A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 3 ft. You can devote more space for plastics and less for compost, or vice versa, depending on your needs. Besides the fire hazard, crowding these appliances makes them harder to service and can limit emergency access to cutoff valves and switches. Another option is to put different types of waste into their own cabinets with appropriately sized bins so that you only have to open the relevant compartment at any particular time. One note about tucking recyclables away: Nothing should be stored close to furnaces, boilers or combustion water heaters. Not sold on the idea of leaving your trash on display? See the drawings above for design ideas, including undercounter options. Also, be realistic about how much junk you generate-it's tempting to just buy oversize containers, but the bigger the bin, the heavier it will be when full. Find out what kinds of items are collected locally to figure out how many containers you need. (On the previous page is Elfa's $129 Medium Mesh Laundry Sorter.) Any product with deep dimensions and easily cleaned surfaces will do. Industrial-type carts and bins with mesh baskets or wire shelves convey a certain efficiency appropriate to their function and complement contemporary interiors nicely. Pro organizer Caroline Solomon raves about this clip-on basket, which she recommends for storing items (even fresh produce) beneath a shelf. Most people try to tuck used cans and bottles out of sight, but we've got no problem with leaving recyclable materials in the open, provided they're neatly stored. Shelf space can be hard to come by in small kitchens, so adding extra storage space is a must.

If your garage doubles as a home for recyclables, a cart such as this Gaiam model can help store and move them ($120 includes three bins).

Download recycling bins for kitchen