The six big benefits of a wheelie bin lock

by Craig Pryce February 28, 2023

Most homeowners and businesses would not place protecting the contents of their bins and the bin itself at the top of their priority list.

At first glance, a wheelie bin lock may seem extreme, but it can solve many bin security frustrations and problems.

Wheelie bin locks are practical for council and domestic wheelie bins, and bins stored in a communal or public area. So, why would you want to install a lock on your wheelie bins, and do you even need to bolster bin security in the first place?

Do I need to lock my wheelie bin?

Many factors influence whether you need to lock your wheelie bin. If you live in an area where bin theft is rife or your bin has been a target for arsonists and vandals, you may want to invest in a wheelie bin lock. Wheelie bins in public spaces, on the street, or in gardens are especially vulnerable.

The type of waste you store in your wheelie bin will also dictate the importance you place on bin security. A wheelie bin lock is essential if your business disposes of confidential waste.

This also applies if you work from home and regularly handle documentation with identifiable information, such as customer lists, bank statements, and medical records.

Of course, the key advantages of fitting your bin with a wheelie bin lock feature one theme — security. We will cover these benefits later, but first, lets explain how a wheelie bin lock works.

How do wheelie bin locks work?

Wheelie bin locks (or lid locks) work by securing the lid shut with a locking mechanism fixed between the lid of the bin and the main body. A key or code number is used to lift the lid and access the inside of the bin.

While a lock prevents others from placing rubbish in your bin or even raiding it, you can also use a bin clamp to stop thieves removing your waste container from its designated area.

A bin clamp works by securing the bin to a static object such as a wall, post, or another bin to deter wheelie bin theft. This method also prevents your wheelie bin from blowing away in windy weather.

In most cases, councils charge to replace damaged, lost, or stolen wheelie bins, so a bin lock can help you avoid shelling out up to £50 for a new one. After exploring the benefits of a wheelie bin lock, you’ll quickly realise they can solve a multitude of problems that affect most bin owners.

Benefits of wheelie bin locks

Keep your waste safe on windy days

Rubbish that escapes your bin becomes litter. Luckily, the days of your bin lid flying open with a gust of wind are over when you install a wheelie bin lock. This means no more chasing stray rubbish down the street or embarrassing conversations with people who have found your litter. Even if your bin falls over on a windy day, the lid would stay firmly shut if it was locked.

If rain gets into your bin under a lid that keeps lifting due to adverse weather conditions, it can make paper and cardboard unrecyclable. This increases your environmental impact as your rubbish could end up in landfill.

Stop others from using your wheelie bin

Do you notice other people using your wheelie bin, putting their drink bottle or crisp packet in it while passing? Not only would a bin lock stop strangers from using up your precious bin space, but it would also prevent people from placing general waste in your recycling bin, and vice versa, which can contaminate waste streams and prevent recyclables from being reused. Communal bins are at high risk for this kind of behaviour.

Stop people from rifling through your waste

A wheelie bin lock can also stop people from removing things from your bin. This is often a problem in towns and city centres but can happen anywhere. Locking your bin deters strangers from hanging around your property and going through your waste, giving you a greater sense of security.

Stop animals from getting inside your bin

In towns, the suburbs, and the countryside, animals such as foxes and badgers are often found gaining access to outdoor bins. They sometimes knock the bin over in the process, spilling the contents on the ground, and can potentially injure themselves or eat something they shouldn’t. A simple bin lock on your wheelie bin can avoid this.

Protect your privacy

If you have a confidential wheelie bin to collect waste paper that contains personal data, a bin lock is an absolute must. Properly securing your bin stops sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands.

Don’t leave yourself susceptible to third parties stealing sensitive personal data, as this can result in identity theft and potentially hefty fines.Spending a maximum of £30 on a bin lock is a no-brainer way to protect against this.

Prevent crime

Wheelie bins are sometimes used in cases of arson, the waste contents a catalyst for a fire. A wheelie bin fire can quickly spread and cause serious damage, especially when near external doors, windows, or garden fences.

To avoid them becoming a target for arsonists, we always recommend storing your wheelie bins away at night — out of sight, out of mind.

If this isn’t possible, consider investing in a wheelie bin lock so unauthorised people can’t get inside and set the contents alight. Thieves can also use your wheelie bin to discreetly transport stolen items from a crime scene.. This is because they are easy to move (especially when empty) and have a generous capacity — the standard council bin size in the UK is 240 litres.

Where to buy a wheelie bin lock

As you can see, having a locked wheelie bin makes lots of sense.

Bins with locks are much less attractive to criminals, secure your bin and its contents from adverse weather and pests, and stop others from using it. This means they will move away from your property and look elsewhere, or even better, give up and go home.

Get peace of mind and order a bin lock from Wheelie Bins Solutions today — we stock the triangular key wheelie bin lock, the flat key wheelie bin lock (for confidential waste), and a 4mm steel forest lock.

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.