These genius wheelie bin storage ideas are how savvy homeowners keep their rubbish hidden from sight – and avoid potential fines too

There's no denying that wheelie bins are an eyesore. Although they may be essential to modern life, wheelie bin storage ideas are often an afterthought in your driveway design. Cumbersome, uninspiring and usually coming in a collection of three, it's easy to understand why it's hard to find anything inspiring about this most mundane of items.

And, while it may be tempting to leave them loitering on the street, it's something the experts recommend you avoid, as doing so could lead to a fine and penalty notice.

The solution? Try one of these wheelie bin storage ideas instead to help turn an ugly item into something more practical, stylish and even 'green' instead.

1. Make your wheelie bin storage multi-purpose

As someone who went to the expense a few years ago of having a wooden bin and log store built at the rear of my property, I can honestly say had this Anthracite Galvanised Steel Wheelie Bin Storage Trio from The Garden Furniture Store been available at the time, I would have saved myself the money and time and bought this instead.

Finished in contemporary galvanised steel, this bin store also includes a lockable parcel store and space for a log store. Plus, if you have a large space for storage, you could add more individual components to it, increasing its storage capabilities.

One of the best design features of this wheelie bin storage? The top containers that can be planted, giving the effect of a green roof – a popular eco home idea that's been translated to a smaller scale.

'This is a great way to introduce an additional planted area at the front of your home, especially if you only have a small front garden and your wheelie bins take up most of the space,' says Beth Murton, editor of Homebuilding & Renovating. 'Suitable plants for a small green roof include low-growing, drought-resistant grasses, mosses and sedum, and once established they should require very little maintenance. Just make sure there is suitable drainage to prevent them becoming waterlogged.'

Beth Murton

Beth became editor of Homebuilding & Renovating in 2023 with a wealth of experience, having been a homes journalist and editor for more than 20 years, including the launch editor for a gardening website. She has fully renovated two houses, including her current property, a 1930s house in the Midlands. Her passion for all things homes-related means that she's always planning a new project in the house.

2. Opt for a traditional wooden wheelie bin store

If on the other hand, your garden is more natural or traditional in style, a wooden wheelie bin storage unit is a fail-safe solution to your needs. Available from a wide range of suppliers, this VerdiBin wheelie bin storage unit from B&Q caught our eye for a number of reasons.

Although it's made from pressure treated timber, it has a more modern finish that makes it adaptable to all types of home. The top opening sections make it easy to fill the bins without having to open the doors, and the additional shelves at the end mean even smaller recycling boxes can be stored out of sight.

It's elements like this that keep all your bins and waste tucked safely away, that can also help you avoid fines, say the experts.

Your wheelie bin can end up costing you £80 if it’s causing a nuisance, warn the experts at property buying company, Good Move.

For example if your bin is causing an obstruction to neighbours, or if people in wheelchairs or pushchairs are being forced on the road as a result, you could find yourself being contacted by your local authority. Information that's backed up on Government website.

You also need to make sure that you’re promptly bringing your bin in after collection, and not leaving it out for too long so it may be worth asking your neighbours to bring it in for you if you’re going to be away – something that is also advised as a way of keeping your home secure when on holiday.

3. Add a garden waste wheelie bin store to a secluded pathway

If you have a mature garden with lots of trees and foliage, you may find yourself struggling to carry waste from the garden to your garden waste wheelie bins. Many councils allow you to have two garden waste bins, particularly in rural areas, so why not add dedicated wheelie bin storage for your garden, using a design that blends in to your space, but provides practical and easy access?

This Keter Signature Decocoat Walnut 2020L Pent Garden storage, available from B&Q is perfect for the job. And although its appearance suggests it's made of wood, it is instead made from an innovative material that’s weather resistant, requires no maintenance, and won’t rust, fade, dent, or peel.

But, say the experts, don't get carried away when disposing of your garden waste, as it's another area of refuse collection where problems can occur.

“It’s important to know the rules of your local authority for garden waste collection," warns Graham Matthews, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.

"Many people will be unaware that only certain items are permitted and could easily find themselves caught out. When it comes to invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed, unless you’re a keen gardener, you might not even be aware of their presence. It’s therefore vital to learn what characteristics to look out for.

“Council garden waste collections are a great way to ensure you dispose of any plant material in the most environmentally friendly way and keep your neighbourhood tidy," says Graham, "but rules are often in place for a reason. Usually this is to protect the environment or prevent harm coming to waste workers, so it’s important to follow them closely.”

Other items usually forbidden in garden waste storage include large amounts of soil, animal waste which should be bagged and placed in your regular wheelie bin, and with food waste that should go in your food waste container.

4. Match your bin storage to your fencing

If your outdoor space includes lots of garden fencing ideas, choose wheelie bin storage to match. This simple grey slatted Warmiehomy Wheelie Bin Storage from Amazon, comes in a triple or double format, and in either pale grey or natural timber.

Finished in anti-corrosion paint, the double access points make it easy to add waste and remove the bins, while the open slats ensure air can circulate round, drying any surfaces and preventing mould build-up in the winter.

The front opening doors also feature bolts, keeping your bins safely inside.

5. Use wicker to screen your wheelie bins from sight

If your home renovation plans are taking longer than you thought, and your garden is useable, but not quite complete, during the summer months you may find yourself outdoors more – but still frustrated by the constant sight of your bins.

One option is to consider a set of screens that can provide wheelie bin storage cover, without breaking the bank. This Triple Garden Patio Willow Wheelie Bin Screen Hideaway from B&Q will disguse waste, without being wasteful.

And, when your home improvements are complete, can either be used again in the final resting spot for your wheelie bins, or even adapted into a fun hideaway for children or pets.

Happy to do without a wheelie bin store but fancy brightening up your bins? Amazon has a wide range of wheelie bin wraparound stickers that could work if that's your only option.

Personally, we'd recommend making sure that when you do decide on your final driveway ideas, you avoid making any driveway mistakes and consider exactly how and where you'll deal with the weekly waste collection, in order to ensure your kerb appeal remains as strong as it possibly can.