How to Secure Wheelie Bins in a Storm

As well as the wind from a storm blowing over wheelie bins, any rain, hail, and snow can damage the bin and the waste it contains. Rainwater will contaminate recyclable waste, such as cardboard and paper, if it gets into your bin. This can prevent it from being recycled and reused, so protecting wheelie bins from rain is vital.

There are a few things you can do to safeguard your wheelie bins against rain, hail, and snow:

• Keep it under a roof – securing the lid with a lock is useful but keeping your wheelie bin in a sheltered space under a roof is the best way to protect it from the rain. A shed, garage, or dedicated wheelie bin storage unit are all good options.
• Use waste bags – storing your waste in bags adds an extra layer of protection when in a wheelie bin. This provides a little bit more of a waterproof layer and means if the bin falls over the rubbish is less likely to blow away.
• Check for cracks – regularly clean your wheelie bin and look for any cracks or signs of damage where rainwater could get in. Tape these up or request a new wheelie bin to avoid water damage in the future.

A cold snap, snow storms, and icy temperatures can cause wheelie bins to freeze. This makes moving them less fun than usual and may cause the lid to seize shut and the waste to freeze. Some waste collectors may not empty your bins if the rubbish is frozen as it may stay stuck inside or damage the bin.

Do not pour hot water on or in your bin as it may refreeze and make the problem worse. Also avoid using excessive force as frozen plastic may snap easily. Instead, there are a few things you can try to stop a wheelie bin lid and the contents from freezing:

• Place a piece of cardboard between the bin and its lid to prevent them sticking together if temperatures drop below zero
• Line the bottom of your recycling bin with cardboard to provide a little extra insulation and warmth
• Keep your bins in the garage, a shed, or under shelter where possible so they’re out of the snow
• Move your bin into somewhere that gets direct sunlight during the day to help thaw it out
• Use a spade to loosen the contents of a garden waste bin as this is more likely to freeze – especially when compacted

Locking a wheelie bin helps prevent theft, damage, and illegal waste dumping. You can also use a wheelie bin lock to secure it to a wall or post. This makes it hard to remove from its location, fighting against theft, and makes it less likely to blow away during a storm.

Any business that disposes of confidential waste should consider locking wheelie bins to avoid the theft of sensitive documents. If your bins are stored in a n exposed area then locks can help reduce the risk of them blowing away. You can buy wheelie bin locks in the UK from specialist online bin shops.

Here’s how to lock a wheelie bin:

• Attach the wheelie bin lock to the underside of the lid and the main body.
• Shut and lock the bin then use a key or code to unlock it and access the inside of the bin.
• Use a bin clamp to secure your wheelie bin to a post or wall.
• Clamp on one part of the bin clamp to the underside of the bin lid or body.
• Attach the other part of the clamp to a wall or post and test that it’s secure.

At Business Waste we provide a wide range of free wheelie bins – you only pay for collection. This includes everything from 120 to 1100 litre wheelie bins to store general waste, recyclable rubbish, and other types of commercial waste. Wheelie bins are available anywhere in the UK with no rental charges.

We can provide lockable wheelie bins for extra safety and security to reduce the risk of theft and damage. Daily, weekly, and fortnightly bin collections are possible to ensure regular removal of your commercial waste. Get a free no obligation quote for wheelie bins and commercial waste collection in the UK today – contact us online or call 0800 211 8390.