Operation & Maintenance Manual - Litter Bins & Recycling Bins

Introduction

Broxap litter bins and recycling units have been supplied to designs that have been proven over years of development and installation. Our litter bins and recycling units can be supplied in a number of different base materials, to suit every situation and environment. To aid in ensuring the maximum life can be realised with the product, along with minimising the costs for major
refurbishment, this manual has been created to assist in the ongoing maintenance requirements along with identifying important points that should be followed at all times.

Broxap are ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) and ISO45001 (Health and Safety) certified through the BSI.

These 3 standards have been utilised during the design, manufacture, processing and delivery of the product. Our commitment to providing a service of quality that takes into consideration the effects of the environment during its manufacture and life plus the health and safety of the Customers has been fully considered.

Other standards that have also been considered during product design and manufacture are:

• BS EN ISO 1461:2022 (Hot Dip Galvanised Coatings on Fabricated Iron & Steel Articles) 
• BS EN ISO 13920:2023 (Welding. General tolerances for welded constructions. Dimensions for lengths and angles, shape and position)

A number of our litterbins are either timber-clad, or manufactured entirely from timber. These products can be supplied with FSC Certified timber, if requested at time of order. FSC timber is supplied with full Chain of Custody. This ensures that it originates from legal and sustainable sources. Broxap’s FSC Certificate registration code: SA-COC-004482. All products must be unwrapped within 72 hours of delivery. If products remain wrapped, the prolonged effect of the environmental conditions they are exposed to may result in premature corrosion, permanent discolouration/staining, the formation of mould/mildew.

Broxap Ltd will not be held liable if this instruction is not observed.

 Any damage or missing components must also be reported within 72 hours of delivery acceptance.

Health & Safety Information

The vast majority of Broxap litter bins have no specific operating instructions once they have been installed as per Broxap’s recommended instructions. Please refer to www.broxap.com or sales@broxap.com for further details.

These being:

• Product that utilizes cast iron, ductile iron or concrete will be a significant weight (the Broxap website / catalogues give an indication of the weight of each product). Therefore the movement of such must not be undertaken by a single person. When reasonably practical, mechanical handling devices should be used for all products heavier than 20kg. Safety footwear should also be worn.
• When routine maintenance is being undertaken there is a requirement for the customer to observe the required Health & Safety information for the materials /products being used. Broxap identify that:- It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that full care, responsibility, correct operation / use, and training are adhered to at all times.

Broxap cannot accept any responsibility for any damage or injury to persons or property as a result of not working in a safe and proper manner.

In terms of Health & Safety, the main factor to consider is manual handling when positioning them or emptying the waste.

When removing waste from the bins, the users are required to ensure they are mindful of any sharps present in the waste or the dispersal of any fluids that may have been disposed of. 

Materials & Processes

As the product is designed to utilise various customer requirements, the following is a list of materials and processes that could have been used during its processing: 

• Pre-galvanised sheet - Grade DX51 Z275
• Mild steel with Zintec coating - Grade DC01+ZE 25/25
• Stainless Steel - Grade 304 or 316
• Cast Iron - Grade 250
• Ductile Iron - Grade 450-10
• Aluminium
• Wood - Hardwood & Softwood (Including FSC Certified)
• Plastic
• Concrete
• Proprietary locking mechanisms
• Fixings
• Reflective tape/Decals

Processes Used

• Bending, forming, fabrication and welding
• Laser Cutting/Punching of sheet metal
• Casting (Aluminium, Iron & Concrete)
• Zinc Galvanising/Zintec Coating
• Plastic moulding
• Polishing of stainless steel
• Polyester powder coating
• Wet painting
• Wood working
• Staining of wood
• Fitting of reflective tape & vinyl logos
• Electro zinc plating of fasteners and fixings

Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair

This section gives a generic overview of the inspection and cleaning regimes, solutions, methods and techniques which will preserve the aesthetic finish of the bollards.

