Industrial Garbage Containers: Types and Applications

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that industrial facilities generate a staggering 7.6 billion tons of industrial solid waste each year. At the operational level, waste management requires more than just occasional pickups; keeping a facility clean means developing a strategic approach to containerization.

By understanding the different types of containers available and their intended uses, facility managers can develop effective waste handling systems. Here’s a look at common industrial garbage containers and their intended applications.

Interior Waste Containers

Handling waste within the facility, from point-of-generation to central collection, requires different container types:

Utility Trash Cans & Wheeled Bins (Roll-Out Carts)

Commonly used for internal waste collection, these range from basic stationary waste baskets for office spaces to mobile two-wheeled bins. For industrial settings, wheeled bins made from durable, injection-molded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are essential.

Look for features like UV stabilization for outdoor space use, reinforced wear points, robust wheels, and tight-fitting lid options. The Cascade Icon Series Roll-Out Carts offer these features, along with standard RFID tags for tracking and ANSI compliance for compatibility with lifting systems. Custom colors are available.

Mobile Garbage Bins (MGBs)

These larger, four-wheeled HDPE containers (typically 170-290 gallons) act as mobile consolidation points within large facilities like manufacturing plants or warehouses. Solus Group offers high-capacity Mobile Garbage Bins ideal for collecting waste from multiple smaller bins, reducing trips to the main dumpster.

Waste Compactors

These machines reduce the volume of compressible waste (cardboard, plastic, general trash), significantly lowering hauling costs. Stationary compactors compress waste into a separate receiver bin (often a roll-off) suitable for dry waste.

Self-contained compactors integrate the compactor and container, making them ideal for wet waste streams (for example, in food processing and in hospitals) as they prevent leaks and control odors.

Related content: Essential Food Processing Equipment: Mobile Drum Dumpers

Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Containers\

Handling hazardous waste requires strict adherence to EPA (RCRA) and OSHA regulations. Specialized containers are mandatory, designed for specific hazards and material compatibility.

Examples include oily waste cans with self-closing lids to prevent spontaneous combustion, puncture-resistant and leak-proof biohazard containers (frequently, these are red or labeled with the biohazard symbol), and specifically designated containers for RCRA-coded wastes (ignitable, corrosive, toxic, reactive).

Major Dumpster Categories for Bulk Waste

Dumpsters serve as central collection points that differ in size, loading mechanism, and application:

• Front-Load Dumpsters (FEL): These are common commercial dumpster types seen behind businesses and industrial sites (in other words, “street dumpsters"). Characterized by side slots for lifting by front-loading trucks, they typically range from 2 to 8 cubic yards. FELs are ideal for facilities with consistent waste streams requiring regular collection.
• Rear-Load Dumpsters (REL): Similar in function to FELs, RELs are designed for rear-loading trucks using a winch and cable system. RELs often have a slanted top for easier manual loading. They’re suitable for locations with space constraints like narrow alleys where front-load trucks cannot maneuver. Capacities generally range from 1 to 10 cubic yards.
• Roll-Off Dumpsters: Significantly larger containers (10 to 40 cubic yards), roll-offs are delivered and removed by specialized trucks. A good roll-off dumpster will feature heavy-duty steel construction and often a rear door for walk-in loading. Ideal for temporary, high-volume projects, they’re also known as construction dumpsters or cleanout dumpsters. Smaller units are recommended for heavy materials like concrete to avoid exceeding weight limits.

Ensuring Safe and Efficient Waste Handling

Manually lifting and emptying heavy industrial trash cans, roll-out carts, or MGBs poses significant ergonomic risks for workers. Using appropriate material handling equipment is crucial — for safety, yes, but also for maximizing efficiency.

Solus Group offers a range of Bin Dumpers designed to eliminate manual lifting hazards:

• The Multi-Tip® is suited for lighter bins (up to 96 gallons, 330 lbs).
• The versatile Dumpmaster® handles standard bins up to 550 lbs with various tipping heights.
• The MegaDumper® is built for heavy-duty tasks, capable of emptying large MGBs (up to 1,323 lbs).
• The Dockmaster is specifically designed for safely emptying bins from loading docks into dumpsters below.

All Bin Dumpers provide a controlled lift-and-tip motion, protecting workers and improving workflow when handling both Cascade Roll-Out Carts and larger Mobile Garbage Bins.

Choosing the Right Industrial Garbage Containers

Selecting the best containers involves assessing several factors: waste type (wet/dry, hazardous, recyclable), volume and generation rate, available space and location (indoor vs. outdoor), handling methods (manual vs. mechanical), regulatory requirements, and budget. Conducting a waste audit can provide the necessary data to make informed decisions.

For further guidance, see our posts on Choosing Industrial Garbage Containers for Facility Waste Handling and our Industrial Trash Can Buying Guide. To learn more about Bin Dumpers, read: Choosing the Right Bin Dumper.

Contact Solus Group at 314-696-0200 for expert assistance in selecting the ideal industrial garbage containers and Bin Dumpers for your facility.