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If you are a homeowner or business owner, one of the most common issues you have to deal with is unwanted waste access placed in your bins. If someone uses your bin without permission or throws trash in it, it can be frustrating and unsanitary.
To prevent these instances from occurring, a wheelie bin lock might be exactly what you need. Here’s everything that you should know about wheelie bin locks.
What is a Wheelie Bin Lock?
A wheelie bin lock is a device that secures the wheelie bin lid, preventing unauthorized accessing and keeping pests like rats and other unwanted animals from entering the container until the next scheduled collection day.
How does it work?
Wheelie bin locks are designed to fit around the handles of your wheeled bins securely. Different types of locks are manufactured to suit different sizes of bins correctly.
This simple mechanism fits underneath the lip of each cover while capturing both handles together using padlocks or other locking devices.
Some sophisticated products include a code system that ensures only authorized users can have access to the bins at specific times for collection purposes or when they need bins to be emptied.
What are some benefits?
There is undoubtedly an extensive range of benefits when investing in suitable quality wheelie-bin locks for indoor and outdoor waste containers:
Waste removal compliance
For certain types of rubbish, skip companies may impose fines if they discover you mixed this category into domestic rubbish. A padlocked pack would help ensure no illegal waste leaves your property, defeating potential fines.
Improved security
Household batteries may contain dangerous chemicals that can cause fires if they come into contact with metal tools or items; thus, adequate protection around your outdoor trash cans eliminates these fire hazards.
Environment protection
Plastic bags & food packaging left open allow vermin and wildlife access to leftover food scraps posing risks in mating areas and leaving disease-causing bacteria on pathways forcing infestations around areas where human activity is high.
Cost-effective
Investing in a wheelie bin gravity lock helps save long-term recurring costs associated with waste management services, such as additional hazardous waste removal and rodent extermination.
Types of Wheelie Bin Locks
There is an array of wheelie bin locks to choose from based on your specific needs. Some common types include:
- Combination lock: This type allows the user to select a unique code that can be used each time they want to open the container.
- Padlock: This is one of the most common types of lock that fits around the handles to secure the bin lid.
- Cam locks: A lock with a circular attachment tool called the cam mechanism which is turned with a key to open and close it.
- Claw locks: An exterior clamping style mechanism using steel jaws for added security on larger wheelie bins.
- Chain Locks: While many municipalities may discourage chain gates (frequently accessible garbage collection for gathering animals), creating chains across holes with various-colored pipe insulation makes it tough for anyone to inadvertently gather their rubbish from your container without being observed by neighbors.
What is the installation process?
The installation process consists mainly of fitting the lock/locking system onto the waste bin handles or hinges when they are in their closed position so that once tightened, this discourages someone else from using your branded containers while out-of-sight overnight until collection day.
These systems can be re-adjusted over time as needed, requiring no maintenance or preparation like drilling through metal surfaces–thus maintaining cleanliness levels in commercial spaces such as hotels, restaurants & recreation facilities.
How long does it take to install?
With experience installing these devices on a broad variety of lockdown mechanisms based on varying sizes within accommodation arrangements, businesses with up to five different garbage types should take anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes to install and test the system.
Do I need a professional to install it?
Most wheelie bin locks, locks come with instructions, which most homeowners or business owners can easily follow when fitting them onto their bins without requiring an expert in waste management installation.
Can it fit any sized bin?
Different lock systems are tailored to different needs, and so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to all fits. However, some locks can be used on different sizes of recycling containers.
Are they weather-resistant?
The vast majority of these systems have been successfully designed to be weather-resistant, and their lifespan can vary depending on the weather it is exposed to.
It is imperative to choose a durable and sturdy material version that protects against weather, especially when you live in areas with severe climatic conditions.
Additionally, you should consider buying high-quality locks that are made of stainless steel or other types of metals designed to withstand extreme temperatures, strong winds, rain, or hail for utmost security and protection.
Are wheelie bin locks durable?
The durability of your wheelie bin lock depends on how well you maintain your locking system, as recommended by manufacturers’ guidance.
Over time some parts can rust out; internal cam mechanisms wear down through frequent opening/closing and chain links getting jammed.
Overlooked, any of these issues could make it hard for the user to operate their wheelie lock correctly from properly shutting garbage cans leading to hygiene problems.
What are the maintenance procedures involved?
Maintenance quantity varies based on the design being used. Customer service teams highly recommend regular cleaning and maintenance of locking systems’ bolts/nuts using a dry cloth & WD-40 to ensure long-term use.
Additionally, hinge pins may get loose or seize up after extended periods leading to failure in operation terms exposing waste collection at any given time, and resulting in unvalidated arrangements by equally worried local authorities.
How much do wheelie bin locks cost?
Locks have different price ranges, but most models go for around $15-$30 each depending on form factors such as keys or combination-based options available for purchase online or in hardware stores, depending on whether it’s purpose-built residential/commercial bins.
Some manufacturers sell them at higher prices. The sale price may also depend on the features like how the bins are lifted.
Conclusion
Wheelie bin locks provide ultimate protection against pests and unsanitary waste disposal. They come in various types, including combination locks, padlocks, cam locks, claw locks, and chain locks. Installation is simple and generally does not require a professional.
Maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of these locking systems to avoid unexpected failure of the operation. Wheelie bin locks have varying prices depending on the choice of material and lock type.