Inspection & Cleaning

To maximise life expectancy the products should be visually inspected on a regular basis for any signs of damage, vandalism, breakdown of surface finish, build-up of salt, dirt or atmospheric residue, and loose fixings. During these inspections, should any concerns be noted, then the Customer’s attention is brought to the following pages whereby suitable maintenance and repair methods are described for the various materials used. In addition to the visual inspection, a regular cleaning regime is also required.

The required frequency of visual inspection and cleaning will be dependent on the environment in which the product is situated:

• In rural and urban environments the products must be visually inspected monthly, and cleaned every 3 months.
• In harsh industrial or coastal environments, where the products may come into contact with concentrated atmospheric pollutants (chemical, marine), the visual inspection frequency must be increased to weekly, and the cleaning frequency increased to monthly (or as required).

Note - High street bins, particularly those situated in high foot traffic areas, or outside fast food outlets, where a high content of carbonated drinks is being deposited, will require a strict cleaning and maintenance programme (as per harsh environment above).

This document is not designed to be exhaustive and extensive in the exacting requirements of every case. If you consider your cleaning or repair circumstances to be outside of the scope of this document, then please contact Broxap and we will be happy to advise.

Comprehensive written records must be maintained detailing all inspections, cleaning and maintenance. Records should detail the method of cleaning, what products have been used, and what repair work has been undertaken. 

Each entry must be signed and dated.

In the case of a warranty claim against Broxap, this information will be requested.

Note - When cleaning inside the bins, be aware of sharps (such as needles) hidden inside the base area. The use of a scraper is recommended. 

Powder Coating (Mild Steel Litter Bins, Dog Waste Bins & Recycling Units)

As the name suggests, this process involves the application of a polyester powder onto the substrate, using an electrostatic gun. This is then oven cured to create the hard wearing outer layer that can be seen on the finished product.

Powder coating can last many years, but its life expectancy depends on a variety of factors, including site location, atmospheric conditions and cleaning regime.

The recommended cleaning frequency is detailed at the start of this section.

The cleaning of powder coated surfaces should be undertaken using either:

•  Warm mild soapy water and soft brush, sponge or natural bristle brush. Rinsed with clean water.
• A proprietary car wash and wax system. Rinsed with clean water.

Note – the use of a high pressure jet wash is NOT recommended as this may affect the adhesion of the tape/decals.

At no time during the cleaning process is it advisable for any abrasive cleaners, solvents, or other chemicals, to be used:

To enhance the appearance of the powder coating, an annual treatment with car wax would be acceptable, but not considered mandatory.

Where Graffiti is present, it is recommended that no solvent cleaners are used in an attempt to remove it. The method of removal should be with the use of either a car ‘T-Cutting’ compound or through a specialist cleaner. 

This should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area first to assess its efficiency.

Where small repairs to the powder coat surface are required, then the following should be adhered to as a minimum:

• For light scratches/chips where the base metal is exposed then a suitable zinc-rich primer should be carefully applied to the defect, followed by a topcoat finish of a matching acrylic based paint or touch up (obtained from Broxap).
• Where scratches/chips have only exposed the galvanised surface, then the above must be followed with the exception of the Zinc Rich primer being applied.

For larger areas of damage, vandalism or coating breakdown, then Broxap should be contacted for technical advice.

Wet Painting (Cast iron litterbins & aluminium dog waste bins)

As the name suggests, this process involves the application of a wet paint onto the base substrate (Cast Iron, Ductile Iron or Aluminium). This then cures to create the hard wearing outer layer that the customer will see.

Wet paint can last many years, but its life expectancy depends on a variety of factors, including site location, atmospheric conditions and cleaning regime.

The recommended cleaning frequency is detailed at the start of this section. 

The cleaning of wet painted surfaces should be undertaken using either:

• Warm mild soapy water and soft brush, sponge or natural bristle brush. Rinsed with clean water.
• A proprietary car wash and wax system. Rinsed with clean water.
• A low pressure water wash e.g. hosepipe.

