green is the new black

So I've been a little busy this past week organizing particular areas in our home. I have this theory that if things look good; like they have a place, then I'll be more likely to keep that particular area tidy and clean (and the less I have to clean - all the better). But, for me, I know that, regardless how great something looks, if it doesn't serve it's form and function in the best ways possible, it's not going to stay looking great.

Living in small spaces, with a significant lack of storage, for the last few years has helped me develop creative ways to utilize space. With our new home, I'm still quite overwhelmed by the amount of space that we have - there's just so much! So while I don't find myself struggling with the space issue as frequently as in the past, there are some functions that my previous households just didn't hold.

Enter recycling.

Strathcona County has an amazing recycling program. It's amazing how little is actually "waste" or "garbage" when you spend the time to sort it out. Check out this list to get the idea - I think you'll be surprised. I know, I know... probably many of you have been on the recycling circuit for some time now, but for the most part - this was all new to me.

For the last three weeks (can you believe its been three weeks since we took possession?), Mr. Hall and I have been trying the best we can to keep things sorted and find a place for all of the sorting bins, bags, and boxes. The garage has been a great place to store the sortings until our garbage and recycle pick-up days (yes, they pick up our recycling - I told you it was amazing), but we've been struggling how best to keep things sorted in our house - specifically the kitchen.

I found a couple of sorting options online, but nothing that really works for our particular kitchen set up. I found this cool divided garbage can, but I'm not really a fan of the "out of the cupboard" garbage cans. Mr. Hall went and bought this cool organizer from our local big box home and garden shop, but we failed to remember that all of our cupboards already have built-in organizers, so that was a no-go.

Enter brainstorming for recycle station:

• Must be able to have four containers in one space under sink (green bin for compost, bin for "blue bag" materials, bin for "waste," and a bin for "clean paper")
• Containers must fit under sink - taking into account sink pipe fittings
• Recycle station must look aesthetically pleasing
• Containers must be able to be cleaned
• Must continue to have space for a few cleaning supplies under the sink

Here's our results:

View under our sink

So, as you can see, there are four bins fitting under our sink with a bit of room for a few cleaning supplies. I even lined the bottom of the cupboard to make for easy cleanup. Each bin was $10 and the liner was $10 for the whole roll. Much cheaper than the above alternatives.

Each bin clearly labeled

I labeled each of the bins with my favourite new toy - my label maker - it's like my best friend right now! I got it on sale for $20.

I hope this has inspired you to create a recycle center that works for you, or even just consider educating yourself a little more on recycling. Green is the new black! 

Now my goal is to find a solution for recycling in other areas in the home, like the bathroom. Let me know if you have an ideas - or where I can purchase divided canister waste bins.