How to Make a Bin Store for Your Business

13th November 2024

By Graham Matthews

Storing bins as a business can be a challenge. You need somewhere with space that’s far enough away, so any bad smells don’t reach your customers. Ideally, it also needs to be undercover to protect the bins from rain, potential theft, and pests. Making an outside bin store is an effective solution for most businesses.

Bin stores come in various shapes and sizes. The easiest way to get one that’s effective for your business is to build your own, whether you’ve just got a couple of small wheelie bins or use a few four-wheel bins. It helps keep your business tidy and your rubbish safe.

There are various options to build a bin store that works for your company. Learn how to make a bin store that protects your commercial waste before it’s collected and keeps your premises looking smart.

grey four-wheel bins in a bin store.

What is a bin store?

A bin store is a unit designed to keep bins in when they’re not in use. It’s a structure that’s normally made from wood, bricks, or other materials and has a roof and gate, so the bins are secure. Many homes have an outside bin store but they’re useful for businesses as well.

Most bin stores are often an outdoor unit but some large premises like warehouses and supermarkets might have one inside. Bin store designs vary depending on the materials they’re made from, the available space, and the size and number of bins that will go in it.

Why build a commercial bin store?

Building a commercial bin store for your business helps protect your waste from the elements. If rain gets into bins it can contaminate the rubbish and reduce its recyclability. Water weakens the fibres of paper and cardboard recycling, so it may no longer be of good enough quality to be recycled.

Placing bins under a roof in a solid structure such as a commercial bin store also prevents them from blowing over in high winds and rubbish escaping into the environment. And looking after bins in summer presents additional challenges as exposure to warm weather can speed up the decomposition process for organic waste that quickly emits a foul smell.

Commercial bin stores with locks on also reduce the risk of damage and theft of your bins. It can make your outside area look tidier and keep bins out of sight of customers and guests. Having a bin store should also reduce the risk of attracting pests such as rats.

wheelie bins outside next to a wall.

Bin store design factors

The best bin store design for your business will be based on your facilities and waste management needs. Building a bin store from scratch (or paying an expert to do it) should mean you get a structure that’s efficient and protects your bins properly. Good planning is important for the best results.

When coming up with your bin store plans there are a few design factors to consider before you start the build:

  • Space – measuring the available floor space helps determine if there’s enough room to fit your bins in and determine the amount of materials you’ll need.
  • Roof – whether you want a roof or not will impact the bin store design, and any additional materials required.
  • Materials – common materials for making a bin store are wood or brick. You’ll need to decide this to source appropriate materials before you start.
  • Bin sizes – consider the sizes and number of bins you use as well as whether you’ll need bigger and more bins in the future.
  • Access – as well as having enough space you should ensure there’s easy access and the ground around it is smooth enough to wheel bins in and out.

How to build a bin store

There are many ways to build a bin store, which can vary depending on the materials you use, features you want, and where it’s going to be at your business or home. To help make the process of building a bin store easier we’ve pulled together the main steps that should turn your plans into reality.

Follow these stages to build a bin store for your business or home:

  • Draw up bin store plans – sketch the shape, structure, and dimensions of your bin store and the materials required. Make sure the design slots into the desired space with enough room for the bins and is achievable to build.
  • Collect tools and materials – gather the wood, timber, screws, saw, workbench, and other equipment.
  • Cut the timber – if you’re making a bin store from wood then cut the pieces of timber to the dimensions outlined in your plan.
  • Create the frame and panels – attach the timber with screws or nails to create a frame for your bin store. Use slats and wood to form panels for the end and sides of it too.
  • Make a roof – this stage is optional if you want a roof. Make sure it meets the dimensions, is slanted so rainwater will run off, and has a waterproof lining to avoid the wood rotting quickly.
  • Put it together and paint – attach the panels, frame, and roof and check it’s secure. Finish by painting or staining the wood to protect it against the elements. Then wheel in your bins for a test run.

Once your bin store is built you’ll need something to put in it. We provide free bins for businesses across Yorkshire – you only pay for collections. These can store everything from general waste to food waste, glass recycling, cardboard, and more. Call 0333 444 0118 or contact us online today for your free quote.

Get your free quote
free wheelie bins

Get a quick quote

Get a quick FREE quote for commercial waste collection

  • Quick quote within 1 hr
  • All types of waste
  • Claim your free bins
  • Yorkshire coverage