Stack of Wood Pieces

• An attractive and efficient wooden trash receptacle can be built from elongated wooden blocks in a style similar to a Lincoln log toy house. These containers can be built with uniform-sized wooden pieces to create a four, six or eight-sided container. All wooden pieces need to be cut beforehand and then glued together to form a trash-holding vessel. A small sheet of plywood will work as a bottom.
  
  

Lattice Work

• Wooden latticework can be purchased in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets, or -- if you have a lot of time on your hands - made from individual lath strips. A four-sided cage can be built with the lattice (you will definitely need a solid bottom) and then four legs can be added to create a stimulating final design.
  
  

Enclosed Containers

• Another option for a home-built trash can is to construct a contained unit from wood and plywood. These devices might have a table top and pull-out drawer that accesses the trash receptacle inside the container. In some ways such a trash can might resemble the plastic and formica units found in some restaurants or fast food establishments.