The Garage Upgrade That Hides The Eyesore Of Trash Cans

There never seems to be a perfect spot for your garbage cans. Many people store these large, unwieldy containers outside, but curious neighborhood dogs, or worse, bears, can get into them and make a huge mess. A DIY storage shelter and raised garden bed combo will hide your outdoor trash cans, but determined scavengers may still get to them. Storing them in your garage keeps them protected from animals and pacifies your neighbors, but presents a sour picture and smell every time you enter the space. 

A garage trash can closet can solve all of these problems. It's an enclosed space, so the smell is contained. It's behind closed doors, so you don't have to look at it, and it's safely stored away from mud, high winds, and hungry animals. You can find these cabinets ready-made at many major home improvement stores, usually as part of a larger garage cabinet organization system. You'll just need to measure your garbage can to make sure it'll fit. You can also have one custom-built if you need to accommodate unusual dimensions or you don't see exactly what you want. But, if you're looking for more budget-friendly ways to hide outdoor garbage bins to make them less of an eyesore, you can build your own cabinet. Whichever option you choose, keeping your trash cans tucked away in a closet prevents these necessary but unsightly receptacles from spoiling your garage.

Building a garbage can closet is a moderate-level DIY project you can do with basic tools. Start by figuring out how large you want to make your cabinet, including whether you want to store one or two trash bins. Measure your garbage can and allow some extra space. You're basically going to be building a box with no bottom or back. This will cut down on the cost and make it easy to roll your trash can in and out of the cabinet.

For a simple cabinet, cut ¾-inch plywood panels for each side. Then cut two front support strips and one back support strip from the same plywood. These should each be two to three inches wide and as long as the top panel. Attach the two support strips at the top of the side panels with screws. You'll lay the top panel on top of these. Attach the back support strip to the side panels near the top, but with the width section facing the wall instead of the ceiling. This is what you'll use to attach the cabinet to the wall. Cut the top panel and attach it to the sides. Move the cabinet into place and attach it to the wall through the back support strip. Cut the front panel, which will be the door, and attach it using concealed hinges. Finally, paint or stain it and install a door handle. The result is a simple way to hide ugly outdoor trash cans and boost your curb appeal.