“A waste receptacle, as a stand-alone collection option, is no longer the dominant force in the collection container industry. Rather, it is now most desirable for the waste receptacle to be paired with a recycling option to prove effective. This trend will continue as an integral part of every collection program across North America,” stated Chris McBrien, marketing manager at Busch Systems. Busch manufactures a line of recycling, waste and compost containers.

McBrien said, “All of our products contain a minimum of 35 percent recycled content and are proudly made in North America. Busch Systems develops more molded recycling, waste and compost containers than all of the other manufacturers combined. Our recycling receptacles are specifically manufactured to be clear, easy to use, to prevent contamination and to generate the cleanest possible stream of recyclables.”

The Waste Watcher and Super Sorter are two Busch products that can be used in multiple collection streams within a single unit. “Our product line addresses the end user need to consolidate their collection program. By unifying collection of diverse items, we believe collection becomes easier. When that happens participation rates increase and contamination rates reduce. That is the key to a successful recycling program. Busch Systems will continue to design products with this fundamental concept in mind,” McBrien said.

Durabac was originally only a manufacturer of metal waste receptacles. Then the company received a special customer request for a polyethylene bin. That was 15 years ago. After evaluation and R&D, the first container was designed for a very demanding application – rendering, or swine collection. “These poly containers were dragged, pushed, and dropped in farmer’s fields and also subject to serious wear when dead pigs were dropped into the bins, throughout all weather conditions. Today, this same product design is in use, in countless settings. A polyethylene container requires no maintenance and has 2 or 3 times the life expectancy over a metal container, making the poly container the best investment. We offer a complete line of polyethylene containers for all waste and recycling needs,” said Penny Lamarre of Durabac sales and marketing.

Lamarre pointed out that not all poly containers are the same, however. “Over the years and through extensive product testing, Durabac’s Duraplast division has developed the finest polyethylene recipe and manufacturing process available. Our products are best suited to withstand the most forceful impact, hot and cold temperature variations and our products offer the best resistance to liquids, oils and chemicals. To achieve these goals, a 100 percent virgin, unique resin is used in our manufacturing process. No recycled resin is used.

“When fabricating a container with recycled resin, the polyethylene molecule properties are greatly affected by the loss of strength and resistance. Duraplast containers are roto-molded, not injection molded. This process was chosen to achieve greater product flexibility while increasing product life expectancy. For a container to last a long time, factors such as wall thickness, container structural design, UV stabilization and powder electro-coated metal components must be taken into consideration,” said Lamarre.

She added, “The waste and recycling industry is moving toward a zero waste goal. Being green is the way to go. Now, we see the need for collection of food waste and yard clippings. The polyethylene container is also best suited for these applications. The Duraplast commercial organic collection container is available in 2, 3 and 4 cubic yard sizes, with a special lid design, as this container is usually emptied by a front-load truck or a rendering truck.”

Shawn Kruse, commercial container business manager at Rehrig Pacific Company said the company’s commercial containers are a third lighter than comparable metal containers, yet are extremely tough and will last for the long-haul. “Our containers are made with a high-impact, UV-stabilized polyethylene resin that won’t rust or corrode like metal and our products clean easily. Pockets and hinge supports are integrally molded, not fastened-on, while top rims are heavily reinforced to add strength where it’s needed most. Front-load containers have replaceable pocket sleeves that add sidewall thickness and protection against puncturing by fork tines. Both models have molded-in floor beams that provide support and stepped sidewalls provide stiffness to avoid bottom sagging and sidewall bowing. Lids are crowned so they won’t collect water and will remain rigid. Fiberglass hinge rods are substantially supported over their entire length, providing long-life and smooth lid operation. All containers are dent resistant and easily repairable,” Kruse said.

After noting those product durability features, Kruse commented about how the recession has resulted in a user focus on reducing costs and managing assets. “Customers constantly look for different ways to reduce operating costs. Purchasing a container that is durable and doesn’t require painting or welding can save hundreds of dollars over the life of that container. Containers that can nest inside one another can save room and free up valuable yard space for additional revenue-generating equipment. Because of the plastic container’s lighter weight and easier maneuverability, some customers have been able to change from using a two-man truck collection method to using just a single driver. This has reduced labor costs, and it provides manpower for other activities a waste business may offer,” he said.

“Also, RFID technology is increasingly used in waste containers and trucks that are outfitted with RFID readers and GPS systems. Every time a container with a RFID tag is used, the truck reader records that action with a date, time, and location. By incorporating that data into a software solution, like Rehrig’s C.A.R.T.S (Container Asset Recovery Tracking System), you can efficiently manage your container assets by knowing exactly where every container is located. Every day, containers are used at locations that are either in default or not in the billing system at all. By comparing data collected on a route with billing records, one can easily identify thousands of dollars in revenue that would otherwise go uncollected,” Kruse commented.

Rehrig commercial containers include recessed lid-grip areas on the top rim for protected access to the lid. Kruse said, “They’re also ideal for quiet pick-up and disposal, environmentally friendly, 100 percent recyclable, are offered in eight standard colors that won’t fade (custom colors are available) and offer large smooth areas for stickers or branded logos and slogans.

“Optional in-mold labels allow for intricate multi-color graphics and messages and graffiti can be wiped off using simple cleaners. Rehrig containers maneuver easily and with less noise on their standard 6” polyolefin wheels. Molded-in caster rings speed caster plate installation without bolts perforating the container floor. Each caster installs quickly and easily in the field because there is only one bolt to fasten. There is a choice of fixed or swivel casters. Optional lockable casters are also available.”