This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers. It’s a thoughtfully built home recycling center that makes sorting easier, especially for households without access to curbside pickup.
Designed to fit conveniently in the kitchen, this cabinet-style recycling system uses upcycled bins to help families manage their recyclables with less hassle. It’s a functional woodworking project that blends sustainability with smart design.
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Why a Home Recycling Center Matters
Not every neighborhood offers curbside recycling, and even when they do, sorting can still be a chore. Many families store recyclables in a garage or corner of the kitchen without a clear system.
Mike’s project solves that issue by creating a designated space to sort materials as they’re used. By organizing bins right at the source—where items are typically discarded—he makes recycling a seamless part of the daily routine.
Planning and Layout
Mike begins the project by ripping down poplar stock to build the frame. Before making any cuts, he uses SketchUp to design the layout, refine the cut list, and anticipate assembly order.
This planning stage helps minimize waste and speeds up the build. The design includes multiple compartments sized to fit repurposed kitty litter containers, giving each type of recyclable its own space.
Building the Dust Frames
The frame structure is built with a series of dust frames—horizontal supports often used in drawer stacks or cabinetry. Each frame helps define the space for one bin, keeping the entire unit organized and strong.
To maintain uniformity, all the rails and dividers are cut from the same width of poplar. This approach makes alignment easier and improves the final fit during assembly.
Mike uses a clever method to cut both frame legs at the same time, ensuring equal length. Accuracy at this stage prevents wobbles and keeps the structure square.
Half-Lap Joinery for Strength
The project features half-lap joints throughout the frame. This technique provides a flat glue surface while also adding rigidity, especially important in furniture expected to hold up under daily use.
Mike uses a tenoning jig for consistent lap cuts and then fine-tunes the shoulders with a chisel. Clean joinery not only adds strength but gives the piece a professional finish.
Each piece is dry-fitted before glue-up to check the fit. The joints slide together snugly, showing the value of careful layout and precise cutting.
Panel Installation and Assembly
To enclose the sides, Mike cuts panels from Luan plywood and fits them into grooves in the poplar frame. These thin but sturdy panels help hold the shape of the cabinet and keep it lightweight.
During assembly, Mike follows a deliberate order to avoid backtracking or forcing parts into place. Glue and screws secure the main structure, and each bin opening is spaced to allow easy access and removal.
A slight design oversight results in one of the panel faces being reversed. Mike points it out as a small but avoidable error—one that even experienced woodworkers occasionally make. It’s a good reminder to double-check orientation before final assembly.
Painting and Finishing Details
After assembly, the piece is prepped for paint. Mike selects a dark jewel-tone satin finish that complements modern kitchens while being durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Several coats are applied for depth and coverage, and Mike ensures all visible surfaces are evenly finished. The choice of color adds personality to the piece without compromising its purpose.
Once the paint dries, the final back panel is installed to close off the structure. Rubber feet can be added at this stage to elevate the cabinet slightly and protect it from moisture on kitchen floors.
Labeling and Organization
Each container is labeled for a specific material—plastic, glass, metal, cardboard—making it easy for the entire household to know where items go.
Using labeled bins not only reduces clutter, it also encourages better recycling habits. By sorting materials right away, families save time and increase the chances that recyclables are handled properly at the transfer station.
Upcycling for a Cleaner Home
By using recycled kitty litter bins, Mike reduces waste and keeps costs down. These containers are tough, easy to clean, and the perfect size for frequent use.
Instead of relying on store-bought solutions, this custom recycling center is built to fit the space, function exactly as needed, and look good doing it. It’s proof that small design choices can make a big impact on everyday routines.
A Functional Cabinet with Lasting Value
This project brings together useful woodworking skills—joinery, planning, finishing—and applies them to a household problem. The result is something that makes daily life easier and contributes to a cleaner environment.
For those without curbside pickup, or anyone tired of messy recycling setups, this cabinet offers a clean, efficient, and attractive solution. With smart planning and a bit of woodworking know-how, Mike turns a common frustration into a functional, lasting piece.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel: