At some point in your sustainability journey, you'll need to purchase some recycling and waste containers. Do your research ahead of time and find out what your options are!

1. ©2017 Busch Systems. The material contained in this course was researched, assembled, and produced by Busch Systems and remains its
property.
SelectingYour Containers
DEVELOPING A COLLECTION PROGRAM

2. Table of Contents
Your Container Choice Matters 4
Deciding on Features and Options 5
Several Options 6
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Long-Term Durability/High Usage 7
Number of Streams 8
Container Sizes 9
Labeling/Signage 10
Functionality/Practicality 11
Aesthetics/Color 12
Security/Fire Resistance 13
Value 14

3. Table of Contents
Materials - Selection 15
Materials - Options 16
HDPE 17
3
LDPE 19
Recycled Plastic Lumber 20
Melamine 21
Metal 22
Materials Comparison Chart 23
24Continuous Improvement

4. Your Container Choice Matters
After you’ve assessed and analyzed your recycling needs, it is time to select the bins that will
address those needs. Well-designed recycling programs increase recycling rates and save money.
Well-designed recycling bins in a complementary space do the same! Research suggests that
proper signage, colors and openings encourage higher collection rates. A combination of a
beautifully designed space coupled with easily accessible, properly labeled and centrally located
recycling bins equals a win for sustainability.
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5. Deciding on Features and Options
A common challenge people inadvertently
create for themselves is deciding on what
materials their containers will be made of first,
and then deciding what features and options are
important to them; this can lead to unintentional
compromises on certain features and options
because of the material they have chosen.
The best course of action is usually to first decide
on what features and options are important to
you and your program, as these will often
determine what kind of container works best for
you.
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6. Several Options
For example, if you are working on a tight budget,
metal and recycled lumber are usually not your best
options, and you will probably find yourself leaning
toward plastic (usually HDPE or LDPE).
If aesthetics are of great importance (matching office
décor or trying to achieve a certain theme), then you
may find yourself leaning toward metal or melamine.
If language or communication is going to be a
challenge, you will want to explore label and signage
options.
A few features and options that may be important are
listed on the next few slides.
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7. Long-Term Durability/High Usage
If these containers are going to be frequently used,
durability may be one of your chief concerns. While the
initial investment may be more, sometimes it’s best to
spend $500.00 on a container and have it last ten years
than $200.00 on a container and have it last two.
Where the container is going (indoors vs. outdoors) will
have a large impact on its long-term durability.
For outdoor containers, less is often more; the less
moving parts there are, the more likely it is to last
without requiring repair or replacement.
Certain materials, such as recycled lumber or metal,
can be used outdoors, but they perform better indoors,
while other materials, such as melamine, should not be
used outdoors at all.
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8. Number of Streams
The number of streams is usually a big consideration
because depending on your program, it may have a great
influence on what container options are available to you. If
you are only collecting two or three streams, then this is not
as much of an issue. However, if your program is collecting
four, five, or six streams, then the number of options
becomes less.
Manufacturers have combatted this trend of increasing
streams by designing modular containers that are placed
side by side (often connected in some form) to allow for an
increasing number of streams.
Modular containers may also want to be considered for
those that might add a stream down the road (e.g., waste
and mixed recyclables to start, and perhaps adding
organics/food waste in a year or two).
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9. Container Sizes
Take into account the number of people that will be
using particular bins to divert their recyclables; make
sure to choose bins that have a large enough capacity
to accommodate them.You will want to have
containers that are not overflowing after an hour’s
use, but fill at an acceptable rate for your current or
planned cleaning schedule.
It never hurts to have containers a bit bigger than an
average collection day, as this will allow for expected
(or unexpected) spikes from special events or higher
than expected usage.
Don’t forget to account for floor space; you may want
your containers to have a 35 gallon capacity per
stream, but if you have a four stream container, do
you have the floor space set aside for that?
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10. Labeling/Signage
Communication is a key component of any recycling and waste
program. It can have the largest impact on a program’s success or
failure, and is, unfortunately, an often overlooked component.
If your goal is to divert as many materials from landfill as possible
and capture the most recyclable materials, while keeping
contamination to a minimum, then this will be one of the most
important components when selecting what kind of container to
use.
One thing to note is programs can change and evolve over time,
so you may want to ask your supplier if it’s easy (or possible) to
change the labeling and signage down the road should you
decide to do so.
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11. Functionality/Practicality
If the container is going to be serviced and cleaned
often, you will want something that is user-friendly.
That means if the container is to be emptied several
times a day, you may want to stay away from
locks/keyed entry (though if security is a concern, this
is not always possible).
You will want it to be easy to remove the contents
from your container, and you will want the
replacement of any bags or liners to be quick and
painless.
Rigid liners are a popular choice for ease of cleaning,
though manufacturers are finding new and creative
ways (e.g., using bag hooks or rings), to make
removal of bags quick, clean, and easy.
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12. Aesthetics/Color
If you are trying to create a “look” or “feel”
to your program, then you may be less
concerned about the insides of the
container. There are a number of different
container looks that you may like,
depending on your preference.
Do you want your containers to scream
“Hey! Look at me!” or blend in with the
existing design of the office/building.
If you are looking for a bright and colorful
program, then you may lean towards
plastics.
If you are seeking a more modern or
contemporary look, metal and melamine
may be the right choice for you.
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13. Security/Fire Resistance
If security and/or fire resistance is a decision- making
factor (common at airports and some government
facilities, but not as much in offices or many other
public spaces), then you will have a different set of
criteria than most. You will probably be looking for a
container that is secure, lockable, and resistant to fire;
the latter of which almost certainly steers you towards
metal, but strides are being made by some
manufacturers with alternative materials.
If you are unsure of any potential fire resistance
restrictions, always consult your fire marshal and/or
building inspector.
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14. Value
