Before you begin

This project may involve electrical, gas, plumbing, or structural conditions. Shut off and verify the relevant power, water, or gas supply before starting. If the system, support, code requirement, or safe procedure is unclear, stop and consult an appropriately licensed professional.

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Add a Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Drawer to an Existing Cabinet DIY project
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Add a Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Drawer to an Existing Cabinet
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Add a Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Drawer to an Existing Cabinet

Convert a base cabinet into a pull-out trash and recycling drawer without guessing at the clearances. Measure the opening, choose a load-rated slide system, and test the door, bin, plumbing, and adjacent cabinet before drilling.

By The DIY Haven Editorial Team · Last reviewed September 11, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity, safety, and source quality.

$75–$180Estimated cost
7Steps
8Shopping items
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Choose the right approach

Best for

A sound base cabinet with enough interior width, depth, and height for the chosen bin and slide hardware.

Not for

Cabinets blocked by plumbing, a damaged floor, a face frame that cannot accept the slide layout, or a door that cannot be safely attached to the pull-out.

Troubleshooting before you start

Common mistakes

  • Measuring the cabinet opening but not the narrowest interior point.
  • Forgetting the slide thickness on both sides.
  • Choosing slides for drawer weight instead of the combined bin, hardware, and waste load.
  • Mounting before checking door swing and adjacent-handle clearance.
  • Leaving no removable path for cleaning or replacing the bin.
Know the limit

When to stop and call a pro

Stop if the cabinet floor is soft, the box is out of square, plumbing must be moved, or the door needs structural reinforcement you cannot verify. A cabinet installer can prevent damage to the cabinet run and supply lines.

Workshop plan

Step-by-step instructions

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1

Measure the opening and obstruction points

Empty the cabinet and measure the opening width, height, depth, face-frame lip, hinge swing, and the distance to plumbing or adjacent doors. Measure the bins before designing the box.

2

Select the bin and slide capacity together

Choose one or two bins that leave slide and lid clearance. Subtract the slide manufacturer’s required side clearance twice and reserve space for the cabinet door or false front.

3

Build or prepare the pull-out platform

Remove the shelf and door only if needed, labeling hinge positions. Confirm the cabinet is square and that no water line or electrical component will be pinched by the slide hardware.

4

Mount the slides square to the cabinet

Build a shallow plywood drawer or open bin frame with a sealed bottom. Dry-fit it in the cabinet and mark the slide centerlines on both sides.

5

Attach and align the cabinet door

Install the slides level and parallel, using the manufacturer’s screw pattern. Test the empty drawer before adding the bins.

6

Load-test and plan for cleaning

Attach the original door to the drawer front with a temporary clamp-and-screw method, then fine-tune the gaps before final fastening. Keep the door removable for service.

7

Step 7

Load the bins, check full extension and door swing, and add a removable liner. Do not overload the slides beyond their published rating.

Safety check

Wear eye protection when cutting and drilling. Check for plumbing and electrical obstructions before fastening. Follow the slide load rating; do not use this guide to modify a cabinet that supports a countertop with visible structural damage.

Helpful answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the opening has enough width, depth, and height for the bins plus slide clearances. Face-frame cabinets need an extra plan for the front frame and door attachment.
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Before the next cabinet update

Fix a loose hinge before measuring or drilling

If a cabinet door has shifted or a concealed-hinge screw is pulling out, stabilize the door and repair the failed mounting surface before adding hardware or a pull-out. Read the particleboard hinge repair guide.

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More ideas selected for this room, skill level, and project style.

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