DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can
I’m kicking off our huge Master Bathroom Remodel with this quick and easy bathroom organization upgrade.
I decided to hide our bathroom garbage out of sight by building a DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can.
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing a lot of DIY projects and makeover updates for our Master Bathroom.
Here’s a quick look at that garbage can in our vanity.

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I have to say, I thought about completely removing these 20-year old vanities, they were in such a rough state.
But they are 3/4″ custom built ins. So, I decided to save them. And I’m so glad I did.
This cabinet door garbage can, new handles and paint, and new stained plywood liners have completely restored this vanity into better than new condition, guys.
You can see the bathroom before and after photos here. The Vanity Makeover steps and details are here.

Now, let me show you how to build a easy DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can!
DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can Build Video
Be sure to watch this video to see me actually build this DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can and my tips for making your own.
DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can – Materials Needed
- Power Drill, Drill Bits and Screws
- Angle Brackets
- Wood Glue
- Brad Nailer and Nails
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw, optional
- Sander and Sandpaper
- Optional: Straight-Edge Cutting Guide
DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can – Build Tips
Not all cabinet doors are made the same. Some are made of particle board and other easily damaged material. Those might not be able to handle this project.

Also, some cabinet doors might have 1/4″ panels in the middle. Make sure to screw this garbage can into thicker parts of the door. You should also watch out for doors with weak hinges. This garbage can only ways a pound or two, but a weak hinge or weak particle board might not be able to handle that.
Lastly, make sure that the dimensions for your garbage can will work with your cabinets. Having a can sticking 4 or 5″ out from the door will make it impossible to close the door, if it’s attached close to the edge of the cabinet door.
So, grab some scrap wood and test where you’ll have to attach the can to still allow the door to close. You can use that test to decide how big you’ll want your can.
DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can – Steps
Step One
Use the build tips above to decide what size you want your garbage can to be. You can go with my 1/2″ plywood and 1/2″ x 3/4″ moulding design or go with your own design. Cut your wood to size. You’ll need 2 sides, 1 bottom, and a face or front piece.

Step Two
Sand the pieces smooth. Dust off. Then glue and brad nail the pieces together. Wipe away glue then use wood filler, as needed. Let that dry.

Step Three
Sand the garbage can again. I sand to 120 or 150, when painting, and 220 when staining. Wipe away all dust with a slightly damp cloth. Then apply your finish. Let dry.

Step Four
Now, you’re ready to attach your angle brackets. Pick the right size for your door. I used 1 on each side and the bottom.

Step Five
Attach the can to your door by pre-drilling the screw holes. Make sure you use screws that aren’t too long for your door. Pop in a little garbage bag and enjoy never having to see that garbage can again. 🙂


See More DIY Projects from this Master Bathroom Remodel
UPDATE: The Master Bathroom is finished. Check out the finished Bathroom or any of these DIY projects from the remodel.
- Before and After Master Bathroom Remodel Reveal
- Blue DIY Chalk Paint Bathroom Vanity Makeover
- How to Install Picture Frame Wainscoting with Video!
- The Latest Master Bathroom Remodeling Pictures!
- Marble Mosaic Tile Bathroom Installation Tips & Photos
- 10 Beginner DIY Tips for Installing Floor Tile
- DIY Plywood Plank Ceiling – Faux Shiplap Install
- DIY Shower Niche – How to Frame & Placement Tips
- Build a DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage Can
Looking for more handy DIY projects for your home? Check out my favorite way to fix ugly grout that won’t scrub clean.
Or, my steps for patching wood rot or damaged wood with Bondo.
Thanks for checking out my DIY Cabinet Door Mounted Garbage. Please let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.
Benita
Monday 4th of March 2019
This is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate Your Story! I wanted to let you know that I would be featuring your project at this week's link party. The party starts tonight at 7:00 p.m. CST. I hope you will share a new project! Have a great day! Hugs!
Stephanie
Monday 4th of March 2019
Wow! Thanks so much for the feature, Benita. So glad you liked it. :)
Audra @ Renewed Projects
Saturday 2nd of March 2019
This is a great idea. We have a new puppy so we've been closing doors and hiding the trashcans but that clever dog takes any opportunity to sneak in and make a mess. Great tutorial!
Stephanie
Monday 4th of March 2019
LOL, sounds like a clever puppy. Thanks so much!
kitchencrafty1
Thursday 28th of February 2019
What a great idea! Love that blue on your cabinet too!
Stephanie
Thursday 28th of February 2019
Thanks so much. I can't wait to see the whole vanity in blue. :)
Vineta
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
Such a great idea! I hate seeing the trash can in the bathroom!
Stephanie
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
Thanks so much, Vineta!
Lisa
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
Can I be in love with a garbage can? This is such a smart and clever way to hide it, totally love and am doing this!! Thanks for sharing Stephanie!
Stephanie
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
Fantastic, Lisa. And thanks!