5 Techniques for Integrating Recycling into Architectural Designs

Americans don’t recycle as frequently as they should for a number of reasons. Many people find recycling to be inconvenient and time-consuming; therefore, architects must come up with ways to make recycling simple, useful, and natural. Here are five solutions that designers can incorporate.

Common Cabinet Containers

In American residences, standard cabinet recycling containers are becoming more prevalent. A kitchen cabinet door can be opened using these designs, allowing homeowners to slide out their trash and recycling containers. It makes sorting recyclables from conventional trash simple by placing the bins close to one another.

Of course, the key is to put the specialty cabinet in the most convenient location. In order to improve operation and guarantee that the bins are located exactly where they should be, architects must understand traffic movement.

For instance, it’s a good idea to place the typical recycling cabinet close to the sink. It should, however, be accessible from both the prep area and the refrigerator.

Tip-Out Cabinet Bins

Including built-in tip-out cupboards for trash and recycling bins is another design choice.

Homeowners can pull the cabinet handle to tip their bins forward rather than letting them roll out on a track.

Recycling bins that tip out have an ergonomic, hinged door that is easy to open and close. These layouts, which are typically most effective on the main cabinet structure or kitchen island, are intended to accommodate one container for recycling and garbage per cabinet.

Rotating Bins in a Corner Cabinet

In the corner cabinet, there are rotating bins that function like a Lazy Susan.

Homeowners can rotate the bins until they find the one that is best for their waste. Three containers might be incorporated into this design, facilitating more effective product recycling.

For instance, two recycling bins can assist householders segregate paper from plastic, while one bin can serve as the standard garbage can.

Outside Recycling Facility

It is vital to incorporate a storage box for households to keep their garbage until pick-up days because recycling bins will soon get overflowing indoors.

The extra-large recycling bins that some individuals use may be kept in their garages. However, architects can create holding sections that blend in with the façade of the house. To conceal the presence of ugly bins, they may be covered or disguised as fencing.

Additionally, a composting bin for leftover scraps that homeowners will later use in their gardens might be added to an outdoor recycling holding area.

Building information modeling (BIM) should be used by architects to provide digital renderings of how their plans would appear next to the residences of their clients.

Safekeeping of Dangerous Recyclables

It is critical to have a separate holding room for hazardous items because not all recyclables are secure for use by people or the environment. Chemical recyclables like paints, solvents, oil, gas, and pesticides might be best kept in a tiny garage closet.

When carelessly disposed of, toxic items like oil-based paint and even electronics can contaminate groundwater and septic systems.

There are unique rules for each county, including recycling facilities for hazardous goods and days set aside for dropping off these items. To make recycling e-waste simple and quick, many businesses also feature electronics collection locations close to the door. It’s important to set up a secure storage space for these things in the interim.