Guest Picks: Trash Talkin’
With wastebaskets as attractive as these, you may want to let them out of the corner
As a little girl, I didn’t think much about trash cans — until I turned 8. That was the year I was allowed to decorate my room for the very first time. I chose the color purple (the color, not the movie) as my theme. Things were going well, and my purple room was coming together with a purple bedspread, purple walls, purple pillows and a few other purple accessories — until my grandparents came for a visit. My grandmother, having survived the Great Depression, determined she was not going to spend much on a gift for my birthday. (And I was, after all, a small child who was unable to appreciate how hard they had worked for that money.) She also had in mind that the item needed to be practical. So what could she give me that was inexpensive, practical and purple? What was I lacking? Apparently that much-needed item for my room was a trash can, so she got me a plastic purple one. Purple and practical — a match made in heaven. Or so she thought.
Getting a trash can for a birthday gift upset my 8-year-old sensibilities: One does not give a trash can as a birthday gift. And if one receives a trash can as a birthday gift, one is not required to be gracious about it. A trash can? For a kid? Was I the only one who found the gift to be inappropriate? I looked around the table. Everyone was smiling and laughing. No one seemed to notice my distress. I kept looking through the discarded wrapping paper for the “real” gift. But it became apparent soon enough that the trash can was the real gift. Being a little bit (OK, a lot) dramatic later in the day, I stood at the top of the stairs and said to no one in particular, “Yesterday I did not have a purple trash can, and I was happy Today, I have a purple trash can, and I am not happy.” My family was unmoved. I heard snickering from downstairs as they all went about their business. My impassioned plea had fallen on deaf ears. With slumped shoulders, I walked back to my room and shut the door. I unceremoniously threw my half-chewed gum into the purple trash receptacle, where it stuck to the side.
My purple plastic trash can is long gone; it’s no doubt at the bottom of a landfill somewhere in New Jersey. But this collection of cans is particularly delightful. Just don’t think of giving one to a child as a birthday present. — Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Getting a trash can for a birthday gift upset my 8-year-old sensibilities: One does not give a trash can as a birthday gift. And if one receives a trash can as a birthday gift, one is not required to be gracious about it. A trash can? For a kid? Was I the only one who found the gift to be inappropriate? I looked around the table. Everyone was smiling and laughing. No one seemed to notice my distress. I kept looking through the discarded wrapping paper for the “real” gift. But it became apparent soon enough that the trash can was the real gift. Being a little bit (OK, a lot) dramatic later in the day, I stood at the top of the stairs and said to no one in particular, “Yesterday I did not have a purple trash can, and I was happy Today, I have a purple trash can, and I am not happy.” My family was unmoved. I heard snickering from downstairs as they all went about their business. My impassioned plea had fallen on deaf ears. With slumped shoulders, I walked back to my room and shut the door. I unceremoniously threw my half-chewed gum into the purple trash receptacle, where it stuck to the side.
My purple plastic trash can is long gone; it’s no doubt at the bottom of a landfill somewhere in New Jersey. But this collection of cans is particularly delightful. Just don’t think of giving one to a child as a birthday present. — Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Aurora Enamel Waste Bin
This really pretty waste bin would work equally well holding magazines or other nontrash goodies. The design is retro and new at the same time.
Trash Cache
These trash cans don’t look like trash cans at all! They would work well for recyclables or maybe even laundry.
Toulon Outdoor Trash Can
If you want to completely disguise your trash, I think this urn would be perfect.
Arabesque Espresso/Coffee Waste Basket
The elegant silver pattern on this trash bin means that it would fit in anywhere you need a bit of bling.
French Chocolate Wastebasket, Blue
Chocolate and a trash can? Why not? It certainly is a conversation piece.
Philosopher’s Marble Wastebasket
I love the marble look of this bin. It would work well in a marble or all-white bathroom.
28 in. Trash Receptacle
It’s a bit of a splurge, but for someone serious about an elegant trash receptacle, this is the way to go. It’s lovely and stately, so no one would mind seeing it on your lovely estate.
Weathered Galvanized Paul Revere Metal Wastebasket With Liner
This is a clever and charming trash receptacle that would work beautifully with farmhouse decor.
Spalding Crunch Time Basketball Net Wastebasket
For the superstar in you, nab this trash can that looks like a basketball net. Make a basket and score with every crumpled piece of paper you toss.
French Wastebasket, White
Charming and French, this bin turns your trash into a work of art — well, almost.
Personalized Trash Can by Make it My Design
I love almost anything with a monogram. I may need to nab one of these for myself.
Household Essentials Sliding Trash Can
If you really don't want to see your trash, why not hide it in your cabinets? This system stores your kitchen can out of view.
Rattan Wastebasket
A wicker trash can is great for a bedroom or bathroom. It’s sturdy and doesn’t scream, “I am a trash can!”
Red Steel Oily Waste Can
For those of you who don’t like to play around, this is a serious trash can. Although it is meant for hazardous waste, I still like the design. I would probably remove the scary label if I used it in my home — or maybe keep it as a conversation starter.
Trash Can
I like that these trash bins combine country charm with the practicality of a hands-free design. The foot pedal means you don’t have to touch the lid to open it.
Wood Canvas Trash Cans, Set of 2
These cans are really pretty and would even work well for nontrash items.
Weathered Wood Wastebin
I like the weathered, natural look of this bin. It brings the rustic elements of the outdoors inside.
Lillhomen Trash Basket
I really like a silver or stainless can, and this one has the added feature of a charming lid.
InterDesign Gina Nickel Ribbed Frost Waste Can, Clear
I was drawn to this waste can for its simple drinking-glass-like design.
Nine Stars DZT-50-9 Infrared Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can
For the person who doesn't want anything to do with trash, this is for you. The touch-free lid opens automatically. Just have someone else empty it for you, and you'll be good to go.
Alessi A Tempo Paper Basket
This old-fashioned can really appeals to me. It’s very retro and cool.
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