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Planification, Lifestyle

4 tricks for optimizing your kitchen's waste management

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Managing waste is not usually the first thing you think about when renovating your kitchen. While it may not be the most seductive part of a reno, a well-thought-out waste disposal system can allow you to appreciate your dream kitchen all the more. Discover 4 tricks for the most pleasant waste management experience possible!

Waste management can easily be integrated into the design of your new kitchen, making it as efficient as possible by responding to your habits and needs. There are many options that have the power to transform your daily life.

1. The ideal spot for the garbage bin

The waste management system should be located in the washing area, on the side nearest the preparation area. That way you can empty out plates easily before rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher. When preparing meals, your bins will also be easily accessible when chopping food and disposing of scraps.

The compost bin can be integrated into your waste system, in a drawer, or else be managed independently in a small, easy-to-access movable container.

2. A waste system suited to your needs

Evaluating your current and future needs is crucial to the development of an adequate waste management system. Your kitchen designer is the perfect person to help you properly identify these needs according to your lifestyle habits. Here are a few questions that could guide decisions that need to be taken: 

  • Do you separate food waste from other waste before their disposal
  • How often do you empty the garbage into your outdoor bins?
  • Do you use a compost bin?
  • What are your neighbourhood regulations with respect to composting and recycling?
  • How many people are included in your household?

The answers to these questions will determine the waste management system you need to choose, as well as the size of bins to include.

3. Little extras to make your life easier

Think about including a mechanism that allows you to open the drawer with a simple pressure of the knee or foot: ideal when your hands are full of garbage! You could also add a drawer above the bins, which contains the compostable bags and garbage bags, as well as other household accessories. If space doesn’t allow it, you could plan for an additional bin to store everything required for waste management.

4. Frequent maintenance to keep odors at bay

Garbage bins integrated into drawers are usually easy to lift and move around, allowing you to walk back-and-forth between the kitchen and the bins outside. Prioritizing the use of bags for waste and compostable bags for compost helps you empty and maintain your bins, since the waste is not directly in contact with them. Nonetheless, it’s important to empty out the garbage often and periodically wash the bins in order to avoid unpleasant odors.

Some bins are actually equipped with filters that will act to block bad smells, a rather compelling plus in any kitchen.

Good waste management comes with a well-thought-out system that suits your consumption habits and your needs. That way, waste, recycling and compost will be nothing but child’s play!