A Guide to Modern Public Bins

Date published 14 May 2024

Looking for refreshingly different waste management solutions for your outdoor spaces? Modern public bins streamline waste collection, promote environmentally safe disposal of waste, and are far more aesthetically pleasing, too.

In today’s community spaces – from parks and reserves to city streets and sidewalks, and retail and commercial precincts – effective waste management is a top priority for Councils focused on creating cleaner (and greener) urban environments.

Through our years of research and development, Urban Effects has a wide range of public litter bins with features that take these urban essentials to a whole new level.

Modern Public Bins: The Benefits

Opting for smarter rubbish bins results in a wide range of benefits for Councils:

• Efficiency: Modern bins optimise the waste collection process by simplifying the emptying of bins and even reducing collection frequency.
• Resource optimisation: By using council resources more efficiently, councils can allocate staff and vehicles to areas with the greatest need, maximising productivity and keeping attention where it is most required.
• Cost savings: Smarter bin designs help councils reduce operational expenses associated with waste collection, including fuel, labour and maintenance, leading to long-term cost savings and improved budget management.
• Environmental impact: Using more advanced designs, modern bins minimise littering (both intentional and unintentional). Their sturdy and long-lasting construction makes them a long-term solution, and with proper care they’ll continue to function as intended for many years to come.

At the end of the day, better bins allow for better waste management – and that’s something we can get behind.

Modern Public Bin Design: What to Look For

Here are some of the key design features you should look for when choosing a public litter bin that combines form and function:

Hardy Construction
For an evergreen solution that is sure to stand the test of time, make sure you opt for bins constructed from high-quality materials. This is especially important for bins that will be exposed to vandals and wildlife, the harsh sun and weather conditions. Stainless steel remains the most durable, tried and true option.

Volume & Overall Size
To avoid bins overflowing and cluttering your space, it’s important to choose bins with an internal volume that will be sufficient for your needs. Our range includes bins as large as 240L to fit wheelie bins inside, but not all spaces will require a bin this large.

Mounting Options
When choosing your public bins, make sure you consider the mounting options at your disposal. Our bin range includes surface-mounted, in-ground mounted and wall-mounted options. In smaller spaces, you may want to opt for space-saving wall-mounted bins.

Style
It’s important you choose bins that will naturally fit into the space stylistically, contributing to the overall look and feel of the area – whether it’s a built or natural environment . Our range of bins include contemporary designs with customisation options ranging from colours and finishes through to bespoke laser engraving.

An example of one of our Kawatiri Double Bin Enclosures with a custom engraving that shows two Kiwi.

Mixed Waste
Mixed waste bins allow for different waste types to be separated out into its very own compartment within the bin’s housing. Responsibly sorting rubbish in this capacity has only grown with a public that is increasingly environmentally conscious of the need for recycling and reducing landfill.

Tilt Mechanisms
A tilt mechanism such as that found in our Colonial Tilt Bin balances the basic functions of a bin with the ability to empty it very easily, improving the overall functionality of the unit for both users your on-the-ground maintenance team.

Our Colonial Tilt Bin, which features a tilting bin housing that allows for easy emptying.

Specialty Uses
Some of our bins include cigarette and ash bins, either as an additional extra or as standalone bins on their own. These bins allow smokers to responsibly throw away their waste without the danger of setting the contents of the bin alight.

Urban Effects believes in working together to build a healthier, more vibrant community for generation to come. If you’re looking to modernise your public litter bins, contact one of our friendly team members today!