There are a few reasons why someone may want to hide their trash can. The main reasons are for aesthetic purposes, to reduce odors, deter pests, and conceal what’s being thrown away. Trash cans can be unsightly and detract from your home’s decor. Their contents can also create foul odors and attract unwanted pests. For privacy, some people may not want others seeing what they throw away. There are several effective methods to disguise a trash can so it blends into its surroundings.
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Make the Trash Can Inconspicuous
One of the simplest ways to hide a trash can is to make it less noticeable. Place it in an out-of-the-way spot where it won’t stand out, like under the kitchen sink or in a pantry closet. Choose a trash can that is a neutral color like black, white, or stainless steel so it fades into the background. Select a size that is big enough to hold trash needs but not oversized for the space. A sleek and streamlined trash bin will call less attention than a bulky rubber garbage can.
Conceal with Furniture and Storage
Furniture like cabinets, hutches, and shelving can effectively conceal a trash receptacle. Place a trash bin inside a cabinet to keep it out of sight. For the kitchen, install a pull-out trash can cabinet that hides the garbage behind a cabinet door. Freestanding hutches, bookshelves, and hall trees also provide cover for trash cans. Make sure there is adequate ventilation so odors don’t build up. For garage and outdoor cans, use attractive storage benches or deck boxes to camouflage large trash bins.
Use Disguised Trash Cans
There are many décor style trash cans designed to blend in with home furnishings. Wicker, rattan, and bamboo bins imitate natural textures. Ceramic, metal, and wooden trash cans look like accent pieces. Leather, stone, and concrete trash cans have trendy and modern designs. For offices, choose trash cans that resemble filing cabinets, bookshelves, and other work furniture. Trash cans with lids that open with foot pedals keep the cans looking tidy. There are even fake book and flower pot trash cans for hiding places.
Make Trash Cans Disappear with Paint
With the right paint colors, you can make a trash can seemingly disappear against walls or floors. This works best for built-in, recessed trash bins. Use paint colors that are the same shade as the walls or flooring. You can also paint patterns on the bins to match the floors, like faux wood grain, marble, or tile. For painted rooms, paint the trash can the wall color for camouflage. Touch up the paint whenever it gets scuffed or faded so the can continues blending in.
Hide the Trash Can Outside
For outside trash cans, utilize landscaping elements like fences, walls, and foliage to keep the cans out of sight. Position the trash bins behind privacy fencing, garages, or storage sheds. Plant hedges, bushes, and trellised vines in front of cans to obscure them. Also place trash cans on the side or back of the home instead of along the front entrance. Build a trash enclosure out of wood panels that match the home and has a gate to hide the garbage.
Deodorize the Garbage
A hidden trash can needs to prevent odors as well. Use scented trash bags with pleasing fragrances like lemon, lavender, or pine to mask noxious smells. Baking soda, vinegar, and odoban can be sprinkled in the bottom of cans to absorb and neutralize odor. Essential oil soaked cotton balls provide fragrance when changed regularly. Install air vents so airflow dissipates odor buildup. Take the trash out frequently before decaying waste causes smells.
Deter Pests
Along with odors, improperly stored garbage will attract flies, rodents, raccoons, and other pests. It’s important to use secure, sealable trash cans. For indoor cans, choose step cans with swinging lids or self-closing lids. Outdoor cans should have tight-fitting and locking lids. Keep lids closed at all times. Use rodent-proof trash cans or install rodent-proof screens under lids to block entry. Routinely clean cans with disinfectant to deter pests. Avoid exposing food waste outdoors.
Conclusion
Hiding trash cans keeps homes looking neat and deters odor and pests. With creative hiding spots, camouflage, and inconspicuous trash bin designs, it is possible to conceal garbage cans in any indoor or outdoor space. Properly containing and removing waste is still important for health. By making trash cans disappear, you can maintain a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable home environment.