4 Best Ways to Hide Trash Cans
Share
Keeping trash cans out of sight is a practical yet often overlooked aspect of home design. If you have trash cans on the side of your house and want to improve your curb appeal, there are several strategies you can use. From privacy screens to creative landscaping, this guide provides the best solutions to effectively hide your trash cans while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Table of Contents
- Why Should You Hide Trash Cans?
- Best Ways to Hide Trash Cans
- Privacy Screens: A Quick and Elegant Solution
- Building a Fence Around Trash Cans
- Utilizing Landscaping for Concealment
- Installing a Trash Can Shed
- Creative Outdoor Solutions
- Conclusion
Why Should You Hide Trash Cans?
Hiding trash cans on the side of your house serves several purposes beyond aesthetics. It can:
- Improve Curb Appeal: Trash cans placed outside can give an untidy, cluttered look. Concealing them keeps your outdoor space looking clean and organized.
- Prevent Unpleasant Odors: Storing trash cans in a discreet location reduces the chances of unpleasant smells invading your living area.
- Minimize Pest Attraction: Properly hidden trash cans can help prevent animals like raccoons and stray dogs from scavenging your garbage.
- Enhance Security: Trash cans placed too openly can be used by intruders to hide behind or use for cover.
4 Best Ways to Hide Trash Cans
There are a variety of effective methods to hide trash cans on the side of your house. The solution you choose depends on your budget, the layout of your yard, and your overall aesthetic preferences. Below are some of the best options:
- Privacy Screens: These can create a barrier between your trash cans and the rest of the yard.
- Building a Fence: A dedicated fence around your trash cans is an excellent way to keep them hidden while blending in with your garden.
- Landscaping: Creative use of bushes, shrubs, and hedges can help conceal trash bins effectively.
- Trash Can Shed: A small, custom-built shed can offer a more permanent solution for hiding trash cans.
Privacy Screens: A Quick and Elegant Solution

One of the quickest and most stylish ways to hide trash cans is by installing a privacy screen. Privacy screens can be used to shield trash cans from view while adding a decorative element to your yard. The Privacy Screens END POST KIT 44″ - E4 offers a modular, easy-to-install solution for creating barriers around your trash bins.
Key Features:
- Rustproof & Weather-resistant: Made of powder-coated aluminum, these screens are built to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Modular Design: The system allows you to add or adjust panels as needed, making it versatile for different-sized spaces.
- Quick Installation: You can assemble the unit in under 10 minutes, with no drilling required.
- Universal Compatibility: It works with various materials, including wood and composite boards, giving you options for customization.
Installation Process
With the Privacy Screens END POST KIT 44″ - E4, you can easily create a stylish barrier for your trash cans by following these steps:
- Assemble the posts and slide in the chosen boards.
- Secure the posts into the ground using the anchor plates provided.
- Position the privacy screen around the area where your trash cans are kept.
- Adjust the panels as needed for a perfect fit.
This privacy screen kit provides an elegant and low-maintenance solution for hiding trash cans while enhancing the look of your yard or patio.
Building a Fence Around Trash Cans

If you're looking for a more traditional and durable solution, building a small fence around your trash cans is an excellent option. This method provides added privacy and can be designed to complement the existing architecture and landscaping of your property. A wooden or vinyl fence can be constructed to enclose the area around your trash cans, creating a more permanent barrier.
- Wooden Fencing: A natural wood fence blends well with outdoor surroundings, offering a rustic and traditional look.
- Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl fences are low-maintenance, durable, and come in various styles to suit your needs.
- Metal Fencing: For a modern and sleek look, metal fences such as wrought iron or steel can be a good option.
Tips for Building the Fence
- Ensure the fence is tall enough to fully cover the trash cans.
- Leave enough space for ventilation to prevent odors from building up inside the enclosure.
- Install a hinged door for easy access to the trash cans.
Utilizing Landscaping for Concealment
Landscaping is an effective, low-cost method for hiding trash cans. By strategically placing plants, shrubs, or bushes around your trash cans, you can camouflage them while adding beauty to your garden.
- Hedges: Tall, dense hedges such as boxwood or privet are perfect for hiding trash cans while offering a neat and tidy appearance.
- Climbing Vines: Plants like ivy or morning glories can be trained to grow over a trellis or fence, providing natural coverage.
- Flowering Bushes: Vibrant bushes like azaleas or lilacs add color and disguise trash cans effectively.
Installing a Trash Can Shed
If you prefer a more permanent and organized solution, a custom-built trash can shed is an ideal choice. This structure is designed specifically to store trash cans, keeping them out of sight and organized. You can build a shed using materials like wood, metal, or plastic, depending on your preferences and budget.
- Wooden Sheds: Wooden sheds can be customized to fit your specific space and style, making them a versatile option.
- Plastic Sheds: Lightweight and easy to maintain, plastic sheds are durable and weather-resistant.
- Metal Sheds: For enhanced durability and security, a metal shed is a great long-term investment.
Creative Outdoor Solutions
If you're looking for a more creative way to hide your trash cans, consider using decorative features that also serve a functional purpose. For example:
- Outdoor Storage Cabinets: Install a weatherproof storage cabinet that doubles as a hiding place for trash cans.
- Garden Trellises: A trellis covered with plants can provide coverage for trash cans while adding a decorative touch to your yard.
- Repurposed Furniture: Old wooden crates or vintage furniture can be repurposed into outdoor trash can covers.
Conclusion
Hiding trash cans on the side of your house doesn’t have to be a difficult or costly task. By utilizing one or more of the methods outlined above, such as privacy screens, fences, landscaping, or even a trash can shed, you can improve the appearance of your home while keeping your trash out of sight. Each solution offers its own set of benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Summary Table
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy Screens | Quick setup, customizable, modern look | Requires some ongoing maintenance |
| Building a Fence | Durable, customizable, great for larger yards | More expensive and time-consuming to install |
| Landscaping | Low cost, aesthetic, environmentally friendly | Requires regular care and maintenance |
| Trash Can Shed | Organized, weather-resistant, secure | Higher upfront cost, requires space |