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Bins, Containers, Dumpsters - that's what started this forum::
Common bin styles, sizes and specification standards
Mobile garbage containers (MGB's), wheelie bins, refuse carts, mobile refuse bins, call them what you may, are available in hundreds of styles, shapes and sizes. Also in different materials, grades of materials and thicknesses. Some are more resistant to UV rays or corrosion, some are more susceptible to damage by the handling equipment (lifters), some are preferred by the end-user (or the loading crews) over others, etc, etc, etc.
Despite many patents, a lot of copying has taken place in the bin industry. Two bins from different suppliers may appear to be deceptively similar, but they are often quite different. Europe has taken the lead in trying to standardise the bins with their European Norms, but that sometimes results in their obsolete designs (and molds) being shipped to countries where the EN rules do not apply.
As designers/producers of bin handling equipment in South Africa, we are guided by two specification standards:
- SABS 1494 Mobile Refuse Bins (South African Bureau of Standards)
- EN840 Parts 1 to 3 : Mobile Waste containers (Fahrbare Abfallsammelbehälter)
The SABS 1494 spec is of little help to the designer of bin handling equipment. It seems to have been compiled from the point of view of the plastics injection molding industry, i.e. the bin suppliers. There is a very small section that tries to explain the "comb" connection of the lifter to the bin, but that has been superceded by more comprehensive information today. Even though the SABS spec should be covering the Ultra Violet sun light aspects, I can't recall that it does?
EN 840 is of far more value to the bin handling side. It contains comprehensive tables of dimensions relating to the following diagrams:
 
Very recently, Parts 5 and 6 of the EN 840 European Norms were updated. They are:
- EN 840-5:2004: Mobile waste containers. Performance requirements and test methods (This covers the same ground as SANS 1494?)
- EN 840-6:2004: Mobile waste containers. Safety and health requirements
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