Commercial Recycling Carts: Everything You Need To Know
Whether you work in an office, hospital, school, or waste management facility, durable and functional bulk recycling carts are a long-lasting solution for all of your company’s recycling and sorting needs.
However, when it comes to making a smart investment in a recycling bin for your industry, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the wide variety of options available for purchase.
So how can you find the perfect recycling cart for your company?
Four key features to look for when purchasing a recycling cart for your business
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down your top contenders when shopping for a recycling cart.
By knowing what to look for in a recycling cart, you can make your search much easier.
In our experience in the bulk material handling industry, these are the four most important features to be sure are included on any recycling cart you are considering for your business.
1. Durable Design
When researching the perfect recycling cart for your business needs, a long-lasting design should be at the very top of your list.
Not sure how to know if the design is durable? We have you covered.
Recycling cart durability all comes down to the manufacturing process used to create the finished product.
You want to find a manufacturer whose design incorporates a one-piece, single-wall design crafted from low-density polyethylene resin.
The result is a dent, stain, and rust resistant final product!
Other standard features which ensure the durability include
- Reinforced rim and rounded corners
- Smooth flat bottom with the support of a plywood base
- Forklift-deflective design that protects from wear and tear
You should also look for a manufacturer that offers a warranty, as this shows the faith that they have in the quality of their product.
2. Functional Design
Functionality is another critical element to look for as you shop for a recycling cart.
This is because a functional design is the key to improved productivity and efficiency — which is most likely one of the top reasons you need a recycling cart in the first place.
Some ergonomic design features to keep an eye out for include:
- Casters which swivel for easy maneuvering
- Rigid casters that allow constant tipping for users to easily roll the carts over any surface.
- A convenient nesting design with tiered walls that makes these carts easily stackable to conserve space.
Ideally, the recycling bin you choose will make your business MORE efficient.
If you are unsure if the model you are looking at can do this, it is a sign that it is probably not the right fit for your needs.
Remember, you want to invest in a cart that will work for you — not against you!
3. Customizable Design
Another feature to consider when purchasing a recycling cart is customizability, which will ensure your cart meets the specific needs of your company.
Depending on the type of work you do, some key customization options you may want to consider include:
- Locking security lids for the protection of sensitive documents and files
- Forklift pocket channels for convenient disposal
- Four or six wheel caster configuration for the best functionality possible in your work environment
- A lid that can be customized for your specific office needs, with options including a slot for paper and a hinge in case you need to remove documents from the bin
You may also want to consider choosing a manufacturer that offers aesthetic customizations, allowing your business to make your recycling carts your own!
Common modifications falling into this category include a variety of standard color options, custom color offerings, company logo stenciling, and mold-on and mold-in graphics.
This can be a great way to improve your branding.
4. Secure Design
One of the top concerns for businesses in the legal, insurance, and healthcare fields is confidentiality.
If security is a critical aspect of your industry, we suggest looking for a recycling bin that includes a locking security lid that will protect sensitive documents and computer hard drives, ensuring you are complying with current document destruction guidelines and privacy laws.
Choosing the right material for your recycling cart
So you’ve decided on the perfect recycling cart for your business.
Now it is time for the fun stuff — choosing your material.
The two types of plastic typically used to manufacture recycling carts are virgin plastic and 100% recycled material.
So, what’s the difference?
Regrind only has 40%-60% of the physical properties of the virgin material.
Many people believe that recycling carts manufactured from virgin plastic will be more durable than regrind carts, made from recycled materials.
However, these carts still perform just well in even the harshest conditions.
Even better, recycling carts manufactured from recycled regrind plastic have two additional benefits:
- Recycling carts manufactured from recycled regrind plastic are better for the environment
- Recycling carts made from this recycled material have a significantly lower price tag than carts manufactured from virgin-grade plastic
What is recycled regrind plastic?
Regrind plastic is made when the virgin scrap from molded product is ground up, pulverized and reused.
Not only is this a responsible way to divert scrap from landfills, but it also provides a steady source of economical material for molding non-compliance products.
Still not sure if you are sold on recycled plastics?
Maybe this will help.
Many top brands and corporations are jumping on the recycled materials bandwagon.
For example, Proctor and Gamble has committed to using more recycled plastics in their packaging and Adidas has promised to only use recycled plastic in their manufacturing by 2024!
We think that recycled plastics are the way of the future and encourage you to jump on the bandwagon.
You’ll be in good company. We promise.
