How To Choose Trash Cans for Condos
Condominiums are designed with detail in mind. Any condo builder or manager knows that the key to a well functioning complex is to always make the residents and guest experience the top priority. Availability and placement of trash cans is key to a solid guest experience.
From entryways to parking lots, providing the ideal trash disposal opportunity takes into account location, foot traffic, maintenance needs, and more. We’ll show you how.
Recommended Trash Cans for Different Areas
The placement of trash cans helps determine the kind of trash cans you need. Consider the areas in your condo and how best to accommodate them.
Outdoor Entryways (A)
Outdoor entrance ways create the best first impression of a condo complex for residents and guests. Finding a trash can that matches the beauty of your space, holds the right capacity, keeps garbage in the right place, and can stand the test of time, is an often overlooked key to maintaining the best possible reputation.
Precision Series Trash Cans are sleek, stainless steel trash solutions that project a modern, clean look. Any high quality stainless steel trash can works well for a variety of modern looking entranceways, and will weather well in reasonably covered areas.
Glaro Dome Top Trash Cans offer the added benefit of receptacle covers to help retain odors and unsightly trash, as well as keep contents protected from weather elements. Trash cans with covers are available in dome or canopy styles for in modern and classically styled condominiums.
Outdoor Public Areas (B)
For outdoor public areas, such as those along sidewalks or close to parking lots, it’s important to have rugged trash cans that can withstand adverse weather conditions as well as public use.
Also consider how often your maintenance staff will be required to empty outdoor trash cans. It may be beneficial to use models with higher volume capacities to allow for less frequent maintenance.
Dome Top Lid Outdoor Concrete Garbage Cans have been the classic outdoor look for years at a variety of facilities. You’ll recognize their rugged, textured contente style instantly.
Ultra Square Faux Wood Trash Cans are another great outdoor option that feature stylish faux wood panels in a variety of colors.
Don’t forget about recycling options! Be sure to do your part for the environment by offering your residents and guests the opportunity to use Outdoor City Recycling Cans, available in a variety of styles and materials.
Facility Grounds (C)
Facility grounds, such as walkways, paths, and other public areas, are prime locations for trash cans. Many guests and residents will pass through these areas daily, so it’s important to provide trash options with a higher capacity and a sophisticated style.
Poly Concrete Containers feature an attractive stone finish and an elegant touch. They’re available in a variety of stonewashed colors, shapes, and lid configurations to meet your building’s standards.
Formal Meeting Rooms (D)
When it comes to formal settings within buildings, such as conference or meeting rooms, you’ll want to select trash cans that fit the internal decor and feel of your space. Obviously you don’t know what kind of usage areas will get in advance, but it’s best to make sure that common areas where meetings or business could be conducted are suitable enough for a variety of situations.
Consider the sophisticated and timeless style of Wood Wastebaskets. These square or round trash containers come in a variety of hardwood colors to add a touch of class to your meeting space.
Of course, Dome Top Chrome Receptacles offer a polished style in a slender cylinder shape that would be perfect for rooms only used occasionally.
Cans for Lobbies and Interior Spaces (E)
Half Round Trash Cans are perfect for placing against a lobby wall. Their rounded edges and flat backing allow for more traffic to pass through without sacrificing the need for a trash receptacle.
Also consider Office Wastebaskets available in a variety of styles. These trash cans are available in stainless steel with dome tops, push doors, and hinged lids to keep trash out of sight and out of mind.
Fireproof Outdoor Smoking Areas (F)
Despite best efforts, certain parts of condo buildings might get some unwanted smoker traffic. Whether for staff, guests, residents, or members of the public, condos need to provide a place for smokers to keep the entrance of the building clean and free of cigarette waste. Fortunately, there is a great selection of ashtrays and trash cans that don’t create an eyesore. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fire resistant.
Concrete ashtrays are durable enough to be placed outside, and stylish enough not to attract unwanted attention. In fact, some concrete ashtrays are designed to look like pottery or pillars to blend in with the building’s environment.
For something bold to attract people's attention we recommend a combination sand and trash can ashtray that is designed to contain cigarette waste as well as trash.
Another nice option is a Wall Mounted ashtray, which will draw smokers attention but be discreet enough to keep other guests undisturbed. For something even more discreet, check out the Standing Metal Value Ashtray for the smallest, skinniest option.
Parking Lots and Garages (G)
Generally, for the depths of your parking lot we recommend getting a heavy duty plastic or concrete trash can. This will keep your parking lot clean, while making sure vandals have a tough time damaging or stealing your property.
Trash solutions by Wausau Tile are reliable options available in concrete, plastic, or metal. Parking lots are also a good-place for heavier outdoor ashtrays and cigarette receptacles. While weather will determine whether a smokeless model or a sand one will work well for you, having a large capacity model that is visible, and has to be emptied rarely, will keep both ground crews and guests happy.
