Understanding Recycling Contamination – And How Good Bin Design Helps

At Securr, we don’t just manufacture trash cans — we engineer smarter waste solutions that help communities and organizations achieve real sustainability. One issue we see over and over again is recycling contamination — and we know that a well-designed recycling bin can make all the difference in solving it.

What Is Recycling Contamination?

Recycling contamination happens when non-recyclable materials are placed in recycling bins. This can include things like:

• Food waste left in containers

• Plastic bags thrown into the wrong stream

• Trash mistakenly dropped in with recyclables

Even a small amount of contamination can result in entire batches of recyclables being sent to the landfill. It's a major issue that affects cities, parks, schools, airports, and commercial facilities — and one that can be addressed through smarter bin design.

Why Does Contamination Happen?

The number one reason is confusion. When recycling bins are poorly labeled or have ambiguous openings, people guess — and they often guess wrong. Without clear visual cues and guidance, contamination becomes unavoidable.

That’s where Securr’s custom trash and recycling receptacles come in.

How Securr Bin Design Reduces Contamination

We design and manufacture bins that are intuitive, durable, and highly customizable. Here’s how our design approach helps prevent contamination:

1. Clear Labeling and Signage

Our receptacles feature highly visible, customizable labels that leave no room for confusion. Whether it’s “Plastics Only,” “Cans and Bottles,” or “Landfill,” we make sure users know exactly what goes where.

2. Restricted Openings

Bin lids can be designed with specific openings — such as round holes for bottles and cans, or slots for paper — which physically limit incorrect disposal. This subtle but effective design choice drastically improves sorting accuracy.

3. Compartmentalization

Many of our receptacles are multi-stream units that keep recyclables and landfill waste separate in one organized container. This not only improves compliance but also makes collection easier for facilities teams.

4. Custom Branding and Color-Coding

Need your bins to match your city’s program or company branding? We offer full customization — including color-coding — to keep your waste stream visually aligned with your recycling goals.

Helping Cities, Parks, and Commercial Spaces Go Greener

Whether you're managing a busy downtown district or a national park, reducing contamination is key to running an efficient recycling program. Our receptacles are found in airports, transit hubs, schools, and city sidewalks nationwide — and they’re helping users make the right choice, every time.

When you choose Securr, you’re investing in more than a trash can — you’re investing in smarter waste diversion and cleaner communities.

Ready to Upgrade Your Recycling Program?

We’re here to help you design the right solution for your space. Let’s build a bin that works for you and with your sustainability goals.

📞 Call us at 888-671-7066
📧 Or email us at sales@securr.com