Managing waste responsibly isn’t just good hygiene—it’s the law. Whether you’re overseeing a hospital, managing a construction site, or running a household, knowing which color-coded wheelie bin to use can significantly reduce cross-contamination, enhance recycling, and promote environmental sustainability.

In Kenya, organizations like NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) and global standards such as OSHA encourage proper waste sorting using color-coded bins. This guide by Kejani Cleaning Services Limited breaks down what each wheelie bin color means and the types of waste suitable for each.

✅ Why Are Waste Bins Color-Coded?

Color-coded wheelie bins simplify waste segregation at the source, which offers the following benefits:

• 📦 Easier recycling

• ⚠️ Reduced risk of contamination

• ♻️ Better environmental sustainability

• 🧼 Safer workplaces

• ✅ Compliance with health and safety regulations

• 💰 Lower waste management costs

Let’s break down the six main waste bin colors used in Kenya and what they’re meant for.

🟥 RED Wheelie Bins – Biohazard & Medical Waste

Primary Use: Medical facilities, labs, clinics, pharmacies, tattoo parlors, and healthcare centers.

🧪 Types of Waste:

• Used gloves, gauze, bandages

• Swabs and dressings soaked in bodily fluids

• Human tissues and organs (pathological waste)

• Discarded medicines and expired drugs (check with NEMA guidelines)

⚠️ Important:

• Should be clearly marked with a biohazard symbol

• Must be handled and disposed of by licensed professionals

• Must be made of durable plastic with a tight lid

• Staff should wear PPE when handling these bins

🛒 Available from Kejani Cleaning:
240L Biohazard Red Waste Bin with heavy-duty wheels and metal foot pedal.

🟨 YELLOW Wheelie Bins – Infectious or Clinical Waste

Primary Use: Hospitals, laboratories, COVID-19 isolation wards, veterinary clinics.

☣️ Types of Waste:

• PPEs from infectious zones (masks, gowns)

• Lab cultures or samples

• Dialysis unit disposables

• Any materials potentially contaminated with infectious agents

🛡️ Note:

• Often confused with red bins. While red bins are for biohazards, yellow bins are for potentially infectious but not necessarily contaminated waste.

• Should be lined with yellow garbage bags for easy identification

🛒 Kejani stocks yellow bins in 120L, 140L, and 240L options for medical centers and municipal facilities.

🟩 GREEN Wheelie Bins – Biodegradable / Organic Waste

Primary Use: Households, restaurants, hotels, schools, and markets.

🌿 Types of Waste:

• Fruit and vegetable peels

• Garden trimmings and grass

• Leftover food (non-meat-based)

• Compostable disposables (biodegradable plates/cups)

🌱 Why Use Green Bins?

• Helps reduce landfill waste

• Facilitates composting efforts

• Encourages sustainable lifestyles in urban homes and estates

🛒 From Kejani:
60L, 120L, and 240L green bins for estates, apartments, and restaurants.

⬛ BLACK Wheelie Bins – General Household Waste

Primary Use: Homes, offices, commercial buildings

🗑️ Types of Waste:

• Soiled packaging

• Used tissues

• Non-recyclable plastics

• Non-compostable food waste (e.g. meat, bones)

• Dirty foil, napkins, and contaminated wrappers

✅ Best Practices:

• Do not mix medical or recyclable waste in black bins

• Use heavy-duty black garbage bags for easier handling

🛒 Kejani’s stock includes 30L, 60L, 100L, 240L black bins suitable for commercial or domestic use.

🔵 BLUE Wheelie Bins – Recyclable Waste

Primary Use: Offices, schools, commercial buildings, malls

♻️ Types of Waste:

• Clean paper and cardboard

• Plastic bottles

• Aluminum cans and tins

• Glass bottles (unbroken)

📘 Notes:

• Do not mix with food waste

• Recyclables must be clean and dry

• Ensure staff and clients are trained on what can/cannot go in

🛒 Kejani Cleaning provides labeled blue bins and recycling guides for institutions.

⚫ GREY Wheelie Bins – Mixed / Industrial Waste

Primary Use: Factories, warehouses, construction sites, large offices

🏗️ Types of Waste:

• Non-hazardous industrial materials

• Mixed office waste (paper, plastic, small debris)

• Construction debris (non-toxic)

• Unsorted commercial waste

📦 Tips:

• Grey bins are used where waste sorting is done off-site by the waste handler

• Avoid placing hazardous or sharp items without proper packaging

🛒 Kejani offers heavy-duty 240L grey bins with optional locking lids for security.

🚮 Summary Table – What Each Color Means

🧠 Common Questions About Color-Coded Wheelie Bins in Kenya

❓ Are these colors standardized in Kenya?

While Kenya does not have enforced national bin color legislation, NEMA, County Governments, and occupational safety bodies follow global best practices. Many institutions and municipalities now adopt the color schemes above to meet international safety and sustainability standards.

❓ Are color-coded bins required in schools or churches?

If the facility produces organic waste, recyclables, and general waste, color-coded bins help reduce contamination and educate users. Institutions like schools, churches, and mosques benefit from green, black, and blue bins.

❓ What size bin do I need?

• 60L-120L: Suitable for homes, offices, or small businesses

• 240L: Best for hospitals, hotels, schools, restaurants

• 660L and above: Available on request for commercial buildings or large residential blocks

🛒 Where to Buy Color-Coded Wheelie Bins in Kenya

Kejani Cleaning Services Limited is a leading supplier of:

• Pedal bins

• Wheeled bins (18L to 240L)

• Medical-grade waste bins

• Color-coded bin liners

• Institutional recycling stations

🌍 Serving Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.

🛍️ Explore our wheelie waste bin collection

🧹 Final Thoughts

Using color-coded wheelie bins isn’t just about good housekeeping—it’s about protecting health, supporting sustainability, and ensuring legal compliance. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, hospitality, or residential management, setting up the right bin system today can save you time, money, and stress tomorrow.

📞 Ready to upgrade your waste management system?

Kejani Cleaning Services Limited offers:

• Waste bin supply and delivery

• Cleaning and waste disposal services

• Custom waste collection solutions for organizations

• Staff training on proper bin use and labeling

📧 Email: info@kejanicleaning.co.ke
📞 Call: +254 115 887 085