Wheelie bins have becomeare a necessary, but unattractive, part of waste disposal in our homes. They are very useful but dont exactly look particularly nice, especially the larger versions. How then, can you disguise this necessary monster in between collection days? Here, we will discuss a number of effective ways to store a wheelie bin.

Firstly, the portable screen.

The portable screen is a relatively cheap answer 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 lattice made from either wood or pvc slats.

Because they are portable, these screens can be moved to different places around the garden and can also be used to disguise other essential equipment in the garden that you dont necessarily want to show off. They are also ideal 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 as well, but they are fixed at a particular point in the garden. A fixed trellis can act also as a support for a climbing plant, thereby creating a more attractive, living screen. Perfumed flowers can also reduce the more unpleasant smells emitting from the wheelie bin.

A permanent screen can actually be built from many 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 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 raised and have an access door at the front of the structure. As with the permanent screen, these sheds can be made to suit several bins or different sizes. These sheds can be made from wood or metal to suit your specifications.

Sheds for wheelie bins should ideally have a concrete floor ” this will make cleanups of spills much more straightforward.

Can you build your own?

If you are able to work with basic tools and construction, then you will probably be able to design and build your own screen or shed for your wheelie bin. If you can do this, you will be certain that you have the dimensions and style you wish to achieve and it is often cheaper to construct your own. Some hardware stores have plans to help you with the measurements and assembly. You can also purchase a screen or shed in kit form and assemble it yourself.

If however, you don’t like to “do-it-yourself”, you are probably better off choosing from ready made wheelie bin storage designs or having someone custom build from your requirements.

Where is the best position to situate your screen or shed?

When deciding where to put the screen or shed, you should be aware 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 compromise ” not too far away from the house that it becomes a real nuisance 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.

Finally

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