Investing in commercial recycling containers is an effective way for businesses to contribute to a sustainable future. By separating and storing recyclable materials properly, companies can ensure they are ready for collection and can be efficiently processed. It will encourage customers and employees to participate in your recycling program, contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Consider the type of waste your business generates to determine what kind of containers you need. Outdoor bins need to be durable enough to withstand weather conditions. Indoor bins should be easy to clean.
Size
Depending on the volume of waste your facility generates and how many people will use your recycling bins, you’ll want to choose large enough containers to reduce the number of trips needed to empty them. It will also help reduce the odors that can build up in overfilled bins.
Consider the materials used to make your commercial recycling containers. Look for options that will withstand harsh weather and daily wear and tear. Some containers have durable concrete or granite, while others feature a sturdy steel frame or aluminum construction. Some are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with modern finishes that add to the ambiance of a space.
Some containers are multi-stream, with separate openings for different types of recyclables. These can be an excellent option for high-traffic areas, especially those accommodating diverse items. Look for lids with a design that is intended to prevent users from dumping non-recyclable waste in the wrong container. For example, paper-only containers might feature a narrow vertical slot that only fits bags and pieces of paper, keeping others from lazily tossing in bottles and cans. You can also find bins with openings suitable for aluminum and plastic only. Color coding can make these more easily identified, making it easy for employees to identify the correct bin.
Material
Plastic containers play a vital role in various industries besides food packaging. They are used in the automotive industry to hold oil and other lubricants, in the pharmaceutical or medical field for storing medicine or chemicals, and even as part of playground equipment or tools. Plastic bins are also used in industrial warehouses and factories to store and transport materials.
Generally, plastic containers come in two varieties: transparent or opaque. Depending on the type of plastic, they can be cloudy white, allowing light to pass through it (clear) or solid color, preventing light from passing through it (opaque). Several types of plastics are commonly used in plastic containers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).
Your facility’s specific waste reduction goals will determine which containers you need. Some facilities require three-stream containers for recycling. These containers should have a black bin for trash, a green container for paper products, and a blue container for metal, glass, and plastic. For a more environmentally friendly solution, choose a recyclable container that’s made from a material such as recycled content or biodegradable plastics. Having understandable, visible, and easy-to-read recycling labels can also help increase your facility’s recycling rates.
Design
Many businesses generate a lot of recyclable waste but don’t have space or the ability to separate it on-site. That’s where commercial recycling bins come in handy. These large containers are designed to accommodate the waste disposal needs of restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses that create a high volume of trash. They’re available in various sizes and shapes to fit businesses’ waste disposal needs.
In addition to providing an easy-to-use and convenient way for businesses to dispose of their waste, commercial recycling bins are often designed to be eye-catching to encourage participation. They may feature slogans promoting recycling on a blue or green background and the universal recycling symbol. In addition, they’re often a different color from garbage carts, making them easier to distinguish.
When choosing a container for your business, consider the capacity and design you need and how you plan to use it. For example, a dual-stream recycling container would be ideal if your organization recycles paper and plastic. This container includes a black trash can and a blue recycling can to allow your organization to comply with local laws for source-separated collection. You can also purchase Gaylord boxes and reusable cardboard containers with a lid designed to help keep paper and plastic materials together.
Lids
Lids serve as a container closure, keeping contents inside until it’s time to empty them. They can come in various forms, including screw-on, snap-on, flip-top, and pump lids. They can also include a security strip or tamper-evident band that shows whether the container has been opened, helping to keep contents safe from theft and contamination.
When considering the type of commercial recycling bins you need for your facility, consider where waste is generated and what items are being collected. For example, schools may generate more organic waste in their cafeterias and recyclable paper in the classrooms, while offices produce more paper, cardboard, and metal products near workstations. Knowing the differences between various materials that can be recycled will help you choose the correct recycling bins for your building.
The best commercial recycling bins are built from rugged materials that can weather outdoor spaces and withstand frequent use. They can also be constructed with lock bars for added security, which is especially important if your facility is a school or office space that requires locked trash containers.
The key to success in your recycling program is creating a culture of awareness that encourages source separation. It is only possible if everyone in your organization understands how to sort waste and what is and isn’t acceptable in the recycling stream. It can be done through clear, easy-to-read graphics displayed on your bins.