Maintenance Areas and Bathrooms (H)
Every experienced facility manager knows that when it comes to your janitorial closet and on-site maintenance staff, nothing helps more than having a heavy duty trash can on hand. Especially given the fact that janitors may drag around larger cans and empty smaller ones into them, it’s important to make sure they have some durable tools available when they need them.
Rubbermaid’s Round Refuse Container gets the job done at a 44-gallon capacity and strong, long-lasting features. For added convenience, check out the 45-gallon Roughneck Wheeled Refuse Container complete with heavy duty wheels for easy transport.
Isolated Outdoor Areas (I)
The further away an area is from main conveniences within a building, the more important it is to have bolder trash cans that will stand out and grab people's attention.
Consider adding a bench or table to accommodate people. One of the best things about living in a shared living environment or condo is having a shared communal space for barbecues, parties, and the like. By adding several benches and waste bins for users, you create an environment that is both more welcoming and more likely to stay clean.
Metal Mesh Street Wastebaskets come in a variety of colors that stand out in any environment. These containers will be sure to catch attention when they’re needed, while still maintaining a sleek, clean look.
High Traffic Outdoor Areas (J)
It’s crucial to make sure that high traffic areas have trash cans that will have the proper filling capacity. This will assure that you aren’t dealing with overflow issues on the premises and that janitors can maintain a continuous schedule. Especially near pool areas, or where people congregate, it’s important to have sturdy yet stylish trash cans that can stand the test of time and keep guests happy. Furthermore, it can be useful to get trash cans with outdoor lids to keep pests like wasps away from residents and guests.
Concave Concrete Outdoor Trash Cans are a classic choice available in a variety of weatherstone colors and textures. They also include a push lid for extra protection.
Concrete trash cans are also available in more decorative models such as the Funnel Top Decorative Waste Container or the Square Concrete Outdoor Trash Receptacle which resembles an elegant column. Square Concrete Outdoor Trash Receptacle cans are also a great and budget-friendly option for high traffic outdoor areas.
Key Things to Consider When Picking Indoor & Outdoor Trash Cans for Condos
Both indoor and outdoor areas need trash cans, but choosing an indoor trash can has some differences from choosing an outdoor trash can. When it comes to designing a trash can layout for condominiums, there are some important questions to ask yourself.
1. Recycling & General Waste
There are many varieties of trash can, from the open top wastebasket commonly seen in offices, to recycling bins that offer separate compartments for items made from different materials.
To get started with recycling bins, consider the type and amount of waste that your business produces. If you have large amounts of waste paper, considerable piles of kitchen waste, or the majority of your trash is general waste, then use these factors to guide the ratio of standard and recycling trash cans that you buy. Part of an efficient waste management plan is not over-investing in bins that won’t be used.
2. How Difficult Is It To Maintain?
Don't forget to accommodate the employees who will be responsible for cleaning out your trash cans. Make sure it doesn't take too long to remove full liners or bags, replace them, clean the lid and other surfaces, and secure the trash can afterwards. Depending on how many employees you can hire and how much time they allocate for trash maintenance, you may need additional or bigger trash cans to prevent overflow.
3. How Many Trash Cans Do You Need?
Consider the number and size of trash cans that you currently have. If recycling bins are left empty for long periods of time, while the general waste bins are filled to overflowing as soon as they are emptied, buy fewer recycling bins and more general waste containers. If a single area has bins that fill more quickly than other areas, consider larger trash cans for that area too. Ideally, every bin will fill at the same time, and this will coincide with your cleaning and bin emptying schedule.
4. Who Will Use The Trash Cans & How?
Consider the placement and application of the trash cans that you buy. Kitchen bins should have a lid, office bins should be small and discreet, while trash cans for public places need to be decorative and attractive. The kitchen is also one area where there is commonly a requirement for additional recycling disposal.
Everyday usage patterns determine your capacity, maintenance and hygiene needs. If your trash cans overflow too quickly and your maintenance staff can't clean them out regularly enough, they'll overflow and pollute your property with unattractive, smelly and unhygienic waste. Prevent that trashy oversight by making sure you can accommodate everyone.
First, you need to consider the number of people who will be using the trash can. You can do a small audit of sorts to determine this, watching existing trash receptacles for a day and determining how much foot traffic an area gets, how commonly people gather in the space, and whether or not a single can or multiple cans are necessary.
Consider the types of trash going into the trash can: Ideal trash can capacities also depend on the type and amount of trash that these people throw away or recycle each day. For example, paper products and food waste will require more trash can capacity, and additional hygiene concerns such as lids and custom recycling options.
5. Materials & Finishes
The right material will ensure that a trash can lasts for years, continues to look as good as new, and that it will not require too much maintenance or care. While outdoor trash cans may require size and weight to prevent theft, this is less of a concern for indoor models.