At no time during the cleaning process is it advisable for any abrasive cleaners, solvents, or other chemicals, to be used. 

Where small repairs to the painted surface are required, then the following should be adhered to as a minimum:

• For light scratches / chips where the base material is exposed then a suitable should be carefully applied to the defect, followed by a topcoat finish of a matching acrylic based paint or touch up (obtained from Broxap).
• If required, the damaged area can be filled to bring it back up to the same level as the remaining painted surface. A proprietary car filler system would be suitable for this operation and can easily be sanded back to the finish and level needed.
• For larger areas of damage or vandalism, the areas should be sanded by the minimum amount to feather in the broken edges. As per the above, the area can be filled if required and a primer and then topcoat either brushed or sprayed onto the area.

Information relating to the original paint system can be obtained by contacting Broxap. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steels are selected in applications where their inherent corrosion resistance, strength and aesthetic appeal are required.

Although stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion than ordinary carbon or alloy steels, it can still corrode. It is “stain less” not “stain never”.

Surface contamination and the formation of deposits must be prevented. These deposits may be minute particles of iron or rust from other sources and not removed until after the stainless steel items have been installed. Industrial and even naturally occurring atmospheric conditions can cause deposits that can be equally as corrosive.

A working environment which offers more aggressive conditions, e.g. hot and humid, such as swimming pools, increases the speed of discolouration and therefore requires maintenance on a more frequent basis.

All grades and finishes of stainless steel may in fact stain, discolour or attain an adhering layer of grime in normal service. To achieve maximum corrosion resistance the surface of the stainless steel must be kept clean. Providing the correct grade is specified, any contamination from handling, manufacturing and installation is removed, and cleaning schedules are carried out regularly, good performance and long life will be achieved.

The two grades of stainless steel used in Broxap products are grade 316 & grade 304:

• Grade 316 (1.4401) - has a greater chromium and nickel content than grade 304, and includes molybdenum. This increases its corrosion resistance properties and makes it less susceptible to surface pitting and staining. It is therefore suited to all external areas, especially marine locations where there is a high level of sodium chloride in the air.
• Grade 304 (1.4301) – is more suited to rural and urban locations where there is less risk of sodium chloride contamination. 

Advice is often sought concerning the frequency of cleaning stainless steel and the answer is quite simple: “clean the metal when it is dirty in order to restore its original appearance”. This may vary from one to four times a year for external applications.

Recommended maintenance schedules for the two grades differ slightly due to the differences in the chemical make-up. 

The table below shows the recommended cleaning frequencies for the two grades in each type of atmosphere:

Stainless steel is easy to clean. Washing with soap or a mild detergent and water, followed by a clear water rinse, is usually quite adequate for domestic and architectural products. An enhanced aesthetic appearance will be achieved if the cleaned surface is wiped dry. On brushed (satin) finishes, nylon abrasive blocks may be used to remove minor surface imperfections, ground in dirt and scratches. These blocks are flexible and are impregnated with grit.

Note – they must always be used in the same direction as the original polishing marks.

Where stainless steel has become extremely dirty, with signs of surface discolouration, (perhaps following a period of neglect or misuse) alternative methods of cleaning will be required. These are detailed in the table below:The table below shows the recommended cleaning frequencies for the two grades in each type of atmosphere:

The products referenced in the table are understood to be suitable for stainless steels.

