How to Choose the Right Waste Receptacles for Bathroom Facilities

Well, it’s time for the most exciting part of designing or equipping a bathroom facility – the trash can! Okay, maybe it’s not the most exciting part, but it’s definitely important. Good sanitation in the bathroom keeps everyone safe and the facility clean.

But what are the important criteria when searching for a trash receptacle? What makes one better than another? And what should you expect to pay?

Our helpful buying guide will answer all your questions. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right waste receptacles!

1. Type

First things first – do you want stand-alone waste containers or built-in ones? Both come with a few pros and cons – namely how easy they are to access and how much space they take up.

A stand-alone trash receptacle will take up more space in the restroom and you have to decide on a good place to put it. The stand-alone trash receptacle needs to be accessible but not in the way of a high-traffic area of the public restroom.

If you choose a built-in trash receptacle you don’t have to worry about taking up too much space. You can choose the size you need and consider purchasing more than one based on the size of the restroom. If you have several sinks in a row you might consider at least one on each side of the sinks for accessible disposal of paper towels.

2. Ability to Clean

Commercial waste receptacles need to be cleaned on a regular basis to promote good sanitation and safety. The inside and outside of each receptacle need to be kept in good order. Public restroom users will notice if the outside of the trash can has stains or grime.

Stainless steel public restroom waste receptacles are among the easiest to sanitize and they don’t stain. They have the added benefit of being durable too. When clean, stainless steel has a nice, sleek look to it.

Some receptacles have doors or swinging lids for easy use. These trash receptacles are discreet and may look better but you have to be extra careful to thoroughly clean the lid, which can sometimes be hard to reach.

Remember that cleaning the trash receptacles should be a part of the restroom cleaning checklist. Aim to clean the outside daily or at least twice a week. You may want to increase the frequency if the restroom is heavily trafficked or if there is a special event with more than average traffic and use.

3. Size

Most waste containers are sold in more than one size to fit your needs. You’ll want to consider the size you want and the space you have. It may be more convenient to have a larger waste container (20-gallons or more) but it has to fit without obstruction.

The receptacle size also depends on what type of trash is being thrown away there. In a public restroom, it’s most likely for paper towels or feminine hygiene packaging. However, if you’ve noticed in the past that restroom visitors are throwing away larger things you might want a larger trash can.

Before you start shopping for trash receptacles, measure your space. Then, look for options that fit the area.

4. Price

If you’ve never purchased trash receptacles for a public restroom before you may be wondering what you can expect to pay. The price depends on the size, material, and durability of the receptacle.

Larger versions of the receptacle cost more than smaller versions. Stainless steel might cost more than other materials. When you’re shopping for a trash receptacle, you can expect to pay somewhere between about $125 and $500. In your budget, you also need to account for how many receptacles you need.

5. Durability

If you’re going to invest in waste receptacles, you’ll want them to last a long time. So, picking a durable receptacle is important. Cheap parts may fall apart or wear down quickly meaning you have to replace the waste container frequently.

Take a look at all the parts of the receptacle before purchasing. Look at the lid and base to check for parts that could be damaged easily.

A Few More Trash Tips

Part of choosing the right waste receptacles is choosing the right placement. If you want to promote a clean, sanitary public restroom you need the trash receptacles to be obvious and accessible. You can use signage or stickers to increase the visibility of the receptacle too.

When it comes to receptacles for feminine hygiene products, accessibility is also important. If the receptacles aren’t convenient to use, you may have unwanted sanitary products being flushed and causing clogs or other damage. Make it easy for restroom visitors to dispose of trash.

You may also want to consider purchasing heavy-duty liners for trash receptacles in public restrooms. The plastic liner keeps the inside of the receptacle clean and makes it easier to take out the trash. If you purchase thin liners they might tear, which means a big mess to clean up.

If the aesthetic of the public restroom is important to you, you might want to match the trash receptacles with the other bathroom accessories. A great way to do this is to purchase all of your public restroom accessories from one vendor. You can see the products side-by-side and ensure they look good together.

Where to Purchase Waste Receptacles

Congratulations – you’re now an expert in waste receptacles! Using the criteria above, you can find the perfect product for a public restroom. And even though trash isn’t glamorous, it’s an important function of the restroom. The right trash receptacles keep a restroom clean and sanitary.

Remember to keep trash receptacles clean inside and outside. Replace liners when needed and remove trash in a timely manner.

When you’re ready to purchase waste receptacles, take a look at our extensive inventory here.  You can also shop for other bathroom accessories and hardware needs. If you have questions about our products you can also contact us online.