A Quick Guide to Wheelie Bin Storage

by Craig Pryce July 18, 2022

For most people, wheelie bins are best out of sight and out of mind. It’s almost a given that homes and businesses across the country will count on one, if not multiple, bins to dispose of and recycle their rubbish.

For all their practicality, big and bulky wheelie bins do little for kerbside appeal, although we would argue our colourful range of wheelie bins dispel that belief.

Many turn to external bin storage to keep their outside space looking attractive. We’ve run through some of the different options for storing your domestic and commercial wheelie bins out of view.

Benefits of wheelie bin storage

Before we look at the different types of wheelie bin storage out there, let’s first check out some of the key reasons you should invest in a purpose-built wheelie bin storage unit.

Aesthetics

Wheelie bin storage units are pleasing on the eye, particularly wooden wheelie bin stores which look like a wooden bin shed or chest.

Suppose you’re restricted on space (such as a terraced property) and have to keep your bins at the front of your building or cluttering up your driveway. In that case, a wheelie bin storage unit will smarten up your outside area, while still allowing quick and easy access.

Protection against high winds

Strong gusts of wind are anything but friendly towards wheelie bins. Even the heaviest wheelie bins are not immune to toppling over in windy spells.

Save yourself the inconvenience of chasing last week’s takeaway tray down the street with a robust and weather-resistant wheelie bin storage structure that’s durable enough to cope with forceful winds and torrential rain.

Enhanced security

Fly-tipping is still a common problem in the UK. In 2020/21, local authorities dealt with just under 1.13 million fly-tipping incidents, meaning it’s well worth implementing measures to prevent unauthorised access to your wheelie bin.

Lockable wheelie bin storage sheds and units are handy for bins in public areas or outside business premises. This storage style ensures your bin doesn’t get filled with other people’s rubbish or, worse, stolen.

Some wheelie bin stores can be bolted to the ground if required to create a more permanent structure and inhibit tampering.

Keep wildlife at bay

Wheelie bin stores are a party spoiler for rats, foxes, and other pests that seek refuge in your outdoor rubbish. They won’t hesitate to strew any discarded food all over the surrounding area, so a lockable storage unit will make them feast elsewhere.

If you want complete peace of mind, go the extra mile by fixing your unit to the ground to eliminate all entry points.

Different types of wheelie bin storage

Wheelie bin screen

A quick fix and generally cheaper alternative for storing your wheelie bin(s), this is effectively a wheelie bin hideaway best suited for driveways and gardens. It’s easily assembled to “screen” your wheelie bins from view.

Practical for both single and double wheelie bin storage for our 140 and 240-litre wheelie bins, they’re ideal for smaller to medium-sized businesses and households.

The rattan design often complements other garden furniture but preferably needs to be placed near a wall or fence to secure the panels.

This option only provides a partial disguise as the top and rear of the bins are exposed, with the lack of durability and security making them vulnerable to strong wind, rain, interference, and theft. You’ll almost certainly need to replace your screen within a few years, so don’t count on it as a long-term remedy for storing your wheelie bin(s).

Wooden wheelie bin storage

A wooden wheelie bin store may be a more significant initial expense than a screen. Still, they offer long-lasting wheelie bin storage, notably when applying stain-based treatment annually.

If caring for the planet is top of your plan, many of the best wooden wheelie bin stores are eco-friendly. Look out for those that use wood sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests. FSC wood is widely recycled, biodegradable, and sustainability sourced in an environmentally conscious way by involving local communities and protecting wildlife habitats.

Away from the green credentials, their robust construction can fend off the elements all year round and completely cover up your bins.

Assembly can be a little time-consuming and will require a drill. You could even attempt to make your own wheelie bin storage! Taking your bins out for collection becomes a little less straightforward compared to the screen, which has hinged side panels that can be opened and closed quickly for access.

Available in many sizes, wooden wheelie bin stores are a fantastic choice for commercial organisations who need to dispose of large volumes of waste regularly — restaurants, schools, offices, etc.

Plastic bin shed

A weatherproof and maintenance-free plastic wheelie bin storage unit is another possibility when deciding the best way to keep your bins hidden and shielded from unwelcome visitors. More straightforward to assemble than a wooden wheelie bin store, look for UV protected plastic to ensure it won’t fade or crack in the heat.

Plastic wheelie bin stores are also popular because they’re lightweight. They can be moved easily, allowing you to position them freely.

Even though plastic bin sheds can be fitted with a padlock, they’re more susceptible to damage and break-ins than wooden bin stores, which are made of more robust materials.

Outbuilding or garage

Another alternative is to store your wheelie bins in your garden shed, garage, or outbuilding. However, be aware of the different elements that will come into play, such as unpleasant odours and accessibility. Remember that wheelie bin storage units are designed to allow fresh air to circulate in your bins.

Best wheelie bin storage

To choose the right wheelie bin store, you must know your wheelie bin dimensions. Whether you’re looking to store a domestic bin for personal use or a firm looking to keep your 660-litre bin secure overnight, there’s a wheelie bin storage solution out there to keep your rubbish receptacles effectually concealed until collection day.

Craig Pryce

With over 17 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry, Craig is passionate about making recycling easier and reducing the negative impact of litter. He has been the managing director of Wheelie Bin Solutions (WBS) since January 2016, and prides the company on his expert knowledge, top-quality products, and customer service. His proudest moment was when WBS supported the 2012 Olympic Games, working in partnership with Contenur UK to supply over 9000 bin containers to all Olympic venues. Craig is always keen to share his knowledge, so whether you need advice about the benefits of a wheelie bin lock, or ideas for alternative uses for your wheelie bin, Craig will ensure your recycling and waste disposal habits are gold medal worthy.