However, no endorsement of the products or their manufacturers is implied and it is acknowledged that other manufacturing companies may provide products of equal or better quality.
If the cleaning methods detailed in this information sheet prove unsuccessful, it is worth bearing in mind that stainless steel can be passivated or mechanically polished by specialists on site.
More detailed information regarding life expectancy of Stainless Steel or how the surface will perform along with suitable cleaning regimes can be obtained by visiting:

http://www.bssa.org.uk/technical_information.php

Stainless steel is easy to clean. Washing with soap or a mild detergent and water, followed by a clear water rinse, is usually quite adequate for domestic and architectural products. An enhanced aesthetic appearance will be achieved if the cleaned surface is wiped dry. On brushed (satin) finishes, nylon abrasive blocks may be used to remove minor surface imperfections, ground in dirt and scratches. These blocks are flexible and are impregnated with grit. 

Note – they must always be used in the same direction as the original polishing marks.

Where stainless steel has become extremely dirty, with signs of surface discolouration, (perhaps following a period of neglect or misuse) alternative methods of cleaning will be required. These are detailed in the table below:The table below shows the recommended cleaning frequencies for the two grades in each type of atmosphere:

Timber

Okehampton litter bins are manufactured from Redwood (with a plywood base). Other timber-clad litter bins use tropical hardwood slats, usually Iroko. Most of the timber is treated with a woodstain during manufacture.

Some basic maintenance will be required to get the maximum life and preserve its appearance. A visual check should be completed, at least annually, whereby any splinters or sharp edges of wood are lightly sanded to remove them.

The wood should be coated with a proprietary wood stain system on an annual basis so as to preserve its appearance and longevity.

If the timber starts to deteriorate and its aesthetic value cannot be maintained then it should be changed for a like for like replacement. Where a replacement is made, then there will be a shading difference against any existing timber that remains, this is due to the weathering effect of wood in service.

Due to the natural properties of timber, it has the tendency to move, surface check or split. This is a feature of timber products and does not look out of place in the informal environments in which these products are used.

Broxap cannot be held responsible for this natural movement, as it is out of our control.

Further information about timber, and its properties, can be found by visiting: www.trada.co.uk

Plastic

Plastic litterbins / recycling units are manufactured from recycled plastic granules. They are either injection or rota moulded. Plastic will benefit from a periodic clean down.
The required frequency of cleaning will be dependent on the environment in which the product is situated:

• In rural and urban environments the products should be visually inspected monthly, and cleaned every 3 months.
• In harsh industrial or coastal environments, where the products may come into contact with concentrated atmospheric pollutants (chemical, marine), the visual inspection frequency should be increased to weekly, and the cleaning frequency increased to monthly (or as required).

Cleaning should be undertaken with a mild detergent in warm water. After cleaning, the bins should be thoroughly rinsed with clean running water.

Note – the use of a high pressure jet wash is NOT recommended as this may affect the adhesion of the tape /decals.

Reflective Banding & Decals

To maintain optimum performance, the reflective banding should be inspected for damage and cleaned on a regular basis (at least every 3 months).
If the banding shows any sign of damage, it should be removed and replaced with new. New tape can be supplied by Broxap if required.  To clean the tape / decal, a sponge should be used with a mild detergent and water solution.

Note – the use of a high pressure jet wash is NOT recommended as this may affect the adhesion of the tape/ decals.

Hinges & Locks

The hinges and latches should be lubricated at a frequency, outlined below, to maintain optimum performance:

Recommended minimum lubrication frequencies should be:

• Harsh - Every 3 months.
• General - Every 6 months.

Mild steel, and stainless steel, bins should be lubricated with copper grease:

Spray copper grease generously onto/around latch mechanism and top and bottom hinges. The lower hinge area may be affected by dog urine, this should be wiped clean before applying copper grease.

(Note – E bins have a different hinge design and as such do not require additional lubrication.)

Cast iron bins should be lubricated with ordinary grease:

Lubricate generously around the lock, and hinges to ensure free movement. Use grease nipples for hinges.

Broxap would under no circumstances recommend the use of WD40 as a method of maintaining its product.

Locks should be kept free from trapped litter at all times as this may result in the lock jamming.

Additional Information

Additional information on maintenance can be found on the Broxap website:
https://www.broxap.com/operations-maintenance