By: Chelsea on July 6th, 2012
Picking out a waste receptacle for your business is not the most glamorous task, yet it is something that needs to be taken care of in
order to keep your work place clean and presentable. With the variety of choices available, it is important to determine beforehand which will work best for your place of work. If the trash can is going to be in an office environment, appearance is of the utmost importance and should be taken into consideration when choosing a receptacle. Brass, chrome, and stainless steel are all sleek looking choices that fit in well in any business or professional work environment. Fiberglass is another viable option and can be customized to match any preexisting office decor or company colors. Additional features often can be added at up-charge such as leveling feet, anchors to prevent theft, plastic liners, and even the ability to have a customized logo.
Outdoor Waste Receptacle
Outdoor Waste Receptacles
Outdoor waste receptacles are equally important and should not be ignored. This is where the majority of your customers, visitors, employees, and people that pass by will be disposing their waste which is why it is important to have the receptacle be fully functional and able to withstand varying weather conditions. Most commonly, outdoor receptacles are constructed of concrete, plastic and metal. It is also advisable to get a receptacle that has a lock on it to deter vandalism and stealing.
Waste Capacity
The size of the waste receptacle is also important to ensure that it is able to meet the capacity of waste disposed on a daily basis. It is also important to consider how often the waste will be removed along with the person who will be responsible for emptying the trash. Units that can hold larger capacities may have a more difficult time transporting the trash to the dumpster. As a general rule of them, if your company or building is larger and gets a lot of foot traffic, then larger receptacles that can hold up to 20-24 gallons are preferable. For smaller offices 13-20 gallon waste receptacles are more suitable. Receptacles for personal desk use should be smaller in size and only need to be able to hold up to 4-5 gallons of waste.
Functionality (Opening, top style, type, etc.)
Functionality is also a crucial factor in determining which waste receptacle will work best for your business. The location of the opening on the trash can greatly effects the ease of use. Side openings have the advantage of allowing for space on the top of the can for an ash urn or storage space for food trays, although top openings are far more commonly seen. The type of top also is a key factor to functionality. There are slot openings which are perfect for recycling, swing and hamper tops which conceal the trash allowing for a cleaner appearance, open tops that limit the chances of coming into contact with germs, rain cap tops which prevent trash from becoming soiled, and many more options. Outdoor lids are often attached by a cable to prevent theft and/or vandalism. Step-on or hands free receptacles are also a popular choice for hospitals, doctors offices, and homes as an infection control measure as well as their ability to control odor.
