it’s still easy to move thanks to its large wheels and built-in handle. It also has a flip-up lid, and everything is made from crack-resistant plastic that can withstand intense weather.

• Capacity: 50 gallons
• Size: 28.5 by 23 by 45 inches

One reviewer wrote: “I used to pull two separate trash barrels down the driveway [...] This little gem is 50 gallons and holds all the recycling for an average family of 4, if you break down the cardboard boxes a little, or fold them flat. It's a back saver to move, sturdy wheels, the top isn't heavy and is well attached.”