Lauren Goodger has divided the internet (and the Ideal Home team) after claiming ‘in Essex, we don’t have bins’ on TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex).
Here at Ideal Home, we’ve spent time curating the best Think kitchen bin And tracking down The most beautiful kitchen bins You can buy, and yet, it seems like not everyone has one in the first place?!
To bin or not to bin is not a question I thought I would ever consider. Yet here we are. So, I decided to get to the bottom of this bin conundrum, as well as find the best ways to hide bins and reduce odors in your kitchen.
Discuss kitchen bins
During a chat with her TOWIE co-stars, Elma Pazar, Saffron Lampier, Sophie Butcher and Courtney Green, Lauren revealed that she refused to use the kitchen bin, unless it could be said that people in Essex don’t use it.
‘Has anyone got the bin?’ the reality TV personality asked, sparking a debate among her peers. ‘We don’t have bins in Essex. Nobody has a bin.’
Agreeing with Lauren, Saffron said: ‘I don’t like the idea of a bin sitting around with rubbish. So, I fill a bag every day, and it goes.’
This debate is pending fans Completely divided on social media, many are keen to point out that using a carrier bag is the same as using a bin. Being from Bristol I had never heard of, so I went straight to my colleagues who are from Essex.
‘I grew up in Essex and have lived there for most of my life, and I was surprised to hear Lauren say that no one in Essex has a bin! It’s something I’d never really heard of before, and I remember all my friends and family having bins at their houses,’ says Maddy BalcombeEditorial Assistant of Ideal Home.
‘My family home in Essex always has two bins – one for recycling and one for general waste. We do have a food waste disposer installed in our skin though, because, like Lauren and the other Towie girls, I don’t like the idea of food waste sitting there! And, although we’ve always had bins at home, the Essex town I live in (along with many others in the county) has recently seen the introduction of outdoor wheelie bins, which I imagine will shock some people!’
And it’s the same situation for the Gardens editor, Sophie King.
‘I grew up in Essex, and we always had bins in the house! One in every room, actually – I think I would have struggled without them! Of course, we used to empty them regularly, but I find it more convenient to keep the bins indoors,’ she says.
‘My mum’s house still has bins in every room, and I’m sure the rest of my family and friends in Essex keep bins in the house too!’
(Image credit: Future plc)
The TOWIE girls’ decision to go bare comes down to aesthetics and hygiene. Although if you ask me, there are way too many Clear the bin And Prevent the bin from smelling. For example, A Charcoal filter (£9.99, Amazon) Your canister lid can absorb bad smells, or even a splodge Zoflora (£14.99, Amazon) Throwing some kitchen roll on the base of your can will make it more fragrant.
‘It’s certainly not the norm, but it’s becoming more common for homeowners to reduce the visibility of home essentials in search of a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. We’re seeing a growing trend towards integrated waste systems hidden within cabinetry, particularly in contemporary kitchens where people want a seamless surface and clutter-free look,’ says Sian Howarth, founder Norah Rose And Store.re.
‘I wouldn’t say it’s specific to Essex. It further reflects a broader trend we’re seeing where homeowners are preferring spaces that feel calm, organized and visually minimal. Social media has undoubtedly influenced how people view their homes, with many aspiring to create spaces that look as polished as they are functional.’
The problem of not having a kitchen bin
While I appreciate that kitchen bins can be an eyesore, waste experts stress the importance of having a system. There is also the issue of using plastic carriers for daily waste disposal, which can be both wasteful and harmful to the environment. New Simple rules of recycling It also means that we now have specific bins for specific types of waste across England.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘The problem comes when people replace a kitchen bin with too many small plastic bags or when rubbish is left on the worktop because there is no system. It can make waste management difficult and increase the risk of recyclable materials being contaminated with food or general waste. This can put extra stress on loads, causing them to be rejected at recycling centres,’ says Mark Hall, waste management specialist. BusinessWaste.co.uk.
‘It is important that households have a clear waste system, whether they choose to have a kitchen bin or not. They still need a practical way to separate food waste, recycling and general waste before waste teams come to collect it. Without that, it becomes more difficult to understand how much waste you’re generating and where it should actually go.’
What is the solution?
I think this is the solution to all the non-drama. Kitchen cupboard bins (like this attractive £7.99 Hanging bin from Robert Dyce). These slots are inside the cabinet, so you don’t need to keep them in your eyeliner. Plus, if you’re feeling like the TOWIE girls, you can still empty every day, it’s less wasteful than relying on a plastic carrier bag.
(Image credit: Future plc/ Lizzie Orme)
‘Practicality must always come first. Waste management is one of the most used tasks in the home, so if removing an indoor bin causes inconvenience or affects hygiene, it may not be the most effective solution for everyday life. There is also a broader conversation about sustainability and household habits that come into play when considering how we manage waste in our homes,’ says Sian.
‘For me personally, though, not having an indoor bin is probably a step too far.’
In an ideal home, we say a firm ‘yes’ to kitchen bins. And, it is argued that you can make your kitchen bin look beautiful.
In-cupboard bins are a great choice for small kitchens.
(Image credit: Future plc/Darren Chung)
Instead, choose a statement-making design that works with your overall kitchen design. At Brabantia, we believe that your kitchen cabinets should offer both practical and aesthetic appeal. Many modern bins are no longer functional; They are designed to complement existing interiors, offering shapes, finishes and colors to suit different styles and tastes. Choosing bins in a finish that matches your cabinetry, handles, taps or appliances can help you create visual continuity throughout the space by drawing attention to these coordinating elements,’ says Valerie Dennis, brand expert. Brabantia.
‘Placement is also key. Placing the bin near the sink, dishwasher or food preparation area will make everyday use easier. For open-plan kitchens or kitchens with islands, place your bins at the end of cabinetry or against a wall to keep your walkways clear while ensuring easy access.’
To prove it, I’ve chosen bins that are either easy to hide or attractive enough to put on show.
Dunlum
Brabantia Sort and Go 2 Sections 2 X 30l Bin
Simple Human
10 Liter In-Cabinet Kitchen Cupboard Bin – Black
BLANCO
Singolo Under Counter Pull-Out Kitchen Bin, 14l
Brabantia
Bow Touch Bin Hi 60 Liter – Soft Beige
accommodation
30 Liter Domed Paddle Bin – Silver
Next
Gray 45l Slim Soft Close Paddle Bin
We’d love to know which side of the non-debate you fall on. Are you yay or nay for kitchen bins?
