How Bin Compactors Resolve Waste Storage Issues

Finding secure storage space for waste can be challenge, but it's necessary to avoid penalties and keep the pavements clear. Bin Compactors can be installed to maximise waste storage capacity in both new and existing buildings to prevent overflowing bins, compliance issues and environmental risks.

Understanding Bin Compactors

First things first, what is a bin compactor? It's a specialised type of waste compactor permanently installed at a premises for use by trained personnel. Its primary function is to crush waste within a rigid-sided bin to enable more material to be added.

Commonly used to relieve both cost and space pressures within a bin store, bin compactors are now appearing within the design and specification of new commercial buildings and large multiple-occupancy dwellings as a proven waste storage aid.

Why is Waste Storage Important?

Ensuring the amount of space allocated to waste storage is sufficient is essential for the following reasons:

• Satisfies Planning Requirements: The Building Regulations (2010) make it mandatory that adequate space must be provided for the storage of solid recyclable and non-recyclable waste materials within the boundary of the property.
• Avoids Legal Issues: The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that commercial premises store waste securely in suitable containers at their premises to prevent it from escaping. 
• Facilities Better Waste Segregation: The unused capacity of your bins determines how much additional waste can be added. If you don't have enough bin capacity available, people may not put their waste in the correct bin.
• Improves Bin Accessibility: Bins need to be easily accessible for waste collection crews and the people that fill them with waste. Too many waste containers within a bin store can make them difficult to access.
• Prevents Odours, Flies & Vermin: Overfilled general waste bins emit unpleasant smells during hot weather.  It's important to check you have enough waste storage capacity so the lids of the bins can be firmly closed.

Scenarios When Waste Storage Can Be Challenging

The storage of waste and recycling can be particularly challenging in these cases:

• City Centre Locations: It can be financially unviable to allocate vast amounts of space to onsite waste storage in places such as London due to high land values. Using a bin compactor can help sites manage all the anticipated waste material efficiently without the need to arrange for daily waste collections.
• Building Redevelopment:  Retrofitting a bin store can be a challenge for those working on older properties, particularly if they are listed or within a conservation area. Using a bin compacting machine can reduce the number of bins that need to be housed securely reducing the number of structural changes needed.
• Buildings Within Residential Areas: Noisy, frequent waste collections are not going to make you popular with your neighbours. Minimising the frequency that bins need to be emptied by using a bin compacting machine can help reduce the disruption caused by waste crews.

Places Where Bin Compactors Resolve Waste Storage Problems

Commercial Premises

All waste must be stored within the perimeter of a business premises which is why the provision of suitable and sufficient waste storage is key to prevent problems. For those that aren't blessed with copious amounts of space for lots of commercial bins, a QCR 1100L Wheelie Bin Compactor can crush waste up to 5:1 (the equivalent of one-fifth of its original volume) to help ease the pressure within your bin store.

Purpose-Built Multiple-Occupancy Dwellings

Purpose-built multiple occupancy dwellings such as flats and student halls of residence feature communal waste storage facilities overseen by a block management company or onsite caretaker. If waste grows beyond anticipated levels, the amount of room to safely manoeuvre and access bins can be severely diminished. Arranging emergency waste collections can help in the short term but installing a bin compactor offers a longer term solution.

New Developments

Bin stores are considered at the early stages of the design process for new developments. In fact, some local councils provide guidance on the minimum bin storage requirements for different types of building. Architects should consult with the local authority planning department and check the latest Building Regulations to find out if the addition of a permanent bin compactor could reduce the space needed to be ringfenced for bins.

Developments Involving Change of Use

When a property developer wishes to change the use of an existing building, the planning department will insist that waste storage is incorporated within their plans, particularly where the nature or volume of waste is likely to change. The inclusion of onsite bin compactor within the design demonstrates a commitment to responsible waste management at the site. In fact, developers may be able to achieve a dispensation on the space allocated to bin storage if they include a permanent bin compactor within their plans.

ILLUSTRATING THE COST OF WASTE STORAGE IN London

The intense competition for space in London results in the city having some of the highest land values in the UK. A  study*  showed that the average value of a square metre of industrial land in London was £490 per square metre in 2016.  A typical 1100L bin has a footprint of one square metre so the savings achieved by reducing the number of bins needed and using the space for other purposes could be highly beneficial.

Learn more about the benefits of using recycling equipment in London here ⇒

Conclusion

Contact QCR to discuss bin compacting machinery options for your next project. Our experts have experience of installing bin compaction technology within a wide variety of commercial buildings and residential blocks.

*Source: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/chapter4-economic-evidence-base-2016.pdf