Double bins – can they really help you be more eco-friendly?

What difference would a double bin make to your eco credentials?

Double bins

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

Separate recyclables from waste with the best double bin. In striving to save our planet and become more eco-conscious, many of us are working hard to ensure that we do our bit to reduce, reuse and recycle. And the easiest way to champion a cleaner environment is to separate recycling and rubbish in a double kitchen bin.

Sometimes it can be frustrating having a separate bin for recycling (the supermarket jute bag I use constantly overfills), and some people can fall into the habit of throwing everything away together in the one kitchen bin. We’ve found some great double bin solutions for your home that will help you and your household keep the environment front of mind.

Best double bins at a glance:

Best double bin for families: SONGMICS Dual Rubbish Bin with 2 x 30L – Buy now on Amazon UK
Best large capacity double bin: John Lewis 2-Section Recycling Bin, 60L – Buy now on John Lewis
Best compact double bin: Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Totem Compact Bin, 40L – Buy now on John Lewis

A really handy way to make sure your household keeps things green is to get a double bin. With dedicated sections you can easily split rubbish from recycling, or in stricter zones use as a way to separate your recyclables such as cardboard from glass. Pair with compostable bin liners to level up your eco-friendly lifestyle.

Before you buy make sure to check what you can recycle at home or locally and how thorough you should be by entering your postcode on the recyclenow website as rules can vary across the UK.

Best double bins

Best double bin for families

SONGMICS Dual Rubbish BinAmazon/SONGMICS

The SONGMICS Dual Rubbish Bin, 2 x 30L is perfect for larger households, offering a generous 60-litre capacity. With an attractive black finish and stainless steel accents, it operates via foot pedal for hands-free use. It seals tightly to trap odours. Soft-close lids and portable handles add convenience. The bin purchase includes six rolls of 120 refuse sacks. This double pedal bin simplifies recycling with two compartments and a buffer mechanism for gentle, silent lid closure. Removable buckets with metal handles make cleaning up any spills a breeze.

Customer review: "I needed a double bin for general waste and recycling. I also wanted a bin that looked good because it was going to be in a prominent position in my kitchen. The soft close is delightful. There is enough capacity for us - in a two person house - to use it for a week without having to empty. I love it."

Pros

  • Internal compartments are easy to remove
  • Individual lid operation
  • Comes with bin bags

Cons

  • Customer comments that supermarket in liners don't fit as well as the brand's own liners
Capacity:60 litres
Material:Stainless steel
Size:L58.6 x W32 x H65cm

Best large capacity double bin

John Lewis 2-Section Recycling BinJohn Lewis
Price: $80 (was £100)

www.johnlewis.com

This John Lewis 2-Section Recycling Bin, 60L combines style and practicality. It has foot pedals for separate use, a durable design, and lids that close softly. Ideal for starting your day quietly. With built-in handles, it's easy to manoeuvre. It comes in stainless steel, black, mid-grey and cream colours.

Customer review: "Absolutely delighted with this recycling bin. We purchased it to replace an efficient but unsightly system we had in place, our new bin is sleek stylish and unobtrusive. Used some 30 litre bin bags (from Tesco) to line each of the bins, they're a tight fit at the top of the bin, but that only helps to keep them in place."

Pros

  • Individual pedal operation
  • Sturdy and reliable
  • Sleek and stylish

Cons

  • Inner buckets are not very robust
Capacity:2 x 30-litre bins
Size:H66.4 x W53 x D37.2cm
Material:Stainless steel and polypropylene

Best compact double bin

Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Totem Compact BinJohn Lewis/Joseph Joseph
Price: $161.09 (was £178.99)
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=d0dbd0c339565e753f633a021d364c3d&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DEQQEhcKTBxETkIYQQRFUlYSGFBcDB9CHg5cRVETW0laCxEBQAseR1ZBU1hIAwVfS1JGUg0dRkMFQF4ZAFIKHQUMAB0RVlBAVlpQSFVcXUtRQVIRWFtFARwbGyIeXAdcW1YAVgQ%3D&x=v1&prdId=10199448371&barcode=VAVUUFwEUQMDCQQGA10%3D
Alternative retailers
Wayfair$146.00View offer
Kohl's$165.00View offer
Walmart$190.58View offer
Overstock$209.99View offer

The Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Totem Compact Bin, 40L ensures efficient waste management. Its powder-coated steel finish makes cleaning a breeze. This bin includes a three litre food waste caddy, conveniently stored in either compartment or on a worktop. Arrange the double bi as a totem, with one compartment atop the other, minimising its footprint while offering double bin functionality. Pulling out the bottom bin like a drawer provides easy access. Breather vents on the sides offer easy liner removal, Plus, there's a ventilated odour filter in the main lid. Available in stone and larger capacities, it's a practical solution with added bonuses.

Customer review: "This is a brilliant bin! Everything about it has been so well designed. It looks neat and does not take up much space in the kitchen but can hold a lot of recycling and rubbish. The bottom section wheels out so smoothly and neatly. The compartment for the food waste sits neatly in the bin and hooks onto the side of the bin if you are lining the top section. The air freshener seems to do the trick too."

Pros

  • Odour filter
  • Space-saving design
  • Easy-to-clean powder-coated steel finish

Cons

  • Internal food waste bin is too small
Capacity:40L
Size:H76 x W30 x D36.5cm
Material:Powder-coated steel

Best small double bin

Despite its unassuming appearance, this recycling bin is an eco-hero in disguise, poised to aid in your mission to save the planet. Featuring a 30-litre capacity divided into 2 x 15-litre compartments, it facilitates effortless sorting of recyclables. Operated by pedals, it eliminates the need to bend down and open it manually, making it convenient for when your hands are full. Crafted from stainless steel, its sleek design seamlessly complements any kitchen décor. It comes with a manufacturer's one year guarantee, ensuring both quality and peace of mind.

Customer review: "Having a recycle and other rubbish bin together is so useful. Beats having a recycling bag sitting at the kitchen door! Great product."

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Hands free opening
  • Colour-coded pedals

Cons

  • Small capacity
Capacity:29 litres
Material:Stainless steel
Size:H48.5 x W40 x D37cm

Best double bin with sensor opening

Tower Recycling Sensor BinArgos/Tower

The Tower Recycling Sensor Bin, 60L offers hands-free rubbish and recycling sorting with its clever motion-sensing lid that opens silently. No need to touch the bin. With a sleek black finish, it adds a smart touch to your space and includes a holder for bin fresheners to keep it smelling clean. It has a generous 60-litre capacity and a removable lid for easy cleaning. Just pop in four AA batteries (not included) to activate sensor opening.

Customer review: "I was unsure of buying one of these. But it's great the best thing I've done. Wouldn't be with out it now. Lots of room. One side for glass or cans ect and the other for paper and cardboard. Perfect for me and my family."

Pros

  • Hands free opening
  • Fingerprint-proof coating

Cons

  • Batteries not included
Capacity:2 x 30-litre bins
Size:H56.5 x W42 x D30cm
Material:Stainless steel

Best double bin for small recycling compartment

Simplehuman 46L Rectangular Recycle BinAmazon/Simplehuman

Rrp: $149.99

Price: $139.99
Alternative retailers
Sam's Club$139.98View offer
Target$139.99View offer
Walmart$139.99View offer
Lowe's$139.99View offer

For households aiming to minimise waste and prioritise recycling, the Simplehuman Rectangular Recycle Bin, 46L is an ideal solution. Divided into a 30-litre and 16-litre compartments, it accommodates different types of waste efficiently. With its single-pedal operation, accessing both compartments simultaneously is hassle-free, while patented lid technology ensures smooth and silent closure. This double bin optimises space without compromising on eco-friendliness. Additionally, its durable steel pedal is designed to withstand over 150,000 steps, while the lid guarantees a slow, silent and soft close. The non-skid base with rubber pads ensures stability and protects floors.

Customer review: "This is a neat compact dual bin perfectly proportioned for recycling and rubbish. I replaced two separate bins with this one and have saved so much space. Well designed - Has a clip to hold lid open when needed."

Pros

  • Amazon's Choice
  • Silent, soft close lid
  • Non-skid base
  • Fingerprint-resistant

Cons

  • Lid is a little stiff
Capacity:46 litres
Material:Stainless Steel
Size:H65.3 x W50.3 x D32.5cm

Best double bin for odour control

EKO X Cube Recycling BinJohn Lewis
Price: $131.99 (was £164.99)

www.johnlewis.com

The EKO X Cube Recycling Bin, 40L features two inner buckets for easy separation of recyclables and general waste. It boasts an anti-bacterial, fingerprint-resistant coating, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene. Additionally, it includes a compartment for a carbon filter or perfume capsule to combat unpleasant odours. The soft-close hinges ensure gentle and quiet closing, while the bin bag stabiliser inside keeps liners securely in place. Overall, it's a sleek solution for efficient waste management, with thoughtful features like colour-coding to encourage proper sorting. A foot pedal opens the lid for hands free convenience.

Customer review: "Really pleased with our new purchase. It's cool looking and fits into our smaller kitchen a treat. I have found that the 30L liners, available at all supermarkets, fit the best as these two bins are very deep."

Pros

  • Available in different colours
  • Deodorising compartment
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Fingerprint-resistant

Cons

  • Stainless steel model is out of stock
Capacity:2 x 20-litre bins
Size:H65 x W43.5 x D33.5cm
Material:Stainless steel

Best premium double bin

 Simplehuman 58 Litre Recycler BinArgos/Simplehuman

For the epitome of kitchen double bins, the Simplehuman 58 Litre Recycler Bin is the ultimate choice. Boasting a total capacity of 58 litres, it's perfect for families. Crafted in sleek stainless steel, it features a sturdy and broad steel pedal equipped with 'Lid Shox' technology, ensuring a consistently smooth and silent closure. Setting it apart from other double bins, this model incorporates an innovative pocket that conveniently stores and dispenses liners from within the bin. There are two removable inner compartments: a 34-litre bin, a 24-litre bin. This bin embodies both style and functionality.

Customer review: "Added feature includes bin storage liners which are easy to access for changing bin bags. Bin quality is to a high standard which makes cleaning very simple. Overal good buy."

Pros

  • 10 year warranty
  • Storage pocket for bin liners
  • Quiet and soft close
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • Customer comments that they would like both compartments to have bin liners
Capacity:34 litre and 24 litre
Size:H65.53 x W55.88 x D36.07cm
Material:Stainless steel

FAQs

What can I recycle?

Not only can rules differ from county-to-county, but sometimes the symbols on our packaging waste can make things more confusing than they need to be. Check out the guide video below to know what you can recycle in your home. Additionally, use a kitchen compost bin to consolidate green waste.
The Green Dot Confusion
This Green Dot you see on much of your packaging is commonly misconstrued to mean the item can be recycled. This symbol actually means that the producer of the product has made a financial contribution towards recycling in Europe, but doesn’t guarantee the packaging can be recycled. Look for other symbols before deciding which section of your double bin it needs to go in.

What else can I do to be more eco-friendly in my own home?

Try to reduce the use of plastic in packaging by buying where possible un-packaged food or those in recyclable containers.
Eat less meat and consider a more plant-based diet - you don't need to go fully vegan if that's not your style.
Turn off electrics when not in use. Not only great for energy saving but for your bills too.
Shop locally for produce with a smaller carbon footprint.
Try to live more sustainably by shopping less. Fast fashion may be easy but there are some great vintage finds in your local charity shop or on second-hand websites including ebay, depop and vinted.

The Green Dot

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.

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