We have a very small laundry room which also houses the water heater and heat, washer and dryer, cat box, trash AND recycling. Finally, after fighting with over flowing trash, I got this bin to divide the recyclables, paper and garbage. Now instead of fighting for room in the kitchen trash can, broken plastic bag handles due to overstuffed recyclables or an open blue recycle box, we have an easy and neat separation with enough room to collect a week's worth of refuse! it open. The touch bar is great for allowing us to tuck the recycler into the corner and easily access the bar to pop 'er open. Why did it take so long to find this? It saved our marriage (haha)!