Outdoor spaces come with challenges. Harsh weather conditions, high footfall, and poor disposal habits frequently lead to messy bin areas and contaminated recyclables.
The right outdoor recycling bin can distinguish between a clean, responsible space and a site plagued by litter and confusion.
Weatherproof, clear-signage outdoor recycling bins placed in the right locations help encourage responsible disposal, reduce contamination, and support your sustainability goals.
Why Weatherproof Outdoor Recycling Bins Are Essential
Outdoor recycling bins must be built to withstand rain, wind, UV exposure, and fluctuating temperatures.
Poor-quality recycling bins quickly deteriorate… Signage fades, lids fail, and materials degrade, leading to recycling confusion, more littering, contaminated recyclables and costly replacements.
It’s important to select outdoor recycling bins built to handle UK weather conditions while keeping the recycling process effective and user-friendly.
Prioritise features that actively support correct waste segregation and reduce maintenance while helping reinforce sustainable recycling habits without constant intervention.
Reduce Contamination and Drive Results With Intuitive Design
Outdoor recycling bins work when people can separate waste easily, intuitively, and efficiently.
Unisort’s customised, design-led outdoor recycling bins are proven to increase recycling engagement while reducing contamination and CO₂ by removing the two-second pause.
This is achieved through a combination of innovative design, functionality, and consistent, clear signage:
- Clear, engaging signage with icons & colour-coding
- Optional graphics
- Rainhood option to prevent water ingress
- Durable materials resistant to corrosion, impact, and UV exposure
- Bespoke design options to align with your sustainability messaging and branding
The combination of these features encourages correct disposal while driving long-term behavioural change. Over time, that leads to reduced contamination rates, increased recycling rates and more consistent engagement with your recycling infrastructure.
High-Performance Outdoor Recycling Bins
So, which are the best outdoor recycling bins? Those made in a way to withstand outdoor weather conditions and increase recycling rates with intuitive designs!
Here are some of the top-performing outdoor recycling bins:
Unisort Excel Outdoor Recycling Bin with 4 Waste Streams (4W)
Explore Unisort Excel Outdoor Recycling Bin with 4 Waste Streams
- Made from mild steel
- Leatherette powder coated – Graphite Grey – RAL 7016
- 60-70L Capacity per waste stream
- Open apertures
- Adjustable height feet
- Choose with or without rainhood
- Choose with or without graphics for the door and/or backboard
- Stainless steel locks on doors
- Made in the UK
Units include:
- Unisort Mini liner holders (liners not included)
- Unisort Mini liner Instruction guide vinyl
- Scissors
- Hooks to hold scissors and cable ties
- Inbound & outdoor delivery to final location.
Technical Specifications:
- 4W Excel: 1180mm(W) x 457mm(D) x 963mm(H)
- 4W Excel with Rainhood: 1186mm(W) x 458mm(D) x 1267mm(H)
Also available with 3 and 5 waste streams. Use with Mini Liner refills to reduce plastic usage & CO2 attributed to waste bags by 80%!
Unisort Evolve Outdoor Recycling Bin
Discover Unisort Evolve Outdoor Recycling Bin
- Multi-compartment outdoor recycling bin
- Very robust, powder-coated steel design for ultimate durability
- Internal walls with separate compartments for each waste stream
- Optional rainhood
- Stylish and modern looking recycling bin
- Available for 2, 3, or 4 types of waste
- Easy to empty collection system – includes a smart inner-ring holder to hold sacks securely. Option of metal inner liner or elastic band bag holder is available upon request.
- Refer to images for options of labels, please state what you require after placing your order. Custom graphics available on request
Technical Specifications:
- 2 waste stream:
- Capacity: 50L + 50L
- Dimensions: 598mm (W) x 815mm (H) x 390mm (D)
- 3 waste stream:
- Capacity: 50L + 60L + 50L
- Dimensions: 890mm (W) x 815mm (H) x 390mm (D)
- 4 waste stream:
- Capacity: 50L + 60L + 60L + 50L
- Dimensions: 1182mm (W) x 815mm (H) x 390mm (D)
- Material: Galvanised steel
Unisort Plaza Outdoor Recycling Bin
See Unisort Plaza Outdoor Recycling Bin
- Robust design without compromising on style
- Available in galvanised steel or galvanised steel with FSC tropical wood
- Hinged lockable lid
- Ideal for outdoor hospitality areas
- Metal inner with elastic band bag holder
- Metal inner liner for easy emptying
- 2 finish options: Dark grey or dark grey with wood
Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 100 Litres
- Dimensions: 470 x 450 x 790mm
- Material Options:
- Recycled Plastic Slats & Dark Grey Steel
- Dark Grey Steel
- Wood Slats & Dark Grey Steel
Optimising Bin Placement to Improve Recycling Rates
Effective recycling also depends on visibility and accessibility. The best outdoor recycling bins wouldn’t be enough if they aren’t placed strategically…
Commonly successful locations include:
- Outdoor entrances and exits
- Walkways and transport hubs
- Terraces and outdoor dining areas
- Near benches and seating areas
- Public green spaces and parks
- Retail parks and communal courtyards
Strategic placement ensures bins are used correctly and consistently, helping to establish strong recycling habits over time.
Invest in weatherproof outdoor recycling bins engineered for longevity, low maintenance, and maximum user engagement.
Explore our full outdoor recycling bins range and speak to our experts to discuss the best solution for your space and goals.
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