![]() |
![]() |
The bins were purchased from Dollar Tree in 2015. You can use any small bin that works for your tables! I have 1 table trash bin per table that 2-3 students share.
We have the rule that our table trash bins are for paper garbage. NO food trash allowed in the bins! We do snack in the afternoons and sometimes they have to eat breakfast in the classroom. I don’t allow them to throw food wrappers or other food trash in the bins because I don’t want them getting gross, sticky, and foul smelling!!
We keep it simple in my room so I don’t do classroom jobs, but emptying the table trash bins would be a great one to have if you do jobs! My first couple students to arrive each morning empty the bins. If it fills up during the day, they know to empty only their table’s bin, or I will tell someone to grab their bin and empty it. The whole idea is to minimize them going back and forth to the trash cans, so we don’t go back and forth to empty these either!!
I’ve included the labels in 2 different sizes. My bins have the larger label on them.

Cute idea! How did you attach the label to the basket?
I laminated the labels first just in case and then I used clear packing tape over it to secure it to the bin!
Thank you so much! I know this idea will be helpful in keeping our room tidy this coming school year.
You're welcome!!
I think it's a great idea if it was labeled "recycling" and was dumped into a recycling bin. I noticed you have a picture of earth with a big heart on it for your label, that usually means earth friendly. Do you dump the paper into a recycling bin?
Fortunately my school does have a recycling program – I used the Earth with a heart for that exact reason! My students are taught every year to only put paper trash in the table trash bins so that we can dump it in our class recycling bin. As I said in my post, I don't allow food trash or other items in the bins because it would make them gross. Each teacher and school is different though!
Such a great idea! I already use mini trash cans from the dollar tree during mini projects. The labels will just add to the mini cans! Thank you!