Office trash cans - which one to choose?

Waste bins are a mandatory equipment in every office. Small mesh waste bins at workstations, larger plastic or metal waste bins for sorting in corridors or large trash bins and containers for collecting waste from the entire office space are the basis for selective waste collection in the company.

Thoughtful office equipment in modern and functional waste bins ensures entrepreneurs not only a high level of waste collection aesthetics but also optimization of costs associated with waste disposal and compliance of waste management with EU requirements.

Waste segregation in the office

According to the requirements imposed on Poland by the European Union, by 2020 we should recover at least 50% of waste. In order to achieve such stringent standards, municipalities have introduced an amendment to the Act on Maintaining Cleanliness and Order, establishing a waste sorting system based on five fractions of waste. This system has been in effect since 2019.

Currently, waste bins for sorting in offices must allow for the selection of five different types of waste, marked with five colors:

blue - paper and cardboard,
brown - biodegradable waste,
green - glass,
black or gray - mixed waste,
yellow - plastics and metals.

Such a solution forces entrepreneurs running companies in the office sector to give up the standard solutions so far and to equip themselves with functional waste bins for internal sorting.

In the case of individual workstations or rooms, the majority of waste generated is paper and cardboard. Therefore, it is still possible to use single waste bins - plastic or mesh, adapted to placing only one fraction of waste in them.

However, it is necessary to remember to later segregate such waste properly in larger, whole-office waste bins for sorting. Depending on the size of the office, it is necessary to organize at least several to several available points allowing selective waste segregation along with proper instruction of employees in the principles of modern segregation.

What is the risk for non-selective waste management? EU standards provide for financial penalties for entrepreneurs, which can amount to even 300,000 euros.

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What to pay attention to when choosing a waste bin?

First of all, it is worth noting that office waste bins placed in visible places in the company are the company's business card. Aesthetic, modern waste bins for sorting position the company in the minds of employees and contractors as a modern and pro-ecological company,, which definitely has a positive impact on its PR.

For this reason, when choosing a waste bin which will be in a visible and representative place of the company, it is worth investing in a high-quality waste bin for sorting, which not only provides proper functionality for five-fraction segregation, but it also does not disrupt the decor of your company's headquarters.

In the lobby, corridors or waiting rooms, it is worth betting on an aesthetic waste bin 60-120 l, which will not overwhelm the space with its dimensions. You can also opt for a smaller up to 40-liter bin, which will work in less heavily exploited company rooms.

In front of employees' desks a waste bin up to 40 l made of metal, wood, metal mesh or plastic is completely sufficient - in this respect, it is worth focusing primarily on the convenience of using the waste bin. On the other hand, in warehouses, technical rooms or places where a large amount of waste is generated, it is worth betting on a 240 l waste bin or even larger.

You should not forget about the social space and office kitchen. In such a place it is necessary to place a waste bin for sorting of each type of waste. Employees eat in such rooms meals packed in various foils and plastic or paper boxes, throw away used equipment, and also generate biodegradable waste.

In the office bathroom and kitchen, you should opt for waste bins made of stainless steel - ideally in a bin with a foot switch, and even touch-free bins, which will increase the comfort and hygiene of the bin operation.

The size of the waste bin in the office should be selected not only due to the type of room, but also based on the number of employees or visiting contractors and clients.

Office wastebaskets - what to remember before making a purchase decision?

When choosing office trash cans, remember a few aspects that will allow you to maintain a hygienic and efficient segregation of waste in the company. First, you should always choose closed waste bins. Thanks to the locking flaps, the risk of insects gathering in the container is marginalized. This is particularly important especially in the case of trash cans placed in the office bathroom and kitchen. For office waste bins in employee rooms, open bins will be much more convenient.

The more trash cans in the office, the better. It is worth placing a trash can for sorting at each possible significant communication node in the office. Then the employees will get used to the presence of containers and it will be easier for them to segregate waste without wasting time searching for the appropriate container.

Choose the right office waste bins

Bet on a responsible selection of waste bins, which will allow for a comfortable and aesthetic selective waste management in the enterprise. At the same time, you will ensure an ergonomic and comfortable space for employees, while taking care of the company's positive image in the eyes of contractors. It is worth choosing proven and modern solutions that comply with EU requirements today.

If you have questions about choosing the right waste bins for sorting for your office, contact our employees. We will be happy to answer every question and propose the most advantageous solution for you and your business.