I have started recycling my plastics and I am using an old laundry basket on my front porch to hold all the bottles, etc. Does any one have a pretty way I can store this stuff so it doesn't look like trash on my front porch? I really don't want a trash can, and I need something that is easy to pick up and put in the back of the truck. Any ideas?

I know you don't want "trash cans" but you could paint them or decal them with pretty flowers?? Then put light weight potted plants on top and use them for plant stands. Then they would be easy to just load up.
I would get three different sizes ,, get ones with semi flat lids ,, I think that would be cute. Of couse we live on a rustic farm so that idea would fit in perfect here. HA

Good idea Bambi, I read this earlier and was trying to think of something. Everything goes into our garage and then we take it to the recycling center. Of course our cars can't fit into the garage but everything else will.

I have said that before I croak I want to park my car in the garage just one time, just to see what it feels like.

There are some really attractive laundry baskets but for some of them you will want to line them if they cannot be washed out (wicker for instance).

OUr recycling is on our back landing. There is a cubby area that I think is most likley intended for wet boots and such but it fits a big sterlite tub perfectly w/room to stuff broken down cardobard boxes on the end of it and it's right off the kitchen so I can clean the kitchen and throw the glass, metal & plastic down the back steps right into the tub. And I have 2 office sized trash cans i use for paper.

The idea with flowers on top of trash cans is a good one,,maybe designate a area for the recyle items and put a small fence around it,,like a picket fence,,so the tops of the trash cans show only...looking like flowers growing ontop of the fence.

I have been pondering that idea of concealment for the garbage can on wheels. quite large. Husband insists on full view front yard. Now you think well its not open. and your sis on the front porch. no. But still ideas for concealment of something. I have thought of a little trellising a ways from it with morning glories or something. I have thought of trellising where two or three are moved at an angle like those slat fences you can not see into the yard. Or like venitian blinds in angles. If done that way it may not block sunlight but keep the eyer from viewing what is behind.

And on the porch if you had a cute potting table. You could decorate it enough and slide the basket underneath enough that it would not be noticed first. If trash can it would be done so to assume it was part of the potting plant idea decor. Not a large as the one I have on wheels of course. Then you have excuse to have a few of those great old watering cans and more plants.

Assuming you have a large enough porch or side area to do this. I had thought one would have to add sand,flat stone or a few pavers for my surface. I'd like to recycle an old table which has been recycled many times into this idea. Add a shelf to back or top of this on garage. for Pots and such.

Winter problem with compost.
I had wondered also how to disguise my compost sack in the kitchen before I take it out. Would I have it in the kitchen or immediately put in back porch to disguise area. And then a trip to back compost area. Which would I be apt to do.?? I am still thinking. Space is limited.

I debated over this large italian like olive jar at the garden store a few years ago. Later when it would have been clearance it was gone. If I had gotten it, it may have been nice thing for storage. I also wish I could find a replica of a wine making basket. They were huge and what I think of as attractive.

If they were sealed and had water in them they could become your solar heater in your porch.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: loverofdesign,

I keep my compost bucket in the kitchen next to the trash can. It is a kitty litter tub. I'm thinking of decoupaging it to match my kitchen.

you could put wallpaper the same as your kitchen on the tupperware recycling tubs to decorate them or put contact paper on them also in flower shapes and so on. Be creative as you want to be.

Some good ideas, the wicker laundry basket idea has me thinking I need to check out a thrift store and see if I can find one there. If I don't spend much money on it I don't mind if it doesn't last forever. Thanks everyone!