Create a Home Recycling Station in 5 Easy Steps♻️

By Whitney Zeigler, Certified Professional Organizer©

Is your pantry or garage overflowing with recyclables? Maybe you're waiting for the next big recycling event, Fix-It Fair, or Repair Fair, but in the meantime, bags of corks, plastic lids, and other random recyclables are piling up. Without a clear system, adding new items gets tricky, and family members may not know where things go.

Let’s set up a simple, effective home recycling station in just five steps. Psst, here’s a link to a free copy of our Big Rocks Organizing Recycling Guide to help you on your recycling journey.

Step 1: Be Realistic About What You Can Recycle

It's tempting to want to recycle everything, but time, transportation, and local recycling options can make this challenging. Start by asking yourself:

What services are available in my area?
How much time and storage space do I have?
Am I willing to transport items to drop-off locations?

If it fits your budget, consider a specialty recycling service like James Recycling or Ridwell, which offers home pickups.

Some items I recycle include:

✔ Bread tags

✔ Contact lens cases

✔ Plastic lids, straws, and utensils

✔ CD jewel cases

✔ PakTech can carriers

✔ Styrofoam meat trays

✔ #2, #4, #5, and #6 plastics

✔ Batteries and light bulbs

✔ Clothing and textiles

✔ Electronics

✔ Wine corks

Tip: Don't stress about recycling everything—do what you can and celebrate your efforts! Also, look for ways to reduce packaging waste upfront.

Step 2: Pick the Right Location

Choose a spot that's easy to access but not an eyesore. Some ideal places include:

✔ Pantry – great for frequent recyclables like plastics and cans

✔ Mudroom or garage – ideal for bulky or less frequently recycled items

✔ Laundry room – works well for collecting old batteries and textiles

If you lack space, split the station between two locations based on how often you recycle each item.

Step 3: Test-Drive a Simple System

Before investing in fancy bins, test a temporary system for 3–4 weeks using items you already have. Shop your home for supplies like:

✔ Cardboard boxes (e.g., Chewy)

✔ Reusable grocery bags

✔ Plastic bins or laundry baskets

Labeling is key! Use sticky notes reinforced with clear packing tape or label bins with pictures for kids who can’t read yet. Keep it super simple:

Separate bins for glass, redeemable cans/bottles, and #5 plastics
Cloth bags inside bins for small recyclables like plastic film, old batteries, and bread tags
Bags stood upright in bins for odd items like contact lens cases

Get the household involved! Teach them the system and make it easy to follow. Offer small rewards to kids (or partners!) who use it correctly.

Step 4 (Optional): Upgrade to a Permanent System

Once your system proves effective, you can decide whether to upgrade for aesthetics. If so, set a budget, discuss it with your family, and choose bins that fit your space and style.

Pro Tip: Love function over form? Keep using those cardboard delivery boxes—no need to upgrade if your system is already working!

Step 5: Maintain & Simplify

A system only works if it’s used consistently. Keep it running smoothly by:

✔ Scheduling drop-offs or pickups – Add reminders to your calendar to avoid overflow.

✔ Adjusting as needed – If recycling rules change in your area or your lifestyle shifts, edit the system accordingly.

✔ Letting go of what no longer works – If you initially committed to recycling something but it’s no longer feasible, it’s okay to stop.

✔ If you live in senior housing, a condo unit, apartment complex, or other multiperson housing, lobby for your community to subscribe to a specialty recycling service or hold regular recycling drop-off opportunities.

Share Your Recycling Wins & Get Support!

We’d love to see your home recycling station!

Email us a photo at team@bigrocksorganizing.com or tag us on social media.

And if you need help setting up a system that works for your home, reach out to Big Rocks Organizing. We’re here to help streamline your space, reduce overwhelm, and make recycling easier.

Happy organizing!

Whitney

PS, as a special bonus, test your recycling know-how by taking our Recycling Quiz.