18 Inch Pull Out Trash Can

2 products

An18 inch pull out trash cansystem (45 cm) is an integrated waste recycling solution designed specifically for base kitchen cabinets with an exterior width of 17-11/16 in (45 cm / 450 mm). Utilizing ball-bearing or roller runner slide systems, the entire unit extends completely out of the cabinet frame. These systems turn underutilized space beneath the sink or along the countertop into an ergonomic waste management center. For DIYers and kitchen installers, an 18-inch base cabinet width (45 cm) is a standard dimension in cabinetry, offering the ideal balance between floor footprint and generous capacity for household waste.

A built-inpull out waste bin systemkeeps your kitchen floor clear, prevents path obstructions, and locks in odors inside the cabinet using precise system lids. Proper planning and installation require exact measurements down to the millimeter so that the drawer slides run smoothly without catching on hinges or under-sink plumbing.

Dimensions & Sizing: What Does "18 Inch (45 cm)" Mean for Kitchen Cabinets?

When kitchen cabinet specifications refer to an 18-inch cabinet (45 cm), this always indicates theexterior widthof the cabinet box. This is crucial when choosing a suitable waste organizer. An18 inch wide trash bin(45 cm) will not fit inside an 18-inch cabinet, as the cabinet side walls reduce the usable interior clearance.

A built-in trash system requires exact clearance—much like parking a car in a tight garage. The mounting frame must fit the interior width of the cabinet box precisely to guarantee smooth, friction-free operation.

  • Interior Clearance Width:Standard 5/8 in (16 mm)particleboardcabinet walls leave an interior clearance of 16-7/16 in (418 mm). With 3/4 in (19 mm) walls, the interior clearance is 16-1/4 in (412 mm). Frame systems engineered for 18 in (45 cm) cabinets are specifically designed for this interior width of approx. 16-1/4 in to 16-7/16 in (412 mm to 418 mm) or feature adjustable spacers.
  • Installation Depth:Cabinet depth is equally critical. Standard base cabinets typically feature an interior depth of approx. 19-11/16 in to 21-5/8 in (500 mm to 550 mm). A standard system requires an installation depth of around 18-7/8 in (480 mm). If you have a shallowkitchen cabinet depth of 17-11/16 in (45 cm), you will need a specialized shallow-depth system to prevent collisions with the back wall.
  • Installation Height:If you are shopping for apull out trash can 17-11/16 in high (45 cm), consider your sink's plumbing layout. P-traps and drain pipes protrude into the upper cabinet space beneath a sink. Measure from the cabinet floor to the bottom edge of the pipework. Standard under-sink trash systems feature heights between 12-5/8 in and 15-3/4 in (320 mm to 400 mm) to avoid interference.

System Types: How to Choose the Right Pull Out Waste Bin

When selecting your setup forkitchen waste separation, several configurations are available depending on your recycling habits and cabinet door style.

Capacity and Bin Compartments

Bin arrangement determines how efficientlyin-cabinet waste sortingworks. An 18 in (45 cm) cabinet frame typically accommodates system capacities ranging from 8 to 12 gallons (30 to 45 liters).

  • Dual Bin Systems (2 Compartments):The classic setup. Usually split into two equal containers, such as 2 x 4 gallons (2 x 15 liters) or 2 x 5.3 gallons (2 x 20 liters). Ideal for general trash and recyclables.
  • Triple or Quad Bin Systems (3 or 4 Compartments):Best for sorting compost, paper, and general waste directly under the sink. A4-compartment pull out trash canoptimizes space using smaller, specialized bins (e.g., 4 x 2.6 gallons / 4 x 10 liters).

Slide Mechanism and Hardware

Slide quality dictates the lifespan of your unit. A fully loaded12-gallon (45 liter) trash cansystem easily exceeds 33 lbs (15 kg).

  • Full-Extension Slides:These runners pull out 100% from the cabinet interior, allowing you to lift out the rear bin straight up without tipping or jamming.
  • Partial-Extension Slides:The frame remains roughly 20% inside the cabinet. Suitable for front bin access, but less convenient when emptying rear containers.
  • Ball-Bearing vs. Roller Slides:Heavy-duty trash units use lateral telescopic steel ball-bearing slides, ensuring smooth gliding under heavy weight loads.
  • Soft-Close Mechanism:Integrated hydraulic dampers absorb closing momentum, pulling the unit closed smoothly and silently over the final inches.

Retrofitting Kitchen Cabinets: An Everyday Upgrade

Retrofitting a waste pull-out system is one of the most popular DIY kitchen upgrades. Whether working with a standardIKEA base cabinetor replacing hardware usingAlno drawer replacement parts, bottom-mount pull-out frames fit seamlessly into existing cabinets.

