Keep Your Trash Can Off The Kitchen Floor With A Clever Dollar Tree DIY

If you have kids or pups, you probably already know the value of keeping your trash can out of their reach. Ideally, you already have a system that keeps it off the floor entirely. If you don't, there's an easy fix. With just a quick trip to Dollar Tree, you can get your trash can off the floor and out of reach of kids and pets. Since this Dollar Tree hack hooks the trash can to the front of a drawer, it can also help keep your kitchen counters clean and clear of scraps while prepping food.

This simple cleaning hack doesn't require much from the discount store. You'll need a small plastic garbage can and a Floral Garden Iron Hook from the Dollar Tree. While you're there, you can grab some trash bags of your choice. If you want to secure the bag to the can, opt for trash bags with string ties. Or if you're worried about an unpleasant smell, consider Dollar Tree's scented bags instead. You'll also need a glue gun and, depending on the hook, a pair of pliers.

If your kitchen setup includes both recycling and regular trash, plan on using one can and a hook for each. Dollar Tree bins are usually large enough for cans and bottles, but larger items like cardboard will still need another solution. If you normally rely on a large can for garbage in the kitchen, you may still need to empty this smaller one into it once you're done cooking. Alternatively, you could reuse the kitchen scraps and make a natural fertilizer for your garden.

This project starts with you bending the hook on one of the ends of the garden hook into an L-shape. Try to make it as flat as possible. If you have trouble with this, a pair of needle-nose pliers can give you some extra leverage. Only one end needs to be bent. Once that's done, slide the flattened end under the bottom of the Dollar Tree trash can to make sure it sits flat against the metal. Since the hook will be glued to the back of the can, the flattened end should keep that slight L shape.

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Next, apply a generous amount of hot glue on the side of the hook that will be up against the trash can. Press the metal onto one flat side of the can, pressing it tightly so that the glue sticks. You can try binding the hook to the can with a bungee cord to help hold everything in place until the glue sets. If the lip of the trash bin makes the hook stick out, cutting a small section away can help it sit flush against the outside. Once the glue dries, line the pail with a garbage bag and hook it over a drawer or the top of a lower cabinet door. Your new hanging bin is now ready for use.

For extra stability, you can use two hooks instead of one, putting them on the left and right of one side. When you're done meal prepping, the bin can be moved to the inside of a cabinet, out of view. Thanks to its convenience, this setup could easily become one of the best trash can solutions in your kitchen.