Recycling has grown more critical with rising awareness of climate change and environmental degradation. However, the United States continues to grapple with a significant waste problem.

In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recorded 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste generation, equal to 4.9 pounds per person daily. Of that amount, only 32.1% was recycled and composted.

Perhaps more alarming, the recycling rates are worsening, with only 5%-6% of Americans recycling plastics in 2020 — reduced from 8.7% in 2018. 

Fortunately, architects can leverage their design finesse and innovation to prioritize residential solutions that enhance recycling behaviors.

5 Ways to Include Recycling Solutions in Architectural Designs

There are several reasons why Americans don't recycle more often. Many find it inconvenient and time-consuming — that's why architects must find solutions to make recycling easy, practical, and second nature. Here are five solutions architects can work into their designs.

1. Standard Cabinet Bins

Standard cabinet recycling bins are becoming more common in U.S. households. Homeowners can use these designs to open a kitchen cabinet door and slide their garbage and recycling bins out on a track. It makes separating regular trash from recyclables effortless by housing the containers next to each other.

Of course, the trick is placing the specialty cabinet where it's most accessible. Therefore, architects must understand traffic flow to enhance functionality and ensure the bins are precisely where they need to be. 

For instance, putting the standard recycling cabinet next to the sink is a good idea. However, it should also be within reach of the refrigerator and prep space.  

2. Tip-Out Cabinet Bins

Another design solution is to add built-in tip-out cabinets for recycling and trash bins. 

Rather than slide out on a track, homeowners can pull the cabinet handle to tip their bins forward. 

Tip-out recycling bins use a hinged, ergonomic door that's smooth to open and close. These designs are meant to store one container per cabinet for recycling and trash and are usually most efficient on the main cabinet structure or kitchen island.

3. Corner Cabinet Rotating Bins

Rotating bins are conveniently located in the corner cabinet, operating similarly to a Lazy Susan. 

Homeowners can spin the bins around until they reach the appropriate ones for their waste. It's possible to include three containers in this design, allowing people to recycle their goods more efficiently.

For example, one bin could be designated as the regular trash can, while two recycling bins can help homeowners separate plastics from paper.  

4. Outdoor Recycling Center

Recycling bins will eventually fill up indoors, making it necessary to integrate a storage box for homeowners to keep their debris until pick-up days. 

Some people might want to store their extra-large recycling bins in their garages. However, architects can design holding areas that match the home’s exterior. They might be covered or look like fencing to block the view of unsightly bins.

Additionally, an outdoor recycling holding area might be an excellent place to add a composting bin for leftover scraps that homeowners can eventually use in their gardens.

Architects should utilize building information modeling (BIM) to create digital renderings of how their designs will look against their clients' homes. 

5. Storage for Hazardous Recyclables

Not all recyclables are safe for humans or the environment, so having a separate holding area for hazardous materials is essential. A smaller closet in the garage might be the perfect place to store chemical recyclables like paints, solvents, oil, gas, and pesticides.

Toxic products like oil-based paint and even electronics can contaminate groundwater and septic systems when disposed of improperly. 

Every county has specific regulations, including hazardous materials recycling centers and designated drop-off days for these items. Additionally, various retailers have electronics collection points near the entrance to make recycling e-waste simple and quick. Until then, it's necessary to designate a safe holding area for these items. 

Fixing a Broken Recycling System

Recycling in the U.S. is in its infancy after decades of exporting waste to other countries to recycle and incinerate. 

Even as recently as 2016, the U.S. sent 16 million tons of recyclables to China, of which 30% were contaminated with nonrecyclables, ultimately winding up in the surrounding landscapes and coastlines. Nearly 1.3-1.5 million tons of contaminated recyclables pollute China's environment yearly.

According to a recent World Economic Forum report, more than three-quarters of the global population wants to recycle but says various barriers hinder them from doing so. 

The U.S. is notoriously skeptical of climate science and domestic recycling programs, which makes convincing Americans to take at-home recycling more seriously no simple feat. The report highlights that 30% of Americans blame a lack of recycling programs as the most significant barrier, with another 20% claiming a lack of knowledge to participate. 

Architects can't fix the entire U.S. recycling system with a single rendering. However, they can certainly contribute to the solution by incorporating functional designs for more straightforward recycling at home.

Built-in Designs Make Recycling at Home Easier

Americans should feel encouraged to reduce and recycle their waste at home by adopting essential habits. Integrating recycling solutions into architectural workups can make this endeavor easier and more efficient.

Author: Emily Newton