A Great Way to Keep Trash Concealed
Though we live in the country, we still have weekly garbage pickup. If we don’t keep the garbage properly contained (not in a regular garbage can), the critters get into it and it becomes a giant mess in the yard! For years, I used a large wooden apple crate with a lid to keep the garbage in until pickup but it has now fallen apart due to the elements (and people backing into it – don’t ask). This year, I decided to build a DIY garbage bin using pressure treated lumber that looks a little nicer, keeps the critters out, and won’t get knocked over when a random driver backs into it!
This easy to build DIY garbage bin is incredibly heavy… I used offcuts of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated deck boards leftover from my deck project so I wouldn’t have to buy materials for this project. I have written these plans to use pressure treated 1×6 boards that will make it a little lighter, but still hefty enough to keep critters out.
This bin measures approximately 48″ x 30″ x 28″. If a different size is required, adjust the boards accordingly.
Materials:
- 1-5/8″ Exterior Screws
- 2-1/2″ Exterior Screws
- 3/4″ exterior screws with large washers (or heavy duty staples)
- 10 – T Brackets (<– affiliate link!)
- 3 Strap Hinges (<– affiliate link!)
- 1 Utility Handle (<– affiliate link!)
- Stencils & Spray Paint, optional
Lumber:
- 4 – 2x2x8 pressure treated pine (or 2 – 2x4x8 PTP, ripped to 2×2)
- 9 – 1x6x8 pressure treated pine
- 3 – 1x3x8 pressure treated pine
- 1 roll of 1/4″ hardware cloth (galvanized mesh)
Cut List:
- 4 – 2×2 at 27″ – Legs
- 4 – 2×2 at 42-1/2″ – Side Framing
- 15 – 1×6 at 30″ – Bottom & Ends
- 8 – 1×6 at 47″ – Sides
- 2 – 1×3 at 47″ – Lid Frame
- 3 – 1×3 at 26-3/4″ Lid Frame
- 2 – 1×3 at 19-5/8″ – Lid Frame
Step One
Cut the pieces for the legs and the side framing. Drill countersunk holes in the legs locating them at the top edge and 3″ up from the bottom. Secure the side framing to the legs using 2-1/2″ screws.
Step Two
Cut the pieces for the bottom and the ends. Secure the ends on the top faces of the side framing using 1-5/8″ exterior screws, spacing the boards approximately 1/2″ apart.
Secure the end boards to the outside of the legs using 1-5/8″ exterior screws, spacing the boards approximately 1/2″ apart.
Step Three
Cut the pieces for the sides. Secure the sides to the legs covering the edges of the ends using 1-5/8″ exterior screws, spacing the boards approximately 1/2″ apart.
Step Four
Cut the pieces for the lid frame. Arrange the pieces on a large, flat surface. Keeping the pieces square, secure the pieces together with the T Brackets and screws.
Flip the frame over and secure the hardware cloth over the openings using 3/4″ exterior screws with washers to hold the cloth in place.
Position the top on the bin, and install the hinges. Install the handle on the front of the lid.
The home address can be stenciled on the side or front of the bin as desired!
The new bin looks so much nicer than the old one and I am very happy with the upgrade. Have any questions about how to build a DIY garbage bin? Leave a comment below!
Originally posted 2019-01-02 08:00:50.
