Do-It-Yourself 3-Tier Recycling Storage

Measure the length and width of your recycling bin's top. Measure the height of the bin as well.

Cut the following lengths of 2-inch PVC with a hacksaw:

Width + 2 inches: 6 total

Length + 2 inches: 6 total

Height + 10 inches: 8 total

Sand the ends of all of the pipes that you have cut with 80-grit sandpaper.

Assemble a base with two width pipes and two length pipes, using three-way connectors in the corners. These connectors look like an elbow joint with a third flange facing up. Brush PVC glue into each joint before inserting a pipe into it. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess glue that squeezes out of the connection. Use this gluing procedure for all joints in this project.

Glue a height pipe into the third flange of each joint.

Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to match the outer dimensions of the PVC base; then cut a 3-inch notch out of each corner. This will create a shelf that fits around the height pipes.

Slide the notched shelf between the height pipes and onto the base.

Assemble another box out of two width pipes and two length pipes, this time held together with four-way PVC connectors so that there are flanges facing up and down.

Glue the lower flanges of the second box to the tops of the height pipes, connecting it to the base.

Add four more height pipes into the four-way connectors' remaining flanges.

Cut and install a second notched shelf.

Build a top shelf that is identical to the base. Glue it to the top of height pipes.

Cut a top shelf. Do not add notches.

Place the top shelf onto the storage unit. Secure it in place with 2-inch wood screws, drilled through the wood and into the PVC every 6 inches.

Place a recycling bin onto each shelf.