When you decide toretrofit kitchen drawersor install aninternal cabinet pull-out, two structural mounting options are available for your 18 inch pull out trash can:

  1. Bottom-Mount Behind Hinged Door (Internal Pull-Out):The cabinet keeps its standard hinged door. You open the cabinet door manually, then pull out the trash system using its handle. This is the simplest installation method as it requires no modifications to the cabinet door. Ensure thecabinet door hingesdo not block the path. The door must open to at least 90°. Usingsoft-close cabinet hingesis recommended to prevent slamming.
  2. Door-Mounted System (Front Pull-Out):The cabinet door is detached from its hinges and mounted directly onto the trash pull-out frame. Pulling the door handle glides the entire45 cm (18 in) front pull-out recycling unitand cabinet door out in one movement. While requiring precise measurements during front-bracket mounting, this option offers maximum daily convenience.

Installation Guide: Required Tools and Setup

Installing an 18 inch pull out trash can requires no specialized trade tools—a standard home tool set is all you need.

Tools Required:

  • Cordless drill/driver
  • PZ bit (Pozidriv)orTX bit (Torx)matching the supplied screws
  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Gimlet or 1/16 in (2 mm) wood drill bit for pilot holes

Step-by-Step Bottom-Mount Installation:

  1. Positioning:Completely clear out the cabinet. Place the pull-out frame centered on the floor of the cabinet box. Pay attention to front-edge clearance: set the frame far enough back for the door to shut fully, but forward enough to access the bins comfortably when extended.
  2. Marking:Mark the mounting plate screw holes on the cabinet base using a pencil.
  3. Pre-Drilling:Pre-drill pilot holes at your marks using a 1/16 in (2 mm) drill bit to a maximum depth of 3/16 in (5 mm). This prevents melamine-facedparticleboardfrom cracking or splitting during screw insertion.
  4. Securing:Fasten the frame using the includedwood screws(typically 5/32 in / 4 mm diameter). Tighten by hand to avoid stripping the wooden substrate.
  5. Final Assembly:Insert the plastic bins into the frame and test thefull-extension slidesfor smooth operation.

Tip for Door-Mounted Front Alignment:When attaching the cabinet door directly to the system frame, use the 3D adjustable mounting brackets. These allow fine-tuning of height, width, and tilt gaps so the front aligns perfectly with surrounding cabinet doors.

Featured Products for 18 Inch (45 cm) Cabinets and Alternatives

Our product lineup offers precisely engineered solutions tailored for standard cabinet widths. If your dimensions vary, we provide narrow and wide alternatives as well.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Installation and Sizing

Can I install an 18 inch pull out trash can inside a cabinet with a standard hinged door?Yes. Select a bottom-mount system designed for internal installation. Swing the hinged cabinet door open first, then pull out the trash system using its handle. Ensure the door opens wide enough so the sliding frame does not rub against the inner face of the door.

What exactly does the "45 cm" or "18 inch" measurement refer to?The measurement refers to the outer width of the cabinet box. Measuring the exterior cabinet width or door face with a tape measure yielding 17-11/16 in (45 cm / 450 mm) means you require an 18-inch class system. The actual frame of the trash unit is narrower—approx. 16-1/4 in to 16-7/16 in (412 mm to 418 mm)—to fit inside the cabinet walls.

My under-sink P-trap sits very low. Will a pull-out trash can still fit?That depends on the installation height of the trash system. Measure the clear height from the cabinet floor to the bottom of the plumbing trap. Many units, such as our 2x15L pull-out with a height of 12-5/8 in (320 mm), feature low-profile designs specifically built to bypass under-sink plumbing.

Can I retrofit older cabinet brands (e.g., Alno or IKEA) with a pull-out bin?Absolutely. As long as the interior cabinet width matches, the cabinet brand is irrelevant. The systems mount directly to the cabinet floor using screws, making them an excellent way to upgrade legacykitchen drawersand base cabinets.

Can the heavy-duty slides support fully filled trash bins?Yes. Systems equipped withball-bearing slide runnersor under-mount heavy-duty slides are rated for dynamic weight loads between 66 lbs and 99 lbs (30 kg to 45 kg). Even when both 4-gallon (15 liter) bins are filled to capacity with wet organic waste or glass, thefull-extension runnerswill not sag or bend.

Related Categories for Your Kitchen Upgrade

Whether you are expanding or repairing your cabinetry, explore our selection of premium hardware accessories. Complement your new setup with options from ourDual Compartment Trash Canscollection or explore other sizes like thePull Out Kitchen Trash Can 40cmandPull Out Kitchen Trash Can 50cm.

Looking for sleek, durable materials? Browse ourStainless Steel Trash Cans. For general cabinet organization, we recommend our heavy-duty Kitchen Cabinet Pull-Out Drawers, including specific widths like the Kitchen Cabinet Pull-Out 40 cm or Kitchen Cabinet Pull-Out 50 cm. Keep cutlery and small utensils neatly sorted with aKitchen Drawer Organizer Tray. Planning a major overhaul? Discover complete storage systems in ourKitchen Cabinet Setscategory.