This is definitely up there as one of my favourite design projects so far. It is, like usual, contraption-like in its design and super fun. And, hey, the 3d printer does not care how complex the print is – it is just happy printing. So why not make things more complex and fun like my GearBin? And, it is super functional bringing a new solution to trash situations.
GearBin™ is a fully 3D printable mini trash bin with a unique mechanical twist. Designed for use with biodegradable dog waste/poop bags as liners, it’s the ideal solution for food scraps, backyard clean-up, BBQ prep, or anywhere you want a tidy, compact bin that works smarter – even your desk.
I chose to use biodegradable dog waste/poop bags for this because they are a fraction of the cost of biodegradable kitchen bags and smaller so you can discard them more frequently at a lower cost.
Our issue is we do not want to waste the more expensive biodegradable kitchen bags so we try to use them for several days. But by the end of a few days the kitchen waste can start to smell to then you throw it away without filling the bag… wasteful. So back to the small dog poop bags that are much lower cost and the right size for daily discarding.
The GearBin could be ideal for a wide range of applications including:
- Office or desk
- Kitchen countertops
- Outdoor prep areas and BBQ stations
- Composting and daily food waste
- Eco-conscious homes using dog poop bags for liners
The main features of the design are:
✅ Gear-Driven Push Lid:
Open the lid with a simple press on the front bar—no electronics, just clean, mechanical magic.
✅ Folding Liner Frame:
The innovative push-push mechanism folds the bag frame inwards for easy loading and unloading of liners. Holds standard dog poop bags securely.
✅ 100% Snap-Fit Assembly:
No glue, screws, or springs. Just print, snap together, and you’re ready to go.
✅ Optional Bucket Insert:
Use with or without a removable bucket insert (included) to catch leaks and assist with liner removal.
I watched a reel promoting a small garbage bin with a folding frame to make it easier to install the liner bag. I thought that was a great idea so that is what I did too. But I made it using a push-push style so you can press it once to collapse the frame and then again to open it once the bag is installed. And, you can do the same to remove the bag.
I have also included a bucket that sits in the GearBin and essentially creates a safe space for the bag. It makes sure the bag can be pulled out from the GearBin even if it is jam-packed. And, that in the event the bag breaks or leaks you have a containment system. But the bucket also means you can use the GearBin without a bag.
I have included some exploded diagrams to help visualize what the GearBin is but to assemble it, you need to watch my instructional video linked at the bottom of this post.
Print Settings
You can print everything in PLA but you should consider printing the spring components in PETG. I have identified those in the print settings table below.
Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.
This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results, I suggest the following:
| Coil Springs #451, #452 PP Body & Spring #302 | All other parts | |
| Material | PETG | PLA |
| Nozzle | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Layer Height | 0.2 mm | 0.2 mm |
| Line Width | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Walls | 4 (1.6 mm) | 4 (1.6 mm) |
| Top and Bottom | 5 (1.0 mm) | 5 (1.0 mm) |
| Detect thin walls | ON | ON |
| Wall Generator | Arachne | Arachne |
| Infill | 40% Cubic | 40% Cubic |
| Ironing | NO | NO |
| Brim or Raft | NO | NO |
| Support | No, any required support is incorporated into the design | No, any required support is incorporated into the design |
| Print Orientation | As per the STL/3MF files and the included image | As per the STL/3MF files and the included image |
Assembly Notes
I have linked my assembly instructional video below, so please check that out. But also note there are a few pieces of print support to be removed after printing.
The Lid has a small strip of print support that sits under the print-in-place hinge. So look for that as you loosen the hinge after printing.
As well the Bucket has print support on each side to create the handle holes. Carefully break those free before using.
If you are building the GearBin you will definitely need to watch the following assembly instruction video…
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