Office bins

Office bins are designed with the look of the workspace in mind. Their discreet design blends well with modern office interiors while still offering a practical capacity for everyday waste.

They are standard equipment for workstations in office buildings and coworking spaces.

Their muted colours and compact form allow the bin to stand right next to a desk or in a reception area without spoiling the look of the interior, which matters in offices with a consistent design scheme. Many manufacturers offer versions colour-matched to office furniture.

Further capacity and material options can be found in the parent category litter bins, which also includes these office models.

The most popular material remains plastic with a matt finish, which hides the minor scratches that come with daily use. In higher-end offices, however, metal bins are increasingly common, for example in brushed steel, matching the style of other interior fittings.

Offices are increasingly using two-compartment office bins that separate general waste from paper, the waste stream offices generate in the largest quantities. This makes it easier for staff to sort waste right at their workstation, without walking to a distant collection point just for paper.

When choosing pedal-operated models, consider the noise made when the lid closes. In quiet working zones and meeting rooms, bins with an open flap or a soft-close mechanism that dampens the bang are a better choice. A typical office bin holds between a dozen or so and thirty litres, which is entirely sufficient for a single workstation when emptied daily.

A well-chosen office bin can be almost invisible in the space: it does not distract from work, yet does its job of keeping things tidy without compromise. The full range of capacities and materials, including versions for industrial and catering use, can be found in the parent category.

In larger offices, it is worth placing office bins not only at workstations but also near printers, kitchenettes and break areas, where a different type of waste is produced than at the desk itself. Well-planned placement means staff do not have to carry waste long distances in search of the nearest bin.

When ordering a larger number of bins for an entire office building, it is worth standardising the model and colour across all floors. Consistent fittings look professional and help cleaning staff find their way quickly, whichever floor of the building they are working on.