The best bin storage unit of 2026: comparison, buying guide & test winner

⭐ Why you can trust this guide

Expertise for over 15 years: We are manufacturers of premium bin boxes and produce each product by hand in our German factory.

• 10,000+ satisfied customers since 2010
• Made in Germany quality – each bin box is handcrafted
• 20+ year guarantee on durability and material quality
• In-house production – we know every detail of our products
• Independent reviews: 4.8/5 stars on ProvenExpert
• Personal consultation: Direct contact with the manufacturer

This guide is based on our many years of experience as a manufacturer, technical know-how and the direct feedback of thousands of customers from all over Germany.

💰 How much does a good bin enclosure cost?

High-quality garbage can enclosures made in Germany cost:

• Single bin enclosure: €600 - €900
• Double bin enclosure: €800 - €1,400
• 3-bin garbage can enclosure: €1,200 - €2,000 (Bestseller!)
• 4-bin waste container box: €1,800 - €2,500
• Premium models (zinc, design, special features): up to €3,500

Is the investment worthwhile? Absolutely! Do the math: €1,500 for a bin enclosure ÷ 20-year lifespan = €75/year = €6.25/month for perfect organization and appearance.

Comparison: A cheap plastic bin enclosure (€200-400) only lasts 3-5 years, becomes brittle, and quickly looks shabby. A premium metal bin enclosure lasts 20+ years and enhances the appearance of your property.

Increased value: A high-quality bin storage unit can increase the value of your property by €500-1,000 (well-maintained overall appearance).

📋 Do I need a building permit for a garbage can enclosure?

Generally, NO. Garbage can enclosures are considered ancillary structures and do not require a permit in most German states.

Requirements (vary depending on the federal state):

• Volume less than 10-30 m³ (depending on the federal state)
• Height not exceeding 3 m
• Minimum distance to the property line (usually 3 m, in some federal states 2.5 m)
• Not in the front garden (prohibited in some municipalities)
• Color matching the surroundings (required in some development plans)

Important: Check your local building regulations or contact your municipality. Special rules may apply in residential areas with a development plan.

Tip for tenants: Ask your landlord for permission. For condominiums: Inform the owners' association (usually no approval is required, but it's polite).

Distance to the road: Ensure that the garbage truck can reach the bins (usually a maximum distance of 15 m to the truck).

📏 What size do I need?

Rule of thumb based on household size:

Pay attention to tonnage sizes:

• Standard: 120 liter or 240 liter barrels
• Our boxes fit both sizes.
• Also suitable for 60-liter barrels

Our tip: Go for a larger size! This way you have room for seasonal items (e.g., garden waste in autumn) and can also use the box for garden tools.

Space requirements: 3-unit box = approx. 2.00 m width × 0.80 m depth × 1.20 m height (varies depending on the model)

🎨 Which material is best?

Detailed material comparison:

1. Powder-coated metal (test winner):

• ✅ Durability: 20-25 years
• ✅ Maintenance: Very easy (rinse twice a year)
• ✅ Appearance: Modern, timeless, many colors (RAL 7016, DB 703, etc.)
• ✅ Stability: Very robust, torsionally rigid
• ✅ Price: Medium (€€€)
• ✅ Ideal for: Modern houses, apartment buildings, low-maintenance solution

2. Galvanized/Zinc (Premium):

• ✅ Longevity: 25-30 years (maintenance-free!)
• ✅ Maintenance: None! Patina is desired.
• ✅ Appearance: Elegant, bright, classic, develops a beautiful patina
• ✅ Stability: Very robust
• ✅ Price: High (€€€€)
• ✅ Ideal for: Villas, country houses, high-end requirements, classic architecture

3. Wood-metal combination (Natural):

• ✅ Durability: 15-20 years
• ✅ Maintenance: Medium (stain wood once a year)
• ✅ Appearance: Warm, natural, blends into gardens
• ✅ Stability: Robust (metal frame)
• ✅ Price: Medium (€€€)
• ✅ Ideal for: Garden sheds, country house style, natural plots of land

4. Plastic (Budget):

• ⚠️ Durability: 3-7 years (becomes brittle)
• ⚠️ Care: Easy, but it discolors
• ⚠️ Appearance: Simple, looks cheap
• ⚠️ Stability: Low (breaks in frost)
• ✅ Price: Low (€)
• ⚠️ Ideal for: Temporary solutions, very small budgets

Our recommendation: Powder-coated metal or zinc for maximum durability and value retention!

🧼 How do I maintain my bin storage unit?

Care according to material:

Metal (powder-coated):

• Rinse twice a year with water and mild detergent (spring + autumn)
• Oil hinges once a year (WD-40 or penetrating oil)
• Immediately repair scratches with a touch-up pen (prevents rust)
• Do not use aggressive cleaners or pressure washers!
• Vacuum the interior occasionally (leaves, dirt)

Galvanized (zinc):

• Completely maintenance-free!
• Patina (greying) is desirable and provides additional protection.
• Optional: Rinse with water once a year
• No treatment needed

Wood-metal combination:

• Treat wood once a year with wood preservative (larch/thermally modified pine)
• Care for metal frames as described above
• Greying of the wood is natural and desirable (but can be prevented by using a wood stain).
• Treat wood before winter (protection against frost)

Time required: 15-30 minutes per year – very easy to maintain!

Additional tips:

• Rinse bins briefly before placing them in the bin (prevents odors)
• Keep ventilation slots clear (to prevent odor formation)
• In winter: Remove snow from the roof (during heavy snowfall)

🏠 Where is the best place to put the bin enclosure?

