Step-by-Step Guide: Making the “Best” and Durable Trash Bin from Recycled Plastic
Welcome to the Waste Free ’23 DIY Workshop! In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn plastic waste into a durable, functional, and stylish trash bin with a fitted lid — all by hand, with only basic tools and a heat press.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Plastic Waste
Start by collecting, cleaning, and drying your plastic waste. Choose plastics that melt well–HDPE, LDPE, and PP are ideal. Avoid PVC or anything with heavy printing or aluminum foil layers.
STEP 2: Make the First Plastic Panel
Stack plastic pieces on top of each other.
👉 The number of layers will depend on the thickness and strength you want.Place Teflon or parchment paper below and above the stacked plastic to prevent sticking.
Preheat your heat press machine, then press the stack until fully fused.
STEP 3: Mold the Panel into a Bin Shape
While the panel is still hot and flexible:
Quickly wrap or press it around an old paint bucket to shape it into a cylindrical bin form.
Press it down carefully to help form a clean base and wall curve.
Let it cool down completely so it hardens into the shape.
STEP 4: Make a Second Panel for the Lid and Bottom
While the shaped bin is cooling:
Prepare another plastic panel in the heat press using the same method.
This second panel will be cut to form both the lid and the bottom disc of the bin.
STEP 5: Attach the Bottom Panel
Once the second panel is done:
Cut it to size using a cutter or hot knife.
Attach it to the bottom of the bin body with screws, nails, or melted edge joints (depending on your design).
Ensure it’s fully sealed and stable.
STEP 6: Add Handle and Lid Fittings
For ease of use and portability:
Drill or melt a hole on the side of the bin for inserting a rope or bamboo handle.
Make a hole in the lid so it can hook to the side of the bin.
Add a top handle on the lid so it’s easy to open and close.
✅ Optional Final Touches:
Sand the edges for safety and smoothness.
Paint or decorate with stickers from upcycled materials.
Add internal compartments or odor filters (advanced version!).
🏆 Why This Is the Best Trash Bin in the World
We don’t call it the best lightly.
This trash bin:
🌍 Reduces plastic pollution by directly reusing waste materials.
🛢️ Avoids new plastics–no oil drilling, no fossil-fuel-based virgin plastic, no new carbon footprint.
🚫 Eliminates the need for trucking, dumping, or burning plastic–all of which release harmful emissions.
🛠️ Creates local jobs in plastic collection, cleaning, pressing, and assembly.
🔁 Turns waste into value within the same community where the waste originated.
💰 Generates income through the sale of usable, practical products–without relying on external factories or supply chains.
This bin isn’t just a container–it’s a solution. A statement. A tool for circular living.
Different Styles of Recycled Plastic Trash Bins
These bins aren’t one-size-fits-all. Below are examples of what communities had created before the aforementioned bin with a better finish, proving just how flexible and creative this system can be:
Where to Get or Build a Heat Press
To make these bins, a heat press is essential. Don’t worry–you don’t need a commercial one. Here are options:
🏗️ Build Your Own Heat Press (DIY)
DIY Heat Press Build Guide – Waste Free ’23
Learn how to build a basic heat press using metal plates, a frame, and a jack or screw system–cheap and community-friendly.- Precious Plastic Marketplace – Sheet Press
Open-source hardware and small-scale sheet presses from makers around the world.
🛒 Buy a Small-Scale Heat Press
Heat Press Machines – Waste Free ’23
Explore affordable small-scale heat presses we recommend or resell for community use.
Got questions?