The most common trash can materials come with the following benefits:
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Concrete Trash Cans — Heavy, long-lasting, easily customized with different stone and finish options; reinforced with rebar.
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Plastic Trash Cans — More economical, but less durable than metal. Popular for portability, color options, fade and crack durability, fire safety, and ease of emptying for grounds staff.
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Stainless Steel Trash Cans — Sophisticated and stylish; doesn't collect fingerprints, rust, or scratches.
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Galvanized Steel Trash Cans — Suitable for industrial purposes, such as garbage pickup and oil disposal; fire-resistant; lightweight and heavy duty options available.
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Metal Armor Trash Cans — Very long-lasting; decorative; ventilates odors without exposing contents to theft or damage; resists dents and mold.
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Wood Trash Cans - Other materials, such as wood, can be used, but these materials should only be chosen for ornate models because wood and other porous materials can be difficult to keep bacteria-free and clean.
6. Good Looking Trash Cans
Attractive and clean trash cans encourage people to dispose of their waste rather than tossing it aside or leaving it on a table or bench. Do consider the look and aesthetic appeal of some of the trash cans that you buy. In particular, those bins that will be used in public areas such as a lobby, reception area, or waiting area, should be chosen for their good looks as well as their practicality and functionality. Polished metal bins have a modern look to them, while waste paper style trash cans are more traditional, and stone or wood should be chosen to match a specific style that is utilized in the area where the trash can will be placed.
Matching Sets
Some trash cans can be supplemented with ash trays, benches, planters or recycling bins that come in the same material and finish. This gives your site a cohesive and professional look, especially if they compliment nearby architectural features.
Decorative Details
No matter which material you pick, you'll enjoy a wide range of color and size options. However, some come with additional finishing touches that really make your trash cans stand out. Metal and stainless steel trash cans are especially versatile, because they usually have cut-outs or slats that ventilate their contents. Some of the most popular shapes include circles, stars, wavy or straight lines, and swirls.
Customization Options
Personalize your trash cans to make them especially eye-catching and increase your brand recognition. Match your official colors, add a laser-cut logo or message, or raise funds by selling advertising space on the sides. Your guests will take notice.
7. Accessibility & Ease Of Use
As well as ensuring that the trash cans and recycling bins you buy are functional and attractive, you should ensure that they are good quality and easy to use. Those trash cans with lids and self-contained bags should be easy to access, without leaving the possibility of trash being strewn on the floor. Individual waste baskets should be easy to move around, and all models should be made to a high quality to ensure that you don’t need to keep replacing them.
8. Where Will You Put Your Trash Cans?
"Outdoors" can mean many different things, so narrow down your outdoor conditions to make sure your receptacles can handle them. Consider the following factors:
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Overhead coverings — Will a roof or awning protect your trash can from outdoor conditions? Then you probably have the most leeway for the type of item you get in terms of materials and finish.
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Exposure to wind and projectiles — Will your trash can be in the middle of an open space, or can you depend on trees and buildings to block gusts of wind? If your item will experience severe inclement weather then you'll need to find a trash can with the right kind of lid to get the job done.
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Local climate — How hot, cold, humid and/or windy does it get throughout the year? You'll need to find an outdoor trash can that is tough enough to stand up to the weather in your local area, whatever that might be.
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Nearby fences — Can you depend on a security fence to keep your cans secure? If not then you'll need to get an item that is difficult to vandalize and/or move or just an item that you can secure fairly easily. Don’t forget about animal proofing either. Borth urban and rural areas may need to be concerned about rats, cats, dogs, or raccoons getting into their trash. In certain situations you may just need to purchase an item you can feel comfortable replacing periodically.
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Air quality — Will it be exposed to salty or polluted air? Humid, salty, and polluted air causes metals to corrode and rust faster than air with less salt, humidity, and pollution.
9. How Will You Prevent Damage?
Choose strong and robust bins. Items not only tend to be thrown into bins, but they have a tendency to get moved and even kicked around. Ornate trash cans are appealing in lobby and public areas, but be aware of any maintenance that might be required to ensure that they continue to look their best, including cleaning, repair, and potentially, replacement.
Most outdoor trash cans should be weather-proof, waterproof, fireproof, and graffiti-proof. More importantly, they must be heavy or secure enough to withstand high winds and intentional vandalism. Most outdoor trash cans come with anchors or mounting options to permanently attach them to your property, and while concrete trash cans are particularly windproof, others incorporate a sand or concrete base to weigh them down.
Turn to Trashcans Unlimited
Trash cans play a functional role within any building or premises, and you need to choose those models that combine the functionality, ease of use, and even the look that your condo’s demands. Trashcans Unlimited has the cans you need for your properties at exactly the right price. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff is ready to answer questions and help you make sure that you’re getting the right equipment for your needs. Get in touch with us today, or start browsing our trash cans today.