Avoiding Rubbish Design
Providing for bin storage on new housing developments
This project began with a survey of local authorities in England carried out in the summer of 2014 to record what each local authority sets as its standard for waste and recycling.. It identified widely-varying requirements ranging from 7 receptacles (mostly wheelie bins) to none which challenges designers, especially when there may be different requirements on two sides of the same street.
The second phase of the project involved a review of housing developments across England, using examples of good design, where adequate storage had been integrated unobtrusively. The criteria against which developments were considered included:
- reducing visual impact
- allowing adequate space for the number and size of bins and other containers
- ensuring convenience for use including by residents with reduced mobility
- ensuring that solutions are durable, low maintenance and cleanable
- managing odour and noise issues
- addressing other health and safety issues (including fire and vermin)
- working out arrangements for collection days
- minimising impact on use of pavements and streets by pedestrians and vehicles.
Accommodating bin storage in terraced houses stands out as an example that requires particular thought and attention. This guide seeks to provide a series of best practice examples which can be applied when designing residential layouts. The examples are by no means exhaustive and can be adapted to suit the site-specific requirements. A number of ‘Golden Rules’ provide a series of prompts for designers to consider.
Please call us on 020 3301 3856 if you would like to find out more.