Ideal location:

• ✅ Close to the road: Garbage collection must be able to reach bins (max. 15 m distance)
• ✅ Level surface: concrete, paving stones, sidewalk slabs (not grass!)
• ✅ Not in a depression: Otherwise water will collect there when it rains
• ✅ Minimum distance to property line: 2.5-3 m (depending on the federal state)
• ✅ Check access: Enough space to pull out the bins
• ✅ Not directly under trees: leaves, resin, bird droppings
• ✅ Partial shade is ideal: Not in direct sunlight (odor formation in summer)

Prepare the surface:

1. Level the surface (use a spirit level!)
2. Lay paving slabs or concrete slabs (at least 5 cm thick)
3. Alternatively: Concrete point foundations
4. Drainage: Slight slope to the front (water runs off)
5. Size: Box dimensions + 20 cm border all around

Not suitable: lawn (sinks in), sand (unstable), gravel (wobbly), directly on soil

Distance to garbage collection:

• Tons must be no more than 15 meters away from the truck.
• The path must be paved (not over grass)
• No steps or obstacles

🦨 How do I prevent odors in the bin enclosure?

How to avoid odors:

1. Ventilation (most important measure!):

• ✅ Choose a bin storage unit with ventilation slots
• ✅ Door not completely airtight (small gaps are good!)
• ✅ Ventilate regularly (open the door briefly)

2. Garbage can hygiene:

• Rinse out the bins regularly (2-4 times/year)
• Organic waste in paper bags (not plastic!)
• Wrap leftover food well
• Do not leave barrels in direct sunlight.

3. Home remedies for odors:

• Sprinkle baking soda or baking powder on the bottom of the barrel.
• Coffee grounds absorb odors
• Newspaper on the bottom of the barrel (absorbs liquid)
• Vinegar and water for rinsing (diluted 1:10)

4. Location:

• Prefer partial shade (not direct sun!)
• Good air circulation around the box

Especially important in summer: empty organic waste more frequently, rinse bins more often, use baking soda

🔧 Can I use the bin enclosure in another way?

Yes, absolutely! Garbage can enclosures are true all-rounders:

Alternative uses:

• ✅ Bicycle garage: For 1-2 bicycles (with 2/3 bicycle box)
• ✅ Garden tool storage: lawnmower, hedge trimmer, shovel
• ✅ Parcel box: For large parcels (if you are often not at home)
• ✅ Garden furniture storage: Cushions and pads in winter
• ✅ Tool shed: Toolbox, small parts
• ✅ Toy storage: sand toys, balls, outdoor toys
• ✅ Firewood storage: Dry and protected
• ✅ Pool accessories: Pool chemicals, nets, hoses
• ✅ Barbecue accessories: charcoal, lighter fluid, barbecue utensils

Popular combination: Many customers buy a 4-unit box and use 2 spaces for garbage cans + 2 spaces for garden equipment or bicycles.

With a planted roof: Becomes a visual highlight in the garden – herbs, flowers or succulents on the roof!

⏱️ How long does a bin enclosure last?

Lifespan by material:

• Metal (powder-coated): 20-25 years (30+ years with good care)
• Galvanized (zinc): 25-30 years (maintenance-free!)
• Wood-metal combination: 15-20 years (wood requires maintenance)
• Plastic: 3-7 years (becomes brittle, breaks, discolors)

Factors for longevity:

• ✅ Quality of workmanship (welds, material thickness at least 1.5 mm)
• ✅ Coating (powder coating or galvanizing)
• ✅ Location (protected vs. exposed)
• ✅ Maintenance (regular servicing)
• ✅ Made in Germany (higher quality standards)

Our guarantee: We guarantee a lifespan of 20+ years with normal use and care. Many of our customers have been using their bin enclosures for over 15 years without any problems!

Comparison of annual costs:

• Premium Box €1,500 ÷ 25 years = €60/year
• Plastic box €400 ÷ 5 years = €80/year

→ Premium is cheaper in the long run!

🚚 How is the bin enclosure delivered?

Delivered fully assembled (our premium models):

• ✅ The bin storage unit is delivered fully assembled
• ✅ Shipping company with pallet truck or crane
• ✅ Will be placed at the desired location
• ✅ Ready to use immediately!
• ✅ Delivery time: 4-8 weeks (handmade!)
• ✅ Delivery to the curb or, upon request, to the installation location (for an additional charge)

What you need to prepare:

1. Level surface (paving slabs, concrete) – see above
2. Access for trucks (at least 3 m wide)
3. Local contact person (for delivery)
4. Clear parking space

DIY models (self-assembly):

• Delivered as a kit
• Assembly time: 2-4 hours (2 people)
• Tools required: cordless screwdriver, spirit level, wrench
• Detailed instructions included
• Cheaper than fully assembled

Our recommendation: Fully assembled! Saves time and hassle and guarantees perfect workmanship. The extra cost (€200-400) is well worth it!

🎨 Which color should I choose?

Popular colors and their effects:

RAL 7016 Anthracite (Bestseller):

• ✅ Modern, timeless, elegant
• ✅ Fits almost all houses
• ✅ Dirt less visible
• ✅ Most popular color (60% of our customers)

DB 703 Iron Mica Metallic:

• ✅ Elegant, high-quality, with metallic effect
• ✅ Fits modern homes
• ✅ Especially durable

RAL 9006 Light Grey Metallic:

• ✅ Bright, friendly, modern
• ✅ Suitable for light-colored facades
• ✅ Looks light and elegant

Zinc (galvanized):

• ✅ Natural, elegant, classic
• ✅ Develops a beautiful patina
• ✅ Suitable for villas and country houses

Special colors (on request):

• All RAL colors are possible
• Surcharge: €100-300
• Delivery time: +2 weeks

Tip: Choose a color that matches your house facade, garage, or garden fence. Anthracite is a safe all-rounder!