Kitchen Garbage Can 2 Minute Fix- Adding a Knob

Did you turn it off and then turn it on again?

The sensor for the hands-free kitchen garbage can stopped working. Resetting it didn’t fix it, changing the batteries didn’t fix it. The touchless trash can just fizzled out on us. We only had 7.5 years together but I’m thinking the warranty must have recently expired so that’s why it died. Well, now what?

I mean, it’s a can with a lid, it’s not like we can’t still throw things away. It was much more convenient to wave a hand over the sensor and have the lid magically pop up. Now the magic is gone. We have to dig our fingers into the groove to pry open the lid. It’s a Muggle life.

Instead of replacing the entire auto opening garbage can for anywhere between $50-$100+ let’s improvise a fix. Install a cabinet knob easily and in probably less time than it took for you to read this intro. Here’s an easy, simple and inexpensive fix when the kitchen garbage can stops automatically opening.

Supplies

Knob of your choosing
Power drill
Drill bit
Measuring tape
Pencil

Instructions

Step 1:

Turn off the sensor and remove any batteries, you won’t need them anymore.

TIP: Recycle dead batteries at Home Depot, or check other local home improvement stores. The store websites will say which stores will recycle rechargeable batteries. When I took in some lightbulbs to recycle, Home Depot told me they will also recycle alkaline batteries. Score!

Step 2:

Wipe down the kitchen garbage can lid. Use a tape measure to find the center of the lid near the front of the can. Mark the center, about two to three inches from the edge, with a pencil.

adding knob to garbage can — Find the center of the lid, near the front edge, and mark with a pencil.

Step 3:

Use a drill bit about the same width as the diameter of the hardware bolt. Once found, insert the drill bit into the power drill. Drill a hole where the mark is in the lid of the kitchen garbage can.

Kitchen hack — Find a drill bit the same width as the bolt. Drill a hole at the pencil mark.

Step 4:

Push the bolt through from the underside of the lid so the end is sticking up at you. Screw the cabinet knob onto the bolt.

knob on garbage can lid — Put the bolt through the hole and screw knob onto the end.

NOTE: The bolts that came with the knob are probably too long. Either purchase shorter bolts in the same size while buying the knob, or add washers to the knob before installing on the can lid. The washers will help fill the space between the lid of the can and the head of the bolt to keep the knob secure. The washers will also provide additional weight that will ensure the lid closes on its own.

Personally, I would rather use the $50-$100+ dollars on a new light fixture or paint for a room rather than on replacing the kitchen garbage can. It’s not always design elements or projects that keep you motivated. Sometimes, fixing what you already have and keeping the daily routine flowing is just as important. It’s the little things that can make a difference when making a house a home.