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
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Typical dimensions: 30 x 36 inches
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Best for: Small households, single offices, bathrooms
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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
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Best for: Small households, clinics, reception areas
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Capacity: Roughly 1–2 medium garbage bags
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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
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Most common residential and commercial bin size
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Ideal for: Family homes, offices, schools, restaurants
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Holds: Up to 4 standard garbage bags
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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
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Best for: Larger households or commercial spaces with frequent waste generation
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Larger footprint than the 240L but fits through most doorways
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Reduces the need to use multiple smaller bins
✅ 660 & 1100 Litre Wheelie Bins
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Suitable for: Apartments, factories, supermarkets, hospitals
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Four-wheeled bins with lockable lids
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Capacity: 660L holds up to 8 bags, while 1100L handles up to 14–16 bags
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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 |
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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
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Most common material used in Kenya
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UV-resistant, durable in extreme weather
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Crack-resistant and easy to clean
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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
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Suitable for heavy-duty industrial waste or construction debris
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Fire-resistant
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Not ideal for everyday residential use due to weight and cost
✅ Recycled Plastic Bins
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Eco-friendly alternative
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Mostly used for dry waste or recyclables
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Often found in schools and NGOs promoting green practices
4. Types by Number of Wheels
✅ Two-Wheel Bins
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Standard for 60L to 360L sizes
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Easily moved by tilting and pulling
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Great for residential and light commercial use
✅ Four-Wheel Bins
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Found in 660L and 1100L sizes
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Lockable, with rotating casters
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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
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Color-coded red or yellow
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Clearly labeled with biohazard symbols
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Required in hospitals, clinics, dental facilities
✅ Composting Bins
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Often black or green
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Used in gardening, organic farming
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Some are ventilated for natural decomposition
✅ Recycling Bins
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Color-coded blue or grey
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Labeled for paper, plastics, or metals
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Encourage recycling in schools, malls, and offices
✅ Public Litter Bins
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Installed in parks, roadsides, campuses
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Compact with fixed stands or cages
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Frequently emptied by local councils or cleaning firms
✅ Confidential Waste Bins
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Used in banks, law firms, and government offices
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Often grey or blue, with locking lid
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Shredded before disposal
6. Specialty Features of Wheelie Bins
Modern wheelie bins come with added features for improved usability and hygiene:
Feature | Benefit |
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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 |
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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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