Proper waste management is essential for maintaining hygiene, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance. One of the most versatile and commonly used tools for managing waste is the wheelie bin. These mobile, lidded bins are found in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, malls, and construction sites across Kenya. They help organize, store, and transport waste in a clean and efficient way.
At Kejani Cleaning Services Limited, we supply high-quality wheelie bins of different sizes, colors, and designs for diverse waste disposal needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of wheelie bins available in Kenya, including their sizes, uses, materials, color codes, features, and how to choose the right one for your specific application.
1. Types of Wheelie Bins by Size
Wheelie bins come in various sizes, suitable for different environments and volumes of waste. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ 60 – 100 Litre Bins
Typical dimensions: 30 x 36 inches
Best for: Small households, single offices, bathrooms
Waste type: General domestic or office waste like tissues, food packaging, light plastics
These are compact and ideal for use in tight spaces or individual rooms.
✅ 120 Litre Wheelie Bin
Best for: Small households, clinics, reception areas
Capacity: Roughly 1–2 medium garbage bags
Common uses: Medical waste (when red/yellow), kitchen waste (when green/black)
This size is preferred for low to medium waste-generating areas with regular collection.
✅ 240 Litre Wheelie Bin
Most common residential and commercial bin size
Ideal for: Family homes, offices, schools, restaurants
Holds: Up to 4 standard garbage bags
Features: Durable rubber wheels, strong lid, sometimes with a foot pedal
This is the standard bin issued by municipal councils across Kenya.
✅ 360 Litre Wheelie Bin
Best for: Larger households or commercial spaces with frequent waste generation
Larger footprint than the 240L but fits through most doorways
Reduces the need to use multiple smaller bins
✅ 660 & 1100 Litre Wheelie Bins
Suitable for: Apartments, factories, supermarkets, hospitals
Four-wheeled bins with lockable lids
Capacity: 660L holds up to 8 bags, while 1100L handles up to 14–16 bags
Often used by waste collection companies for shared waste areas
2. Types of Wheelie Bins by Color
Color coding helps with waste segregation, especially in institutions, commercial buildings, and healthcare facilities. Here are the standard colors and their typical use cases:
Color | Use |
---|---|
Green | General household waste and food waste |
Black | Mixed waste or organic matter |
Blue | Recyclables – paper, plastic, cardboard |
Red | Hazardous or infectious waste (medical, lab waste) |
Yellow | Highly infectious waste (e.g. medical sharps, blood) |
Purple | Sanitary waste, maternity or chemotherapy-related waste |
Clear | Transparent for visible waste tracking or security |
Grey | Confidential, inert or office waste |
Note: Kenya’s healthcare waste guidelines also follow these color codes to avoid cross-contamination and promote sustainability.
3. Types of Wheelie Bins by Material
Wheelie bins are typically made of two primary materials: plastic (HDPE) and metal. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Bins
Most common material used in Kenya
UV-resistant, durable in extreme weather
Crack-resistant and easy to clean
Recyclable at end of life
HDPE bins are used for all residential and commercial needs and come in all colors and sizes.
✅ Galvanized Steel Wheelie Bins
Suitable for heavy-duty industrial waste or construction debris
Fire-resistant
Not ideal for everyday residential use due to weight and cost
✅ Recycled Plastic Bins
Eco-friendly alternative
Mostly used for dry waste or recyclables
Often found in schools and NGOs promoting green practices
4. Types by Number of Wheels
✅ Two-Wheel Bins
Standard for 60L to 360L sizes
Easily moved by tilting and pulling
Great for residential and light commercial use
✅ Four-Wheel Bins
Found in 660L and 1100L sizes
Lockable, with rotating casters
Common in shared collection points, apartments, estates
These are ideal where waste collection trucks access centralized bins.
5. Types by Purpose
Every bin has a purpose beyond just size and color. Here are common functional types:
✅ Medical Waste Bins
Color-coded red or yellow
Clearly labeled with biohazard symbols
Required in hospitals, clinics, dental facilities
✅ Composting Bins
Often black or green
Used in gardening, organic farming
Some are ventilated for natural decomposition
✅ Recycling Bins
Color-coded blue or grey
Labeled for paper, plastics, or metals
Encourage recycling in schools, malls, and offices
✅ Public Litter Bins
Installed in parks, roadsides, campuses
Compact with fixed stands or cages
Frequently emptied by local councils or cleaning firms
✅ Confidential Waste Bins
Used in banks, law firms, and government offices
Often grey or blue, with locking lid
Shredded before disposal
6. Specialty Features of Wheelie Bins
Modern wheelie bins come with added features for improved usability and hygiene:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Foot pedal lid | Hands-free access, better hygiene |
Lockable lid | Prevents unauthorized use, animal intrusion |
UV protection | Prevents fading, cracking in Kenyan sunlight |
Drainage holes | Easy cleaning and moisture control |
Branding options | Custom logos, waste labels, color coding |
RFID tracking | Used in large waste management systems |
At Kejani Cleaning Services, we offer all these features on request.
Choosing the Right Wheelie Bin in Kenya
Here’s a quick guide:
User Type | Recommended Bin |
---|---|
Small family/home | 120L – 240L green or black |
Large household | 360L black/green |
Schools | 240L green for general waste, blue for recyclables |
Hospital | 240L red/yellow (hazardous/infectious) |
Apartment building | 660L or 1100L four-wheel bins |
Restaurant | 360L or 660L black (organic) and blue (plastic) |
Industrial sites | 1100L galvanized steel or heavy-duty HDPE |
Conclusion
Wheelie bins are essential for structured, safe, and efficient waste handling in Kenya. By understanding the various types of wheelie bins—from size and color to function and material—you can make an informed decision for your home, business, or institution.
At Kejani Cleaning Services Limited, we offer durable, KEBS-compliant wheelie bins in all sizes and colors, with optional accessories like garbage bags, bin cages, foot pedals, and locks.
✅ Visit our wheelie bin collection:
👉 Shop Waste Bins with Wheels on KejaniCleaning.co.ke
Need help choosing the right bin for your space or waste type? Contact us today for a free consultation or quote.
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