Types of Wheelie Bins

by | May 8, 2025 | Wheelie Bin | 0 comments

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:

ColorUse
GreenGeneral household waste and food waste
BlackMixed waste or organic matter
BlueRecyclables – paper, plastic, cardboard
RedHazardous or infectious waste (medical, lab waste)
YellowHighly infectious waste (e.g. medical sharps, blood)
PurpleSanitary waste, maternity or chemotherapy-related waste
ClearTransparent for visible waste tracking or security
GreyConfidential, 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:

FeatureBenefit
Foot pedal lidHands-free access, better hygiene
Lockable lidPrevents unauthorized use, animal intrusion
UV protectionPrevents fading, cracking in Kenyan sunlight
Drainage holesEasy cleaning and moisture control
Branding optionsCustom logos, waste labels, color coding
RFID trackingUsed 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 TypeRecommended Bin
Small family/home120L – 240L green or black
Large household360L black/green
Schools240L green for general waste, blue for recyclables
Hospital240L red/yellow (hazardous/infectious)
Apartment building660L or 1100L four-wheel bins
Restaurant360L or 660L black (organic) and blue (plastic)
Industrial sites1100L 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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