Waste Disposal Buying Guide


Waste Disposal

With today’s strict recycling guides it’s important to have the right waste disposal equipment in place and ensure your staff understand what each different bin is for.  Dustbins get used all day so should also be emptied regularly especially when they are used for food waste as food rots, leaves unpleasant odours and breeds germs and pests so make sure you regularly remove your waste bags disposing of them safely and securely.   Always wash your bins daily, inside and outside with an anti-bacterial cleaner to get rid of germs and pests and do remember to keep a good stock of different size bin liners and refuse sacks available for all your bin types. There are plenty of different bin options for different purposes and the UK has specific wheelie bin regulations which must be adhered to or the risk is a large fine of at least £1000. 

UK Wheelie Bins

According to British law, the following large dustbins must be used:

  • Green bin – general waste/plastic/polystyrene/sanitary products.
  • Blue bin – recycling (paper/board/metal/glass).
  • Brown bin – food waste/garden waste.

Bin Types

Inside your establishment it is wise to split your waste into these different categories so you can easily dispose of your rubbish without having to re-sort it.  Basic bins include wastepaper bins which are suitable for dry materials, kitchen bins suitable for food waste, recycling bins, restroom bins and rubbish compactors which are very popular in commercial food areas.

  • Electronic Bins These are very hygienic as work via a sensor technology, you simply hover your hand over the lid and it opens so reduces spread of germs. These bins must be fitted with bin liners which are easy to change and because the bins are made out of stainless steel they are durable and long lasting, resistant to corrosion.  These bins are excellent for the restroom and also the kitchen area.
  • Rubbish Compactor These bins condense waste into a smaller amount so you are able to fit more into a bin liner. Rubbish compactor bins require special bin liners and can conveniently sit under the counter as well as free-stand,  kind to the environment they help speed up the waste disposal process.
  • Pop Lid Bins these have a lid which pops up when you apply pressure or use a foot mechanism (step-up). Easy to use, you place a bin liner inside and remove the waste when it is full.
  • Swing Bin these have a swing mechanism at the mouth which pushes open when you dispose of rubbish. They also take size-matching bin liners. Less hygienic than electronic bins, they must be kept extremely clean as germs lurk at the entry point if they are not washed very frequently.
  • Waste Paper Bins these come in all shapes and sizes and are used for dry rubbish such as paper, board, plastic etc. It’s wise to put a bin liner inside for hygiene purposes and for easier emptying.
    • Recycling Systems are very popular and consist of three different colour bins in one. Each bin is used for a different substrate, from recyclable paper and board to food waste making the separation task so much quicker and much more efficient than having multiple bins or one bin for everything.

For further information on Waste Disposal visit the Cleaning pages or contact the Alliance customer care team

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