I wanted to share a few behind the scenes secrets to help explain some of the unique elements in the Macquarie bin enclosure.
The team at G James were happy to take me through the final assembly stages for some of the bin cabinets on route to Byron Bay.
The colour coded waste and recycling bins are a very clever concept.
– Just a quick sidebar;
Byron Bay Council has designed their bins to align with AS-4123.7 – 2006 Mobile waste containers – Part 7: colours, markings and designation requirements (Australian Standard). The use of consistent colours allows for simpler communication and will have a typical appearance from residential disposals through to public place behaviours.
Although there is no requirement for public place infrastructure to be identified by colour the use of consistent Australian Standard colours is both useful for encouraging correct disposals and visually attractive. This approach is likely to continue gaining momentum for public place bin’s and would not look out of place in any town or city.
The components
One of the secrets of the Macquarie bin is that it is completely modular, every part is capable of being replaced or upgraded should the need ever eventuate. The reason we designed a modular bin is to encourage future enhancements. The standard frame of the bin is built to house a 240-litre MGB. The enclosures can also be constructed to accommodate 120 or 360-litre MGB’s, and it’s incredibly flexible.
The Macquarie enclosures can be retrofitted with many different looks and finishes, timber look aluminium, or powder coated colours; artwork etched into panels the possibilities are endless. All of that is built around a consistent frame, disposal apron and roofing system.
The finish of the Macquarie bin is limited by your imagination
It is in the future use components of the Macquarie bin where you will see the smart design elements rise to the top. At the ten to fifteen year mark instead of looking to replace ageing bin enclosures you have the options of adjusting roof shapes, swapping panel finishes and the doors are also removable, so they to can be upgraded in years to come.
Coloured doors?
All of that means you will not be purchasing full bins. It is upgrading the components to a new look at a fraction of the price. You may even consider a fresh powder coat, and you will have new look bins at minimal costs. Options include;
- full-colour panelling
- coloured doors only
- panelling with artistic images,
- panelling for community messaging or even
- marketing or advertising content
The Macquarie bin enclosure was designed to encourage the reuse of many components before recycling them.
Every part of the Macquarie bin has a particular function, but they are all flexible to support future use. All internal attachment system uses a 10mm sized hex head nut, and screw set consistent across the bin meaning one tool is required for maintenance. All components and fixings are internal and the outer shell of the bin enclosure has smooth clean and attractive styling.
Patented internal attachment system.
The system for securing the Macquarie enclosure to footpaths and other hardstands has also factored in future use potential. The wind-up, wind-down feet allow for up to 50mm of adjustment. That means you can install bins on a sloped footpath, that same bin can be removed if new development dictates. The feet adjusted and then reused again at any site.
Many traditional bins require a dedicated flat concrete surface; the Macquarie bin design has anticipated that streetscapes, transport stops and parks will change over time. Easy installation, removal and re-installation are a feature of the Macquarie bin.
The adjustable legs allow for installation on sloped surfaces
Large unobstructed openings for people to dispose of litter and simple access via a turnkey system has the contractor servicing the bins with virtually no lifting or tipping. Wheeled MGBS mean large capacity litter capture and safe work practices with reduced risk to staff.
Large unobstructed openings and easy access.
The decision to enhance park or footpath bins is a significant step for many local councils. When choosing the Macquarie bin enclosure to support that improvement process, you are investing in your community with accessible bins that will provide measurable improvements today. The flexibility and future use options that come with the modular Macquarie bin enclosure will have councils well positioned to grow, move and adjust with the community.
For more information or if you have any questions regarding Macquarie bin enclosures for your town or city, please feel free to contact me at paul@wasteadspace.com.au . I am happy to assist with tailoring the right numbers and styles of bins for your community.