Glasgow Bin Hubs Drive the City’s Simpler Recycling Transformation

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Glasgow City Council, Scotland

Our 5-bay bin hubs with dedicated food-waste bays are streamlining recycling and improving waste management across Glasgow.

Client: Glasgow City Council

Year: 2025

When Glasgow City Council awarded us a contract to supply modular on-street bin hubs, we saw a real opportunity. We knew that by bringing together robust engineering, smart design and a clear understanding of local recycling policy, we could make a genuine difference in how waste is managed in the city’s densely populated and flatted areas.

From the onset, our design principles for these 5-bay bin hubs were driven by three priorities: durability, hygiene, and simplicity. We made the hubs using heavy-duty steel, reinforcing the frame to stand up to urban wear and tear while also securing the bins inside.

The external surfaces are treated with our PROTEX primer and powder-coating, delivering corrosion resistance, weather protection, and a finish that easy to maintain. The front-access doors are lockable, using tamper-proof hinges and locks, which helps prevent misuse, reduces litter scatters and minimises the risk of rodents.

One of the key features of the bin hubs is the inclusion of a food waste bay, alongside the four general and recyclable bins. This reflects the council’s approach to complying with the new Simpler Recycling legislation. The aim of the new legislation is to make it as easy as possible for residents to correctly separate food waste, helping to reduce contamination and improve recycling outcomes.

The hubs are designed for to be easy to operate for both residents and operatives. The internal layout allows large wheelie bins to sit neatly side by side, and the bin housing hides the individual wheelie bins while keeping the area tidy. We also included clear signage, so each bay is labelled with vinyl graphics and colour-coded RAL panels. This allows residents to immediately tell which bay is for food waste, which for recyclables, and which for general waste.

Security and pest control were also central to the design: the lockable system helps prevent unauthorised fly tipping, and by enclosing the bins, it reduces odour leakage. Combined with regular servicing by the council, we believe this contributes to a cleaner, more hygienic environment for residents.

The rollout across Glasgow has shown real potential. Early reports from Glasgow City Council suggest the quality of recycling has improved since the pilot hubs were introduced. As people get used to separating food waste and recyclables in clearly marked bays, recycling contamination should drop, collection efficiency should improve, and the city’s environmental targets will become more achievable.