Sizing for London council bins
Standard London wheelie bin (240L general waste): 740×735×1080mm. Recycling box (55L, Westminster/K&C type) 480×380×290mm. Food caddy 195×280×195mm. Camden, Wandsworth, Lambeth: 240L + 240L recycling + 23L food = 1700mm wide minimum. Hackney + Islington: 180L wheelies — slightly less width. Tower Hamlets + Newham + LBHF: communal bins on street — no individual store needed. Plan internal width 1750–2150mm for 3-bin store, 2400–2850mm for 4-bin. Internal depth 850mm clear to allow bin tilt-out. Height 1100–1200mm (over wheelie bin lid by 80–100mm for clearance).
Construction options
Kit pressure-treated softwood (Forest Garden, Rowlinson): £650–£950 supplied + 1-day self-install. 8–12-year life. Bespoke hardwood framed (iroko, cedar, oak): £1,450–£2,250 — 95×95mm posts, T&G or louvred sides, sloped lid (hinged or lift-off) with EPDM membrane underlayer. 20–25-year life. Premium bespoke matching house cladding: brick-effect panels, timber + planter combination top, integrated automatic open hatch, fully concealed appearance: £2,850–£3,850. Front-opening typical (lift-out doors or pair of hinged); top-opening for emptying access; bottom raised on bearers off ground for drainage + rodent prevention.
Planning + practical details
Under 1m tall = no planning. Over 1m + on highway-facing front garden = check borough rules (Camden + K&C + Westminster require under 1m for street appearance). Locate clear of refuse collector access — typical pavement-to-bin pull route 8–12m max. Sloped lid 15° minimum for rain run-off; EPDM under-lid prevents rot. Internal: open mesh floor or 25mm gap-T&G floor for drainage. Side air vents (75mm grilles) prevent compost smell + condensation. Bracket the structure to existing wall or paving for stability (wheelie bins are heavy when full).
