Commercial Bin Stores and Compounds

1. Vandalism, arson, and theft
2. Improving aesthetics
3. Types of bin content theft
4. Deterring pests
5. Bomb scares
6. Hazardous waste
7. Residential bin stores
8. Commercial bin stores

Outdoor spaces with waste storage or management systems can be greatly enhanced by a simple solution: bin stores or compounds. These structures provide an organised, aesthetically pleasing, and secure way to manage and hide waste, addressing several key issues like vandalism and arson, theft and data protection, and infection and pest control. Commercial bin stores and compounds play a critical role in safeguarding external bins in public or high-traffic areas, while residential bin stores offer homeowners an elegant way to conceal wheelie bins and stop them disappearing on windy bin collection days. In this post, we'll explore the importance of commercial bin stores and compounds and how they can improve outdoor spaces and ensure the safety of their contents.

How commercial bin stores protect against vandalism, arson, and theft

Bins left unattended and unsecured in commercial areas are often targets of vandalism, theft, and even arson. A wheelie bin filled with rubbish can become a hazard if ignited. Vandals may overturn bins, scatter trash, or, worse, set them alight, leading to significant damage, not only to the bin but also to surrounding structures or vehicles. Theft from commercial bins can range from discarded food waste at supermarkets to the theft of sensitive documents, which can result in significant financial losses, potentially amounting to thousands of pounds in damages. Depending on the contents of the bin, there are many risks, from infection spread to sensitive data loss.

Commercial bin stores provide a robust solution by housing bins inside sturdy enclosures. Typically made from metal or a combination of timber and steel, these commercial bin stores or compounds are designed to deter individuals from tampering with the bins. Lockable gates offer additional protection against theft or using the area for fly tipping.

Concealing bins for aesthetics

One of the most immediate benefits of bin stores is the improvement they bring to the appearance of outdoor areas. A row of unsightly wheelie bins can be an eyesore, detracting from the overall appearance of a property or space, whether it's a commercial building, school, public space or residential property. By concealing the bins within an attractive bin store, the outdoor space looks more organised and professional, while protecting any bin contents.

For businesses, this visual improvement can be crucial. A clean, well-maintained exterior sends a positive message to customers and clients, suggesting that the company cares about its environment. Commercial bin stores with privacy and aesthetics as the main priority can be constructed from EuroGuard® Combi mesh and timber combination fencing and gates for a durable, secure bin storage compound which conceals bins from view. In residential areas, bin stores allow homeowners to maintain a tidy garden or driveway without the visual clutter of multiple bins. For residential properties timber bin stores are a simple but effective solution that can be built in a matter of hours to instantly improve aesthetics.

Bin compounds and stores to reduce theft

Commercial bin content theft can involve the unauthorised removal of valuable or sensitive materials from waste containers or recycling bins. This can simply be someone trying to find food waste from a supermarket to identify theft, but these incidents can pose significant financial and security risks to businesses.

Some common examples of waste theft that bin compounds can help reduce include:

Keeping pests out of bins

Uncovered or poorly secured bins can attract pests and animals like foxes, rats and gulls. This can lead to hygiene problems and the spread of diseases, as well as unwanted mess if pests scatter the trash while searching for food.

Commercial bin stores can help keep pests away from other buildings and prevent bins being knocked over. On domestic bin stores, lockable lids and enclosed structures create an additional layer of protection, ensuring that waste remains securely contained until collection.

Bomb scares and the need for bin protection

Another issue that bin stores address is the potential use of bins in criminal activity, such as bomb scares and terrorism. Historically, bins have been exploited by individuals and paramilitary organisations to conceal dangerous objects or materials, as they provide a discreet hiding place in busy public areas.

In the past, certain urban areas have removed or heavily restricted public bin use due to concerns over terrorism. However, this creates a different problem - littering and unmanaged waste. A better solution lies in well-designed commercial bin stores that limit unauthorised access while allowing waste disposal to continue safely. By locking bins, businesses and public institutions can ensure that bins are used appropriately while minimising the risk of dangerous and life threating items being concealed.

Containing hazardous and medical waste

In addition to everyday waste, commercial bin stores are vital for safely containing hazardous and medical waste. Facilities like hospitals, clinics, and laboratories produce waste that poses significant health and environmental risks, including sharps, contaminated materials, and chemicals.

Clinical waste can be targeted for improperly discarded medications to obtain controlled substances, narcotics, or other valuable drugs for illicit sale or personal use. Stolen medical equipment or supplies, even if used, may be sold on the black market, where there is demand for items like syringes, test kits, or medical devices. In extreme cases some individuals may attempt to steal biological or hazardous materials for illegal resale, improper experimentation, or other malicious purposes.

Properly designed bin stores ensure that this waste is securely contained, preventing accidental exposure, spills, theft or tampering. Lockable and clearly labelled storage units are essential for compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring that hazardous materials are stored separately from general waste and are safely removed by authorised personnel. This level of protection is critical not only for preventing contamination but also for safeguarding public health and reducing liability for businesses handling dangerous materials.

Residential and Communal Bin Compounds and Stores

Residential Bin Compounds and Stores are dedicated enclosures or storage spaces designed to keep household waste bins organised and out of sight. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, helping to maintain cleanliness and improve the appearance of outdoor spaces and communal areas, particularly in front gardens or near driveways.

If communal compounds for HMO or flats are required, then fencing compounds can be employed. If an option to stop wheelie bins blowing around, keep them out of sight, reduce the chance of them being stolen or for aesthetical desires, then view our wheelie bin stores.

Creating a commercial bin store with fencing and gates

Building a bin store out of fencing and gates is a practical and customisable option for both commercial properties. This approach allows flexibility in design, ensuring the bin store can be tailored to match the surrounding environment while providing the necessary protection and aesthetic appeal. When considering which fencing and gate materials to use, it's important to factor in durability, security, aesthetics, and maintenance.

Timber fencing and gates

Timber fencing is a popular choice for commercial bin stores at businesses or schools with concern for their appearance, due to its natural look and versatility. Treated timber provides a sturdy, weather-resistant enclosure that blends seamlessly with gardens and outdoor spaces in commercial spaces. Pressure-treated timber with a 25 year guarantee is especially good because it is resistant to rot and pests. Wooden gates can be fitted with locks to deter theft or tampering, and they can be customised in various styles to suit the site. Acoustic fencing is a good choice for commercial bin stores as it is a robust alternative to timber garden fencing.

Steel fencing and gates

For commercial bin stores, steel fencing, such as mesh security fencing, offers superior security and durability. Galvanised steel structures are less susceptible to weather and fire damage and provide a robust solution for protecting bins. Steel mesh designs allow ventilation and high visibility for surveillance, while keeping the area secure. Matching steel gates can be fitted with locks to ensure unauthorised individuals cannot access the bins. This option provides a simple, industrial looking, cost effective solution. EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fence panels are a common choice for commercial bin stores and provides a low lifetime cost with a 25 year guarantee. Fixings that are on the inside of the bin store are important as they potentially stop anyone from attacking the bin compound on the outside, but in facilities such as schools, they reduce the chance of fixings being removed as a pastime.

If concealment is preferred over high visibility but you need something more secure than timber fencing alone, choose a steel mesh and timber combination fence like EuroGuard Combi which combines mesh panels and timber slats and comes with a 25 year guarantee on both the timber and steel components.

Contact us to discuss your bin storage and compound requirements.