Right Stuff, Right Bin – Your Guide to Buying the Right Rubbish and Recycling Bins

Buying the right rubbish and recycling bins comes down to three main factors – the type of bin needed, the material from which it is made and the size. If space is limited, it may also be important to consider the shape of the bin.

There are many different types of bin and it’s important to get the right one. Which is why we’ve put together this handy guide all about bins!

In the kitchen or other locations where hygiene is paramount, pedal bins with tight-fitting lids are a must. Ideal for use in washrooms, hospitals and kitchens, the mechanism for opening and closing the bin means no germs are transferred to hands or tools.
The tight-fitting lid minimises odours, another important consideration for bins in kitchens, washrooms, changing rooms and so on.
The position of the opening mechanism can vary between models. Usually the lid opens along the hinge on its long edge, but if space is at a premium look for a model with the lid hinged on the short end which will be perfect for slotting beneath worktops.
Pedal recycling bins are also an option and an increasingly important consideration in any modern business or organisation. Colour-coded recycling pedal bins with clear signage help people place their recycling in the right bin.
Aside from general waste, you may decide on separate recycling pedal bins for compost and food waste, plastic, glass, paper and cans.

Large, round bins with handles, these are heavy duty bins that can carry large loads of rubbish or recycling. The wide mouth makes it easy to use, minimising spills. With no lid, disposing of waste or recycling is simple and easy, although you can purchase lids if needed.

With a large capacity, wheelie bins are ideal for large volume areas where rubbish and recycling is accumulated quickly. Made from robust, heavy-duty plastic, these bins withstand harsh treatment and are impervious to frost, rain and sunlight. This means they are perfect for keeping outdoors but also for hazardous waste too.
Available in a range of colours, it is entirely possible to coordinate your business’s recycling waste in wheelie bins too. With sturdy wheels, they are also easy to move.

Designed with the modern commercial kitchen and clinical environments in mind, the slim bin has a small footprint. Using the pedal to open the lid, they are hygiene and odours are contained. When space is limited but you still need a large waste or recycling bin, a slimline bin is the solution.

Compact and budget-friendly, the swing bin offers waste and recycling solutions for every business setting, from the busy office to the guest bedrooms, board rooms, reception and more. The swing lid does a great job of keeping odours in and, because the swing panel detaches, it can be easily washed.
These bins also make great recycling bins, and with different colours available, they are ideal for when you need a lot of bins across a large area, and for different purposes.

If ever a bin could be described as stylish, it is the bullet bin. Tall, stylish and yet discreet, for a front of house bin, this is the ideal choice. Available in a range of finishes, there are also choices when it comes to the type of opening, with touch top or roll lid options available. Great for keeping bin odours under control, the bullet bin is ideal for customer-facing environments.

These are cost-effective waste management solutions that many business customers use across large sites and where it is imperative that the bins are changed several times in a 24-hour period, such as in a clinical or hospital environment.
Using a premium quality grade plastic refuse sack that is robust and not prone to tearing, rubbish is placed in the bag after opening the top. Secured in place by a ring, you can also opt for a colour-coded bag for easier waste management.

Pubs, hotels and restaurants often use large bottle bins to store empty bottles ready for recycling. Available in a range of sizes, they have sturdy wheels for easy manoeuvrability.

Bin material is another important factor. There are two materials from which to choose:

Plastic is affordable, weather resistant and durable. Plastic bins are also easy to clean, which is important for maintaining good hygiene. Plastic bins are also cost-effective – an important consideration if you need to invest in several bins, for both waste and recycling management. They are also lightweight, making moving and emptying the bins easier.
However, some plastic bins don’t ooze style. Functional and utilitarian, they offer simple solutions to waste management.

Stainless steel bins are another possible solution, made popular by their somewhat more stylish appearance when compared to their plastic counterparts. A strong material, stainless steel bins are also fire-safe, something you need to consider for ash or cigarette bins.
Sleek and shiny, to keep them looking stylish, they will need to be cleaned with polish or a stainless steel cleaner.

The right size bin is important – too small, and your team will be continually emptying them, but too big, and they’ll not only take up too much space but will also be more prone to bad odour.
There are various sizes available, from the smallest bin at around 25 litres to five times the size at 125 litres or more. Getting the right size of bin depends on what the bin will be used for. The bulkier the waste, the larger the bin needed. The same is true for how frequently the bin will be used and emptied.
As a rule of thumb, indoor bins won’t need to be any larger than 200 litres as they are emptied more frequently. Outdoor bins, such as wheelie bins, will have a larger capacity as they are emptied less frequently. Larger bins have another downside in that they can be awkward to handle.

Bins are an important tool in managing waste and recycling at a business which is why getting the right bin is important.