There was a time that most of us had only one bin. A large plastic or metal container that sat in the back yard or alley. All our household waste would end up in this dustbin, which was conveniently emptied, without contention, every week.

But times move on and now with more and more emphasis on recycling and with local authorities trying to minimise waste disposal, the number of bins householders require has now increased.

Recycling bins are a vital tool for any household that is recycling as they separate conventional waste with recyclable items. And they are numerous in type too with recycling bins for paper, glass, cans; gardening bins, composting bins, nappy bins.

And with so many different types of recycling bin and differing requirements for recycling. It can be confusing to decide what and how many recycling bins are needed.

But there are products out there that can make life easier and some can even help save money as well as the environment.

Recycling bins for bottles, glass and cans

There is really no need for this type of bin at home but for businesses or institutions these are important to ensure people separate the recyclable items that are commonly consumed in these environments. And don’t forget, tins and cans can even be redeemed for cash if they are of the right metal.

Household recycling bin

Householders will often be supplied with recycling bins outside for the external waste. Different councils provide different bins for different waste but there should be clear notice of what materials should be disposed of in each. For indoor use a good recycling bin for the kitchen is probably a good idea. Some of these have several compartments so its easy to separate was when it first gets thrown away.

And if you have a new born, are expecting, or work in the child care industry. A good quality nappy bin is essential. By returning to washable nappies you can dramatically reduce your waste as well as save a fortune on disposable nappies an diapers. Large capacity nappy bins are available that can handle even the busiest nursery or child care setting.

Whatever type of recycling bin is required you should ensure its a good quality recycling bin and from a reputable supplier. There are really three things to remember when you are looking for recycling bins: It should be well manufactured; Practical and modern in design; Have a good quality lid that fits to prevents smells.

Every single day, some 8 million disposable nappies are thrown out. This makes up four percent of all household waste, and most of it ends on land fills and takes years to degrade.

And while disposable nappies are quick and easy to use they are also expensive with a new born child easily costing between £2,000-£4,000 ($3,500 – $7,500) on disposable nappies and diapers alone.

And washable nappies are not as bothersome, cumbersome or messy as you may imagine. In fact, changing a washable nappy can be just as quick and easy as changing a disposable. Of course, they have to be washed but a weeks worth of nappies can easily fit in one load of most modern washing machines and if you cut down on unnecessary softeners and detergents you can minimise any environmental impact.

The only thing required is a good quality nappy bin. And even if you work in the service industry, social or care surrounding, or nursery and kindergarten settings, there is no need to have soiled nappies lying about and the washing machine on constantly.

A modern large capacity nappy bin can easily store a weeks worth of nappies, even from the busiest service industry setting. And if the nappy bin is well built and from a reputable supplier of nappy bins then it can store soiled nappies and diapers without any smells or mess.

Some modern nappy bins even have chutes for added hygiene and discretion.

The only other requirements for returning to washable nappies are a good supply of safety pins, although modern reusable sticky seals can be used for those fearing accidents with pins. And some modern washable nappies come with their own adhesion and attaching mechanism, so the old fashioned safety pin need not be used at all.

By returning to washable nappies, not only will it make a dramaitc difference to the waste that piles up in our land fills but the cost savings of using washable nappies and diapers can be staggering, especially in the service and care industry.

They say that in the city, you are never more than ten yards from a rat, whether this is true or not, one thing is clear, if you live in an urban area rubbish bags and unsecured bins are a real menace when it comes to attracting vermin.

The increase in littering around the cities is a worsening problem; paths strewn with litter and household waste are becoming commonplace – not because there has been a huge increase in vermin – but because quite often people’s external bins and dustbins are not up to the job.

And with more and more local authorities employing littering officers you could find yourself liable to a fine if you allow you allow vermin to litter your rubbish across the pavement.

Some of us have a dustbin, wheelie bin or other waste bin supplied to us by the local authorities, and while in some areas these are of good quality, other local authorities try to save money by supplying poor quality external bins or none at all.

If no bin is provided the weekly ritual of bin bags being ripped open by cats, foxes and rats continues and the streets, even in some affluent areas, can become filthy. Decent outside containers and waste collectors are often neglected by local businesses too and with the amount of waste that some takeaway and fast food places throw away, they exaggerate the problem many time.

But there is no need to rely on the local authority to supply a good quality external bin or good quality outdoor container – as they are not expensive and are readily available in a multitude of styles, shapes and colours.

Choose the style of bin that will suit your requirements, perhaps you need a large hooded waste container or just a traditional dustbin-like outdoor container would suffice. Whatever style you go for, whether its fa ree-standing bin or hooded waste container make sure its large enough for you requirements.

An overfull bin will be as useful as no bin at all when it comes to keeping vermin away so size is importance as is quality. Whatever style you opt for make sure it has a good quality lid and is stable so vermin won’t be able to tip them over.

How our homes look says a lot about our characters and personality which is why each year in the UK alone £ billions are spent by people renovating, redecorating and replacing furniture around the home. Nearly every aspect of somebody’s home can be altered to match other aspects of the home but surprisingly very few people put any thought into choosing a rubbish bin,  despite having to have them in nearly every room.

The waste bin is not only an essential piece of equipment it also nearly always visible and quite often the rubbish bin can be an unsightly blot in the corner of the room. But it doesn’t need to be that way.

There are some great places on the internet to buy quality rubbish bins that are not only functional and practical but there are such a huge range of rubbish bins available nearly every décor or theme of home can find the perfect waste bin for every room.

There are metallic designer bins that suit most modern them living room while retro bins suit those homes and kitchens that borrow trends fro yesteryear. Of course, in this day and age recycling our waste is not only ethically responsible its now enforceable by any local authorities. But recycling bins come in large range too from multi section recycling bins for the kitchen to large exterior bins for garden waste.

With kitchen bins many people place them in cupboards as they don;t want them on show or have any unsightly smells from lingering. But with some of the more modern and designer kitchen bins around at the movement there really is no need not only do they look fantastic but also there are numerous automatic and sensor activate lids that not only prevent smells but prevent the need to even touch the bin.

So next time you are re-papering the living room or refitting the kitchen give a little thought to the rubbish bin that is sat in the corner, perhaps its time for a new one.