Lauren Goodger has divided the internet ( and the Ideal Home team) after claiming that ‘In Essex, we don’t have bins’ on TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex).
Here at Ideal Home, we’ve spent time curating the best kitchen bin ideas and tracking down the prettiest kitchen bins you can buy, and yet, it seems not everyone has one in the first place?!
To bin or not to bin is not a question I thought I would ever ponder. Yet here we are. So, I’ve decided to get to the bottom of this bin conundrum, as well as find the best ways to conceal the bin and reduce smells in your kitchen.
The kitchen bin debate
During a chat with her TOWIE co-stars, Elma Pazar, Saffron Lempriere, Sophie Kasaei and Courtney Green, Lauren revealed that she refused to use a kitchen bin, going as far as to say that people in Essex simply didn’t use them.
‘Has anyone got a bin?’ the reality TV personality asked, sparking the debate amongst her colleagues. ‘In Essex, we don’t have bins. No one has a bin.’
In agreement with Lauren, Saffron said: ‘I don’t like the thought of a bin sitting with rubbish in. So, I fill a bag a day, and it goes.’
This discussion has left fans completely divided on social media, with many keen to point out that using a carrier bag is essentially the same as using a bin. It’s not something that I had ever heard of, being from Bristol, so I went straight to my colleagues who hail from Essex.
‘I grew up in Essex and have lived there for most of my life, and I was surprised to hear Lauren say that no one in Essex has a bin! It’s something I’d never really heard of before, and I remember all my friends and family having bins in their homes,’ says Maddie Balcombe, Ideal Home’s Editorial Assistant.
‘My family home in Essex has always had two bins – one for recycling and one for general waste. We do have a food waste disposer installed in our skin though, because, like Lauren and some of the other TOWIE girls, I also don’t like the thought of food waste sitting there! And, although we have always had bins at home, the Essex town I live in (along with many others across the county) has only recently seen the introduction of outdoor wheelie bins, which I imagine might shock some people!’
And it’s a similar situation for Gardens Editor, Sophie King.
‘I grew up in Essex, and we always had bins in the house! One in every room, actually – I think I’d have struggled without them! We emptied them regularly, of course, but I find it far more convenient to keep bins inside the house,’ she says.
‘My mum’s house still has bins in every room, and I’m pretty sure that the rest of my family and friends in Essex keep bins inside the house, too!’
The TOWIE girls’ decision to go binless comes down to aesthetics and the idea of cleanliness. Although if you ask me, there are plenty of ways to clean a bin and stop a bin from smelling. For example, a charcoal filter (£9.99, Amazon) on your bin lid can absorb bad smells, or even a splodge of Zoflora (£14.99, Amazon) on some kitchen roll in the base of your bin can make it more fragrant.
‘It’s certainly not the norm, but it is becoming more common for homeowners to minimise the visibility of household essentials in pursuit of a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. We’re seeing a growing trend towards integrated waste systems hidden within cabinetry, particularly in contemporary kitchens where people want uninterrupted surfaces and a clutter-free appearance,’ says Sian Howarth, founder of Norah Rose and stor.ree.
‘I wouldn’t say it’s specific to Essex. It’s more reflective of a wider trend we’re seeing where homeowners are prioritising spaces that feel calm, organised and visually minimal. Social media has undoubtedly influenced how people view their homes, with many aspiring to create spaces that look as polished as they do functional.’
The problem with not having a kitchen bin
While I’m appreciative that kitchen bins can be a bit of an eyesore, waste experts have emphasised the importance of having a system in place. There is also the issue of using plastic carriers to dispose of rubbish every day, which can be both wasteful and harmful to the environment. The new Simpler Recycling rules also mean we now have specific bins for specific waste types across England.
‘The problem comes when people replace one kitchen bin with lots of smaller plastic bags, or when rubbish is left on worktops because there is no system in place. That can make waste harder to manage and increase the risk of recyclable materials being contaminated with food or general rubbish. This can put added strain on loads, causing them to be rejected at recycling centres,’ says Mark Hall, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk.
‘It’s important that households have a clear waste system, regardless of whether they choose to have a kitchen bin or not. They still need a practical way to separate food waste, recycling and general rubbish before waste teams come to collect it. Without that, it becomes much harder to understand how much waste you are producing and where it should actually go.’
What’s the solution?
I think there’s a solution to all this bin drama. Kitchen cupboard bins (such as this sleek £7.99 hanging bin from Robert Dyas). These slots inside a cabinet, so you don’t have to have them in your eyeliner. Plus, if you feel the same as the TOWIE girls, you can still empty each day, it’s just less wasteful than relying on plastic carrier bags.
‘Practicality should always come first. Waste management is one of the most frequently used functions in a home, so if removing an indoor bin creates inconvenience or impacts hygiene, it may not be the most effective solution for everyday living. There’s also a wider conversation around sustainability and household habits that comes into play when considering how we manage waste within our homes,’ says Sian.
‘For me personally, though, having no indoor bin is probably a step too far.’
At Ideal Home, we’re firmly saying ‘yes’ to a kitchen bin. And, it’s arguable that you can make a bin look good in your kitchen.
‘Instead, opt for a statement-making design that works with your overall kitchen design. At Brabantia, we believe your kitchen bin should offer both practical and aesthetic appeal. Many modern bins are no longer just functional; they’re designed to complement existing interiors, offering considered shapes, finishes, and colours to suit a range of styles and tastes. Choosing a bin in a finish that ties in with your cabinetry, handles, taps, or appliances can help you create visual continuity throughout the space by drawing the eye to these coordinating elements,’ says Valérie Denys, Brand Expert at Brabantia.
‘Placement is also key. Positioning a bin close to the sink, dishwasher, or food preparation area will make everyday use feel effortless. For open-plan kitchens or those with islands, position your bin at the end of the cabinetry or against a wall to keep your walkways clear while ensuring within easy reach.’
To prove it, I’ve rounded up a selection of bins that are either easy to conceal or attractive enough to have on show.
dunelm
Brabantia Sort and Go 2 Sections 2 X 30l Bin
SimpleHuman
10 Litre In-Cabinet Kitchen Cupboard Bin – Black
BLANCO
Singolo Under Counter Pull-Out Kitchen Bin, 14l
Brabantia
Bo Touch Bin Hi 60 Litre – Soft Beige
Habitat
30 Litre Domed Pedal Bin – Silver
Next
Grey 45l Slim Soft Close Pedal Bin
We’d love to know which side of the bin debate you fall on. Are you a yay or nay to kitchen bins?
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