Wheelie bins have become a necessary, but ugly, part of waste disposal in our homes. They are extremely functional but dont exactly look appealing, especially the bigger bins. How then, can you disguise this useful monster in between collection days? Here, we will discuss a number of successful ways to store a wheelie bin.

To begin with, 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 are made in a variety of materials. A popular option is the bamboo screen that can double as a dividing wall in a garden: others are made from expanding trellis constructed using either wood or pvc slats.

Because of their portability, these screens can be moved around the garden and can also be used to disguise other necessary equipment in the garden that you dont necessarily want to show off. They are also a great idea for people who are renting: the screen can move 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 location in the garden. A fixed trellis can act also as a support for a climbing plant, thereby creating a more attractive, living screen. Vines with highly scented flowers can also minimise the more unpleasant smells emitting from the wheelie bin.

A permanent screen can in reality be built from a variety of different materials, including timber, metal or even masonry and can be custom designed to fit the size of the bin or accommodate multiple bins.

Have you considered a special shed for the bins?

It is also possible to build a shed that is purpose built for the bin. These sheds are normally slightly higher than the bin, to allow for the lid to be raised and have an access door at the front of the structure. As with the permanent screen, they can be designed to suit multiple bins or varying 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 construct your own?

If you are handy with 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 want and it is often less expensive to build your own. A number of hardware stores have plans to help you with the measurements and assembly. It is also possible to purchase a screen or shed as a kit and assemble 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 considering where to place the screen or shed, you should be mindful of where the collection point is and the proximity to the house as well as having the bin located where unpleasant odours will not be detected from the house. Find a happy medium ” not too far away from the house that it becomes a bother to take out the rubbish, but not too far from the collection point that you are leaving it to the last minute to put it out.

Finally

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