Bin Store

A tidy enclosure that hides wheelie bins and recycling, with a lift-up or double-door front for easy access

Roof Type Pent (Mono-Pitch)

Default Pitch 8°

Typical Size 1.5m x 0.8m

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Overview

A bin store is a small enclosure that hides wheelie bins and recycling boxes from view and keeps them tidy. A lift-up lid or double doors at the front make it easy to wheel bins in and out, while the roof keeps lids weighted down and rain off.

Key Features

Easy access and ventilation define a good bin store. The front opens wide for collection day, and gaps or vents let air move through to reduce smells and condensation.

History & Design

As front gardens shrank and wheelie bins multiplied, keeping several bins out of sight became a common problem. A simple bin store solves it and tidies up the approach to the house.

When to Choose a Bin Store

Choose a bin store when you need:

To hide wheelie bins and recycling from view
To tidy up the front or side of the house
Easy access on collection day
To stop bins blowing over or lids flapping open
A neat, ventilated home for refuse and recycling

A bin store is a quick win for kerb appeal. Size it around the number and type of bins your council provides, and allow a little room to wheel them in and out.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Hides bins and improves kerb appeal
Wide, easy access for collection day
Ventilated to reduce smells
Keeps lids down and bins upright
Compact footprint

Considerations

Single purpose
Size is dictated by your bins
No security to speak of
Needs cleaning out from time to time

Typical Uses

Primary Uses

Wheelie bin storage
Recycling box and bag storage
Keeping refuse out of sight

Also Suitable For

Compost caddy storage
Grit or sandbag storage
Garden sundries on a high shelf

Sizing Guide

Use Case	Recommended Size	Floor Area
Two wheelie bins	1500mm x 800mm	1.20 m²
Three bins or bins plus boxes	2100mm x 800mm	1.68 m²
Bins and recycling	2400mm x 1000mm	2.40 m²

Custom sizes? Use our shed builder to generate plans for any dimensions within the permitted range.

Construction Notes

Foundation

A level base of paving slabs or a small concrete pad lets bins roll in and out easily and stops the frame sitting in mud. Keep the front edge flush so wheels do not catch.

Framing

Light framing is adequate for the size. Build the front opening around your largest bin, allowing room to tilt the lid and wheel the bin clear.

Roofing

A shallow pent roof in felt or EPDM sheds rain to the back. On smaller stores a lift-up roof can double as the means of access.

Special Considerations

Allow ventilation gaps to reduce smells and condensation, and size the internal space generously. Bins are bulkier than they look once you allow for the handle and tilting the lid.

Example Builds

Double Bin Store

1.5m x 0.8m

Hides two wheelie bins behind a lift-up or double-door front. The roof keeps lids down and rain off on collection day.

Shiplap cladding
Double doors
Ventilation gaps
Pent roof

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Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, garden sheds are permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, restrictions apply: the shed must be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5m, maximum overall height of 4m (for dual-pitched roofs) or 3m (for any other roof), and must not cover more than 50% of the curtilage. Sheds must not be forward of the principal elevation. Listed buildings and conservation areas have additional restrictions. Always check with your local planning authority if in doubt.

Options include concrete slabs, paving slabs, pressure-treated bearer and joist systems, or adjustable post supports. Concrete provides the most stable base for larger sheds, while bearer systems are quick to install and allow airflow beneath the floor. The key requirements are: level, stable, and dry with adequate drainage around the perimeter.

A well-built and maintained shed can last 15-25+ years. Key factors are: quality of original construction, adequacy of foundations, quality of timber treatment, regular maintenance (retreating cladding, checking for rot), and roof condition. Budget sheds with minimal maintenance may only last 5-10 years.

Ideally, treat all surfaces before assembly - this ensures hidden faces are protected. Pay special attention to cut ends, which are most vulnerable to moisture. After construction, apply treatment to all accessible exterior surfaces annually or as the product recommends.

Measure your bins, including the handle, and allow room to tilt the lid open and to wheel each bin in and out. As a rough guide, a standard 240 litre wheelie bin needs about 800mm of depth and 600mm of width, so two side by side suit a store around 1.5m wide.

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