As a sustainable gardener, I encourage recycling things with zero trash. But there are a few things, like plastic covers, that need to be handed over to organizations that take care of them.
Keeping a trash can outside is a necessity, but it can be an eyesore if not styled the right way. I’ve tried a few tricks in my own backyard over the years, and some worked way better than others.
The good news is you don’t need a fancy setup to make your trash cans disappear into the landscape. A simple fence panel, a row of tall plants, or even a coat of paint can do the job. Some ideas cost almost nothing. Others take a weekend project to pull off.
18 Ideas to Hide Trash Cans Outside
If you’re tired of looking at your trash cans every time you step outside, these ideas will help.
Some are quick weekend fixes, others take a bit more planning, but all of them work.
1. Build a Simple Wood Fence Enclosure
A three-sided wood fence is one of the easiest ways to hide trash cans without spending too much. Cedar and pine both work well since they hold up outside and look good with almost any home style. You just need three panels, some posts, and a weekend to put it together.
I built one of these behind my own garage a few years back. I left the back side open so I could roll the cans out on pickup day without any hassle. It’s held up through rain and heat with barely any maintenance, just a quick wash now and then to keep it looking fresh.
Also Read: 18 Sloped Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
2. Install a Lattice Screen
A lattice screen is a simple option if you want something that lets air through but still blocks the view. You can find vinyl or wood panels at most hardware stores, and they’re easy to attach to a few posts or an existing fence.
I like lattice because it doesn’t feel bulky. It gives just enough coverage without closing off the space completely, and you can even let a small vine grow on it over time if you want extra cover.
3. Plant a Row of Arborvitae or Boxwood
Evergreen shrubs like arborvitae or boxwood make a natural screen that stays green all year. They grow thick enough to block the view completely once established, and you won’t need to replace anything each season.
I planted a few boxwoods along my side yard, and within a couple of years they filled in nicely. Low maintenance, just occasional trimming.
4. Use a Pergola-Style Trash Can Corral
A small pergola-style structure gives your cans a roof and sides, keeping them dry and out of sight. It’s a bit more of a project, but it adds real curb appeal if you’re going for a polished look.
I’ve seen neighbors build these with leftover fence wood. It turns a purely functional spot into something that actually looks intentional.
5. Add a Bamboo Screen Roll
Bamboo screen rolls are one of the fastest ways to hide trash cans on a budget. You just unroll them and zip-tie them to an existing fence or a simple frame, no tools or building skills needed.
I used one behind my patio for a quick fix, and it held up well through a full summer of heat and rain.
6. Build a Corrugated Metal Enclosure
Corrugated metal panels give your trash can area a clean, modern look that fits farmhouse and industrial-style homes. They’re durable, weather resistant, and easy to wipe down if things get messy.
A neighbor of mine built one using leftover roofing material, and it’s held up for years without rusting or warping.
Check this: 27 Low Maintenance Backyard Landscaping Ideas
7. Tuck Cans Behind a Raised Garden Bed
If you already have raised garden beds, you can position one to block the view of your trash cans. It’s a two-in-one solution, since you get extra growing space and a screen at the same time.
I did this along my side yard, and the tomatoes I planted there ended up hiding the cans better than I expected.
8. Install a Vinyl Privacy Fence Panel
Vinyl privacy panels are a low-maintenance option that never needs painting or staining. You can pick one up at most hardware stores and set it up in an afternoon with a couple of posts.
Vinyl holds up well in most climates and wipes clean easily, which makes it a solid pick for anyone who wants something that looks neat year after year without much upkeep.
9. Use a Pallet Wood Enclosure
Reclaimed pallet wood makes a budget-friendly enclosure that’s easy to build with basic tools. You can leave the wood rustic or add a coat of stain to match your yard’s style.
This is a great option for anyone who wants a DIY project without spending much money. With a little care, a pallet enclosure can last several seasons before needing repairs.
10. Grow a Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge
Leyland cypress and privet are two of the fastest-growing hedges you can plant for quick coverage. Within a season or two, they’ll grow tall and thick enough to block the cans from view completely.
Fast-growing hedges are ideal for anyone who wants a natural screen without waiting years for it to fill in. They also add greenery and privacy beyond just hiding the trash cans.
Also Read: 26 Best Patio Plants for Shade
11. Build a Side-Yard Gate Enclosure
Sectioning off part of a side yard with a small gate keeps trash cans completely out of view from the street or backyard. It’s a great option if you already have a narrow side space that isn’t being used for much else.
This setup works well for anyone who wants a permanent, tidy solution. A simple latch keeps the gate secure while still allowing easy access on pickup day.
12. Add a Trellis with Climbing Vines
A trellis placed in front of or around trash cans gives climbing plants like clematis or climbing hydrangea something to grow on. Over time, the vines fill in and create a soft, natural screen.
This option works best for anyone willing to wait a season or two for the plants to mature. It adds color and texture to a spot that would otherwise be purely functional.
13. Use Decorative Outdoor Curtains or Screens
Weatherproof fabric panels or outdoor curtains offer a softer, more decorative way to hide trash cans. They can be hung from a simple frame or attached to an existing structure like a fence or pergola.
This is a good choice for renters or anyone who wants a look that can be changed easily. Most outdoor fabrics are treated to resist mildew and fading from the sun.
14. Install a Shed-Style Bin Storage Box
A small prefab or DIY storage box built specifically for trash cans keeps everything enclosed and protected from the weather. Many come with lids or doors that make access simple.
This option suits anyone who wants a tidy, purpose-built solution without much ongoing maintenance. It also helps keep pests away from the cans between pickup days.
15. Paint a Mural or Accent Wall Behind the Cans
Turning the wall behind your trash cans into a mural or accent wall shifts the focus away from the cans themselves. A bold color or simple pattern can make the whole area feel more intentional.
This works well for anyone with a plain fence or wall already in that spot. It’s an affordable way to add personality to a space that’s usually overlooked.
16. Use Stacked Stone or Concrete Block Walls
Stacked stone or concrete blocks create a sturdy, permanent enclosure that blends naturally with other hardscaping in the yard. They hold up to weather and require almost no upkeep once built.
This option suits homeowners who want a long-term solution that matches patios, walkways, or retaining walls already in place. It’s a bit more of an investment but pays off in durability.
17. Add a Rolling Cart with a Fabric Cover
A rolling cart with a fabric cover gives trash cans a mobile hiding spot that can be moved wherever needed. This works especially well for renters or anyone with a small patio or balcony.
This setup is ideal for people who don’t have space for a permanent structure. The wheels make it easy to roll the cans out on pickup day and back again after.
18. Build a Living Wall or Vertical Planter Screen
A living wall combines greenery with a built-in structure, using vertical planters to grow small plants or herbs. It hides the trash cans while adding a green feature to the yard.
This option works well for small spaces where a full hedge or fence isn’t practical. It also gives you a spot to grow herbs or flowers without taking up extra ground space.
Conclusion
Hiding your trash cans doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you go with a quick fix like a bamboo screen roll or take on a bigger project like a stone enclosure, there’s an option here for almost any yard and budget.
Pick the idea that fits your space best, and don’t be afraid to combine a few, like pairing a fence with some climbing vines for extra coverage. A little effort now means you won’t have to look at those cans every time you step outside.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting