How to make a recycling storage system

prettyliving

Difficulty: Beginner

Storing bottles and cans for recycling can clutter up your garage. This recycling storage system helps you keep them neat and organised with the added convenience of removable storage crates that you can put straight into your car.

Steps

Step 1

Measure the height and width of the storage crates to determine what size to make the frame. Our crates are 705mm x 445mm x 255mm, so ours is 110cm tall.

Measure and cut two 70mm x 35mm Pine lengths to 110cm. Cut two more pieces to 45cm. Screw the four pieces of timber together to make a rectangular frame for the front. Mark and pre-drill holes to prevent the wood from splitting when attaching.

Repeat the process and make a second frame for the back. Sand both frames.

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Step 2

Lay both frames on their sides parallel to each other, approximately 80cm apart (long-side down). Lay a 1200mm wide lattice sheet on top with the top and side panel of lattice overhanging the front frame. Adjust the back frame to fit between two panels of the lattice, keeping at least 75cm between the two frames to allow for the full length of the storage crates.

Mark the overhang panels of the lattice and cut off with a circular saw.

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Step 3

With the lattice sitting on the frames, measure between the corners of the frames to check everything is square. Measure, cut and sand two 64mm x 19mm Pine lengths and screw on to the frames, attaching the two together and leaving the lattice in place.

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Step 4

Nail the lattice on to the sides of the frames. Turn the frame over and nail the tops of the lattice onto the 64mm x 19mm Pine lengths. Repeat the process of Steps 2, 3 and 4 with the other side.

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Step 5

Lay the structure face-down and lay lattice on the back. For the top and bottom (short sides), trim lattice where it meets the inside of the frame to allow the vertical panels of the lattice to sit snug inside the frame. Trim horizontal lattice panels in line with the outside of the frame and nail on to the frame.

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Step 6

Stand structure upright. Measure the depth (front to back). Using this measurement, cut and sand seven 64mm x 19mm Pine lengths for the roof. Lay pieces on roof, ensuring that there’s an even space between each one. Attach with screws on to the front and back frame.

Measure and mark where the crates will sit on the inside, allowing an even gap between each one. Measure, cut and sand six 42mm x 19mm Pine lengths for the railings. Attach to the inside of the frame with screws.

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Step 7

Measure and mark two 64mm x 19mm Pine lengths to the height of the structure. Using a combination square, mark the ends at a 45-degree angle. Cut and sand.

Insert the storage tubs and centre them on the rails. Attach angled Pine lengths to the sides of the front with screws, allowing room for the crates to slide in and out.

Repeat for the top and bottom pieces, making sure to pre-mark and pre-drill before screwing to ensure that the screws line up for a finished look.

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Step 8

Lay structure face-down. Measure, cut and sand a 64mm x 19mm Pine length to finish framing the bottom of the back. For the top, measure, cut and sand an 89mm x 19mm Pine length to the width of the structure. Screw on to the frame. Sand back to make flush with the roof.

Flip the structure and nail the top and bottom lattice panels onto these to secure them.

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Step 9

Flip the structure upside down and attach castor wheels to the bottom if desired.

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Step 10

Clean finished structure and remove all sanding dust. Apply furniture oil or stain to protect the wood and create a nice finish.

Enjoy your new convenient, portable recycling storage station.

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Materials

42mm x 19mm x 2.4m Pine x 2
64mm x 19mm x 2.4m Pine x 5
89mm x 19mm x 1.2m Pine x 1
70mm x 35mm x 2.4m Pine x 3
2400mm x 1200mm lattice panel
60L storage crates x 3
10-8 x 40mm timber screws
Nails
Furniture oil
Woodcare brush.

Tools

Circular saw
Driver drill with countersink drill bit
Orbital sander with 80-grit sanding discs
Combination square
Tape measure
Personal protective equipment: Safety glasses and respirator mask for cutting and sanding.

Images

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Noyade

Hi @prettyliving,

Great idea! 👍

Stored outside? Waterproof top? If not - do you need to drill holes in the bottom of the crates?

I go to the Vinnes collection depot where they absolutely hate containers, boxes, cans, bottles - with any fluid still in them.

prettyliving

Thanks @Noyade

We keep it outside and move undercover when rain is expected, very easy to do with the wheels on the bottom. Drilling holes in the bottom of the crates is an option but would still result in the cans & bottles getting very wet. Placing the roof planks against each other (instead of having gaps) could be an option to make the top waterproof if preferred.

How to make a recycling storage system

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