The detrimental effect that plastics have on our environment is familiar to us, alongside an ever-increasing need to reduce our reliance upon its use. Pete Dickson, Commercial Director at Impact Environmental Group (a leading operator in the provision of waste and recycling products and service solutions), offers insight into why steel containers should be considered a more viable environmentally friendly, long-term option, and where plastic still has its place.
Lifespan and Durability
Steel waste containers, such as Taylor’s flagship Continental, are favoured for their robust quality, longevity and the flexibility to re-brand or change material streams easily; post-refurbishment, they can look as good as new. Typically, containers have a lifespan of around 10 years however, we take great pride in restoring containers that are 30, 40 or even 50 years old – at UKCM, it’s not unusual for us to refurbish metal waste containers from the 1980s!
The refurbishment of steel bins also offers the opportunity for enhancements; we shotblast, repaint, and apply any new logos and safety/marketing messages before delivery back to the customer, ensuring the container looks pristine once again, regardless of age.
Health and Safety
Waste and recycling containers are often found in the public domain so, it is not only essential to ensure they are maintained to the highest of standards for their visual appeal but, to ensure they are safe and effective for use.
Plastic-wheeled waste containers pose a significantly greater fire risk than steel waste containers. Metal waste containers can contain a fire, whereas their plastic counterparts can contribute significantly to a fire originating within its contents. A plastic container will produce around five times the heat released by metal containers, and over eight times the total smoke generated. The molten pool formed by the eventual collapse of a plastic container could also result in fire spreading to adjacent materials or containers of similar construction.
Although, it is key to consider that while a metal lid might contain a fire, it won’t extinguish it as the air can still access the container. Dureflex’s dual-skinned lid however, is specifically engineered to bow and seal the container, starving the fire of oxygen and therefore putting the fire out.
Protecting Your Investment and The Environment
As advocates for the circular economy here at Impact Environmental Group, promoting the capturing of materials so that today’s stock is remanufactured or reused to become tomorrow’s stock, rather than landfill is significant. This also fulfils a circular business model designed to keep companies profitable.
Steel waste containers present a prime opportunity for significant cost-savings. Due to the durability of the material, metal containers can be easily and efficiently refurbished and restored, therefore resulting in a longer life for the container, a low-cost solution for businesses and a substantial reduction in the use of plastic, a hugely positive step forward for the environment.
With waste containers, the substantial cost-saving potential is released by unlocking the capital tied up in damaged units by restoring them to full working order to prolong their useful life, and in many cases enhancing the build at the same time to create increased asset value.
