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All about wheelie bins

Common questions and answers about wheelie bins

Got a question about wheelie bins? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about wheelie bins below to help you out. If you’ve still got a query feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly experts.

Contact us online or call 0800 211 8390 for a fast answer to your wheelie bin questions.

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Wheelie bin FAQs

  • What are the weight limits on each wheelie bin?

    The weight allowance varies per container. Please see the standard weight limits per bin

    240L General Waste = 10kg

    240L Food 80kg

    360L General Waste = 15kg

    660L General Waste = 35kg

    1100L General Waste = 65kg

    240L Dry Mixed Recycling = 10kg

    360L Dry Mixed Recycling = 15kg

    660L Dry Mixed Recycling = 20kg

    1100L Dry Mixed Recycling = 35kg

    You will be charged per additional kg over this allowance.

  • What is general waste?

    General waste is dry, non-recyclable waste. This must not be hazardous and the waste must be compactable.

  • Why do waste bins have weight allowances?

    It is industry standard for all commercial containers to have a weight allowance due to health and safety reasons. This also helps prevent the bins being used in an incorrect manner.

  • What waste can go into recycling?

    In our dry mixed recycling containers, you can dispose of any dry and compactable paper, plastic, cardboard and cans.

  • Can polystyrene and bubble wrap be recycled?

    Most of our depots are not currently able to recycle polystyrene and bubble wrap, therefore this would need to be disposed of into your general waste container, please speak to a member of our team to confirm this for your location.

  • What are the dimensions of all wheelie bins?

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    240L – 0.58m wide x 1.08m high x 0.72m deep

    360L – 0.62m wide x 1.09m high x 0.88m deep

    660L – 1.26m wide x 1.3m high x 0.72m deep

    1100L – 1.26m wide x 1.4m high x 1.00m deep

  • What’s the difference between a 40 and 20yd RORO?

    RORO = Roll on / Roll off

    The 40 yard Roro has higher sides compared to the 20 yard. If you are unsure whether you would need a 40 yard or 20 yard then we can help with this, the 40 yard is mainly for light waste. Due to the volume you can put into the container, the vehicle collecting needs to be able to lift the 40 yard for an exchange or removal. Should you have heavy/bulky waste then the 20 yard would suit you best, although you can’t get the same volume in the Roro, you can fill this to a level load and then the vehicle will still be able to move this.

  • Which wheelie bins are lockable?

    We can offer both the 660L and 1100L bins lockable. Some of our depots will allow you to put your own lock on either of the smaller bins as long as we are provided with a copy of the key/code

  • How many black bags can fit into each sized wheelie bin?

    240L – Approx. 2-4 bags

    360L – Approx. 4-6 bags

    660L – Approx. 6-8 bags

    1100L – Approx. 10-15 bags

  • What’s the difference between an FEL and a skip?

    These containers have the same capacity; however, they are lifted differently on collection. Like a wheelie bin, an FEL/REL will remain on site but will be emptied on a scheduled basis. However, a skip will be removed and replaced per collection. An FEL is a cost-effective solution for larger volumes of compactable waste.

  • What bags can I use in the wheelie bins? Can I put the waste loose into the bin?

    You can use your standard bin bags when putting the waste into our containers. We recommend using clear sacks for dry mixed recycling bins as this allows us to see if the waste has been contaminated. We also recommend putting compostable bags into our food bins, alternatively, this can be put into the bin loose. You do not need to use bags when disposing of bottles into a glass bin.

  • Can I put dog waste into the bin?

    Dog waste is classed as ‘offensive’ waste and needs to be incinerated and cannot go to landfill. We offer separate services to dispose of this type of waste varying from 30L containers – 770L bins.

  • What’s the difference between an offensive and hazardous bin?

    Offensive Waste is any waste that is non-infectious but may be unpleasant or cause offence to those that come into contact with it. Hazardous waste is anything that presents a substantial threat to public health. Every time hazardous waste is moved, you will require a hazardous waste consignment note.

  • What are your bins made of? Can I get a metal bin?

    Most suppliers provide containers made of polyethene containing plastic. However, some depots are still able to offer metal wheelie bins.

  • What size are pre-paid bin bags?

    Our bags can vary in size depending on the supplier they come from. However, these are anywhere between 50-70L, like your standard bin liner at home. These bags are slightly thicker than your normal bin liner. They will have our suppliers name printed on these, so we know these bags are ready for collection. Our general waste bag has a weight allowance of 5kg, and our recycling bags have a weight allowance of 2kg.

  • Do you offer bin cleaning for food waste bins or do you exchange these?

    With food waste containers, the best way to keep the bin clean is by lining it with a clear plastic bin bag. This means that the bin will stay clean and all waste will be in a bag ready for removal. Some suppliers do offer a bin cleaning/ bin exchange service, but this is area specific.

  • What happens if a wheelie bin is stolen?

    If your bin gets stolen the best thing to do is call our customer services team. They will be able to advise the best course of action for this. Replacement bins can be sent out to your site should this happen (This may come at a cost for the lost property of the container if you check with your business insurance the waste containers may fall under this).

  • Why can’t I put wood and metal into the wheelie bin?

    All waste going inside a wheelie bin must be compactable if not this can damage our vehicles. If you are disposing of anything not capable of being compacted, we are able to offer you a skip service for this waste.

  • How long can I keep my skip for before getting it removed?

    Many suppliers will want the skip exchanging approximately between 4-6weeks. This depends on the job itself and these can be negotiated should you need it there longer.

  • Are enclosed skips lockable?

    All enclosed skips will come with a bolt that holds the doors in place. There is room on the bolt to put a padlock should you wish to secure this, even more.

  • How often can the bin be collected?

    We are able to offer a range of collection frequencies depending on how many times we are in the area. These vary from daily, twice weekly, weekly and fortnightly being our minimum frequency.

  • What type of waste can go into the different type of wheelie bins?

    240L – General waste, Dry mixed recycling, glass, food

    360L – General waste, dry mixed recycling

    660L – General waste, dry mixed recycling

    1100L – General waste, dry mixed recycling

  • Why do we use wheelie bins to collect waste?

    Wheelie Bins, as well as being a compact size and easy to reach height for users, are highly manoeuvrable and perfect for businesses to dispose of dry compactable waste. Their manoeuvrability is particularly useful for businesses whose sites have poor vehicle access.

    Highly manoeuvrable

    Dry compactable waste

    Hygienic due to lid

  • How do I clean my wheelie bin?

    When your bins are removed and emptied it should get rid of any maggots in the bin. To prevent maggots appearing in your wheelie bins and to get rid of them we’ve put together a detailed guide covering the best steps to take.

    Learn how to get rid of maggots in a wheelie bin

  • How do I keep maggots out of my wheelie bin?

    We provide clean wheelie bins to all our customers and can replace them with fresh ones. If your wheelie bin gets dirty we can help and advise with how to best clean it.

    Learn how to clean a wheelie bin in our guide

  • How do I secure my wheelie bins in a storm?

    Stormy weather can cause wheelie bins to blow over, get damaged, and rubbish to fly away. It’s important that your business or household takes measures to keep your wheelie bins safe and protected against the elements. Use our expert tips and advice to secure your wheelie bins in a storm.

    Find out how to secure wheelie bins in a storm

  • Can I hire a wheelie bin?

    At Business Waste we provide free wheelie bins for your company to use. There are no hire charges, rental fees, or costs for delivery, you only cover the collection costs. This offers an affordable waste management solution for many types of waste. There are wheelie bin hire options available though.

    Explore all wheelie bin hire options

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