Preparation

• Determine the location or room where the wood trash bin will sit. If the bin will rest inside of a cabinet or closet, measure the area to construct a container of the appropriate size. Leave an extra amount of space above the top of the trash bin if you want to include a cover. (Though not necessary, a cover will keep odors inside of the bin.)
  
  Wood trash bins' light weight makes them a great choice for outdoor use---plus, your decision to use a wooden garbage bin over a plastic bin translates to the production of one fewer plastic receptacle, and thus less pollution on the part of the manufacturer. Outdoor wood trash bins will benefit from a lid, which will keep weather and animals away from the trash inside.
  
  

Building the Bin

• Use plywood---an especially thin and lightweight material---for the construction process. If you plan on painting your bin and would prefer a smooth surface, use planks of basic lumber because plywood tends to have a grainy texture. Draw up a plan for the dimensions of your choice. (See the References section for a sample plan and dimensions.)
  
  For small containers, saw your chosen wood to match the dimensions you gathered. After you cut the side pieces, nail or screw them together into a rectangle shape. Use a pencil to trace around the rectangle to shape the bottom piece. Align the bottom piece flush with the side pieces, which will enable the garbage to stand sturdily. Cut along your trace line, then nail or screw the bottom piece into the side pieces from the underside of the bottom surface.
  
  Cut four pieces of plywood the same shape for the sides of the outdoor garbage bin. Screw each piece to the next to form a large, open-ended rectangle. Measure the wood piece for the bottom of the bin by tracing around the four sides while the rectangle sits on top of the wood intended for the bottom. Cut the bottom board along the trace line, and screw it into the sides from the bottom up. Put screws in close intervals to each other to provide optimal support. Most plastic garbage cans have wheels at the base to make moving easy; consider attaching wheels to two of the bottom sides on adjacent corners.
  
  

Finish

• For fitting purposes, wait until you have constructed the body before making a lid. Attach the cover to one side of the garbage can with a basic hinge. Make the lid about an inch longer than the side that opens so that you have a handle for opening.
  
  After constructing the trash bin, finish the wood with a stain or glaze. Use a stain to give the wood some color, and use a glaze to seal the wood. Because wood is porous, seal it to prevent trash liquid from seeping in. Give outdoor garbage bins a weather-resistant coating. Stain your outdoor containers first; when it dries, proceed with the weather-resistant layer.