Simplifying sustainability in kitchen design
Written by
21 April 2024
•
4 min read
The increasing pressure from both consumers and regulatory bodies to reduce our environmental impact means the development of innovative kitchen waste solutions cannot be overstated.
As new generations demand more sustainable homes and councils enforce stringent waste separation regulations, the need for efficient yet simple waste management solutions in kitchen design is here.
ArchiPro explores the best pull-out bin with Hideaway Bins’ revolutionary Concelo bin system, streamlining waste disposal while enhancing kitchen aesthetics and functionality.
The kitchen impact
“We’ve been educating architects around the impact a waste bin can have on how much waste adds to the environment. Studies have indicated your average person generates about half a tonne of waste at home each year – and 70 per cent of that will pass through the kitchen bin system,” says Jesse Staines, General Manager at Hideaway Bins.
“If you've got a family home, that's over two tonnes of waste generated yearly. If a quality kitchen bin system is in place, you’re more inclined to separate recycling and composting.”
Simplicity through innovation
Hideaway Bins stands out in the market for its relentless focus on innovation and user-centric design. Unlike traditional waste bin solutions, Hideaway Bins prioritises the owner’s needs, ensuring ease of use, cleanliness and clever odour control. For instance, the company’s Concelo pull-out bin features an active lid system that automatically opens and closes, eliminating the struggle of manually handling the lid while still controlling odours and moisture within the bin.
“If you've got a hinged cupboard door for your rubbish bin, you've got to open it; then pull the bin out; lift the lid; put your rubbish in; close the lid; slide the bin back in; and shut the cupboard door. Now, imagine doing this 30 times per day because that’s how often people use their kitchen rubbish bin,” says Staines.
“A simpler system like our Concelo bin slides out like a drawer; you place the rubbish in and slide it closed.”
When it comes to design, Staines says the kitchen bin is one of the most overlooked features. “We’ll get a homeowner say, ‘I've just spent $30,000 on a new kitchen, and they've given me no waste bin’ or ‘they’ve placed it under the sink’.
“If you think about the cupboards and drawers you use regularly, like a cutlery drawer, it is in a nice ergonomic position in the kitchen. But often, people don’t realise how much the homeowner appreciates having a quality and ergonomic bin system and its long-term impact,” adds Staines.
Other innovations include three—or four-bucket systems with colour-coded bin liner holders for easy separation of waste, glass, recycling, and food scraps, remarks Staines, “Historically, it's all been about the twin bin systems, where you have just rubbish and recycling. We are finding people now want to have more bucket solutions.”
Aesthetic integration
Beyond functionality, Hideaway Bins seamlessly integrate into modern kitchen designs, complementing premium cabinetry brands while maintaining superior functionality. Alongside options for under-sink installations and multiple bucket solutions, Hideaway Bins ensures that waste management doesn't compromise the kitchen's aesthetics, offering a discreet yet highly effective solution.
“The Concelo bin has been designed to complement the premium drawer systems used like Blum and Hettich, and the colour palettes available,” says Staines.
“The quality Concelo design also features soft-close and German-made over-extension runners, so you can easily remove the back bucket without hitting the bench top. Clients appreciate features like this in their new kitchen designs.”
Looking ahead
Hideaway Bins isn't just about waste disposal; it's about driving real change towards a greener future. The company recently obtained Green Tag certification and adopted eco-friendly packaging practices, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Through education and awareness initiatives, Hideaway Bins aims to empower specifiers to make informed choices about waste management in their designs, ultimately diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills into recycling streams.
As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise, Hideaway Bins remains at the forefront of innovation. With the company’s ongoing advancements in design, functionality and integration, Hideaway Bins is poised to revolutionise waste management in modern homes. From colour-coded liners to four bucket systems, Hideaway Bins continues to set the standard for efficient, eco-friendly waste disposal.
“We aim to simplify sustainability; our products can help people divert more into recycling and reduce the waste in landfills over the life cycle of a kitchen,” says Staines.
Hideaway Bins redefines waste management, transforming kitchens into hubs of efficiency and eco-conscious living. Hideaway Bins stands ready to lead the way as we strive towards a greener future.
For quality New Zealand-made waste solutions, visit Hideaway Bins on ArchiPro today.