Cost is almost always a determining factor, and can vary widely depending on the type of material
and container selected. While this is something that always needs to be accounted for, it is
important to not only look at upfront costs but long-term value as well.
Some materials and containers last longer than others, require less maintenance, and are better
suited for certain applications and environments.
The key is to not only make sure you are staying within your budget, but maximizing it as well.
A well-planned program should be able to last years with little to no changes, or offer long- term
flexibility if required, and greatly reduce your monthly waste and disposal fees.
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15. Materials - Selection
In today’s growing recycling and waste industry,
there are a number of different container options
out there designed to meet a variety of
applications. With manufacturers located
throughout North America and some overseas,
new container options are being launched each
month.
Manufacturers use a variety of different
materials when designing these containers with
each material offering its own benefits.
Selecting the right material for your program’s
containers can narrow the field, greatly. Careful
research into what material works best for you
and your application can go a long way in
ensuring the long-term success of your program.
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16. Materials - Options
Plastic containers are the most prominent in the
industry, but few people are aware of just how many
different variations there are when using this material.
The three most prominent forms of plastic containers
in the industry are HDPE, LDPE, and recycled lumber
(in no particular order).
Metal is also another common material found in the
market, while melamine is one of the newer entrants in
recent years.
Cost, durability, functionality, features. and
customization options can vary wildly depending on
the material, all of which should be considered when
selecting the ideal container for your recycling and
waste program.
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17. Materials - HDPE
High-density polyethylene is perhaps the most
common material used in recycling and waste
containers, especially when looking at off-the-shelf
options.
There are a number of manufacturers that offer this
material due to its widespread availability and cost
effectiveness.
HDPE is the most popular choice for indoor recycling
and waste containers due to these factors as well as its
rigid construction, widespread availability, and readily
available replacement parts/components.
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18. Materials - HDPE
HDPE is found more often indoors,
whether it’s a recycling basket underneath
a desk or a slim-line container in a hallway
or lunchroom. It usually yields to other
materials in an outdoor setting due to its
lightweight nature, allowing other
materials to lend better resistance to the
elements and temperature fluctuations.
When looking at HDPE (or any plastic
material for outdoor use), always ensure it
is rated/designed for the application you
have in mind and includes UV stabilizers to
resist the sun (relevant even in indoor
situations when exposed to direct sunlight).
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19. Materials - LDPE
Low-density polyethylene is another common material used when manufacturing recycling and
waste containers. While not as common as HDPE, it does offer some unique benefits.
LDPE is generally more flexible than its more rigid HDPE counterpart, and as such, is a popular
choice for outdoor containers or high-traffic indoor areas where durability is of top concern. It is an
extremely forgiving material and will not rust, dent or scratch, and holds up extremely well to the
elements. As such, it is one of the most popular choices for outdoor containers.
Due to requirements in its manufacturing process, it is usually used in making larger containers,
and it will rarely be as cost effective as HDPE containers.
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20. Materials – Recycled Plastic Lumber
Recycled plastic lumber is a plastic form of lumber
(usually HDPE) made of recycled plastic. Plastic
lumber from virgin plastic is also available. Unlike real
lumber, it’s resistant to moisture, mold, and rotting. A
popular choice for large, indoor and outdoor
centralized collection, it’s available in a number of
different styles and finishes that are unique to its
material.
In an outdoor setting, it is more susceptible to
temperature fluctuations and warping over time than
some of its other counterparts.
Its higher cost over other materials might be a barrier
to some, but its unique finish and design make it a
desirable choice for those looking for a large, rigid
container that stands out.
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21. Materials - Melamine
Melamine is a growing trend when it comes to waste
collection. Originally more common as office furniture,
it now finds itself entering other furnishing markets,
including waste and recycling containers. Available in a
number of unique finishes (many of which have some
element of a wood finish), it blends into almost any
office environment/setting.
Melamine is not as durable as some of the other
materials discussed and moisture is a concern.
However, this is usually addressed with the use of a
rigid plastic liner—its high-end look without the high-
end price tag often offsets these concerns.
It is important to note that melamine should NEVER be
used in an outdoor setting; it is for indoor applications
only.
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22. Materials - Metal
Metal is one of the most popular choices for
containers. Available in a variety of finishes and
materials, it is common to find it in both an indoor and
outdoor setting. The biggest thing to keep in mind
when looking at metal is that its cost and quality can
vary widely and finding apples-to- apples comparisons
can be tough. Aluminum, steel, and stainless all have
unique properties when it comes to cost and finish.
While painted metal can provide a desired look, it can
also be vulnerable to scratching (and rusting once
scratched). Denting and rust are always of concern
(especially when used in an outdoor setting), though if
security and/or fire resistance are important, then
metal is tough to beat.
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23. Materials Comparison Chart
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Please Note: The number of filled-in stars indicates the degree of value, ranging from inadequate (zero stars), to excellent (five stars).

24. Continuous Improvement
The most important part of your program’s long-term
success is: be flexible.You may not get it on the first try;
don’t be afraid to try again. Internal e-mails, seminars, and
handouts are a great way to educate everyday users, but it
shouldn’t stop there. If after a few months you notice
certain materials appear to cause confusion (coffee cups
are a common one), then be sure to continue staff
education. If the containers you have selected have
removable/changeable signage, be sure to take advantage
of that, and have the next batch highlight/address
problematic materials.
An efficient recycling and waste program is always
evolving and adapting. Welcome the challenge and
embrace it. Asking a lot of initial questions about your
goals, your needs, and your program should address these
challenges early on, but be willing to be flexible should
changes need to be made down the road.
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25. ©2017 Busch Systems. The material contained in this course was researched, assembled, and produced by Busch Systems and remains its
property.