Wheelie bins have evolved into a necessary, but ugly, part of waste disposal in our homes. They are extremely useful but dont look particularly appealing, especially the larger versions. How then, can you disguise this useful monster in between collection days? Here, we will discuss a number of winning ways to store|methods of storing| a wheelie bin.

Firstly, the portable screen.

The portable screen is a relatively inexpensive solution to this unsightly problem. They can be purchased from garden centres or hardware stores and they come in many different materials. A popular choice is the bamboo screen that can double as a dividing wall in a garden: there are alternatives that are made from expanding trellis made from either wood or pvc slats.

Due to their portability, these screens can be shifted around the garden and can also be used to disguise other essential items in the garden that you dont necessarily want to show off. They are also the perfect solution for people who are renting: the screen can go with you to your new address.

Secondly, a permanent screen.

Permanent screens can be made from bamboo and trellis also, but they are fixed at a particular place in the garden. A fixed trellis can serve also as a support for a climbing plant, thereby resulting in a more attractive, living screen. Perfumed flowers can also reduce the more unpleasant smells emitting from the wheelie bin.

A permanent screen can in reality be made out of many different materials, including timber, metal or even masonry and can be custom designed to fit the size of the bin or accommodate several bins.

Have you thought about building a shed for the bins?

You may be able to install a shed that is purpose built for the bin. These sheds are slightly higher than the bin, as this allows for the lid to be lifted and have an access door at the front of the structure. As with the permanent screen, these sheds can be made to suit multiple bins or different sizes. These sheds can be made from wood or metal to your specifications.

Sheds for wheelie bins should ideally be equipped with a concrete floor ” this will make cleanups of spills much easier.

Can you build your own?

If you have a working knowledge of basic tools and construction, then it is possible to design and build your own screen or shed for your wheelie bin. This way, you can be sure that you have the dimensions and style you require and it is often less expensive to construct your own. A number of hardware stores can supply plans to help you with the measurements and assembly. It is also possible to purchase a screen or shed as a kit and build it yourself.

If however, you are not confident enough to “do-it-yourself”, you are probably best off selecting from ready made wheelie bin storage solutions or having someone custom build from your requirements.

Where is the best place to situate it?

When deciding where to place the screen or shed, you should be aware of where the collection point is and distance from the house as well as having the bin situated where unpleasant smells will not be detected from the house. Find a compromise ” not too far away from the house that it becomes a bother to take out the garbage, yet not too far from the collection point that you are leaving it to the last minute to put it out.

And lastly

Opt for a screen or shed that suits your budget and your personal style. That way, those unattractive but essential monsters will be pleasantly camouflaged.