Leafield Environmental:New SteriBin steps up to design challenge

Leafield Environmental has designed and custom-built a new anti-microbial, pedal operated recycling unit which complies with the strict cleanliness and infection control regulations of the health industry.

The new bin, which was designed in association with FM provider MITIE, is made with a built-in anti-microbial additive which provides an effective barrier against the growth of bacteria, moulds and fungi to minimise the spread of infection.

Leafield and MITIE worked closely with Scottish NHS Trusts to draw up a list of essential criteria before designing the very first self sanitizing plastic recycling bin.

The ease of emptying and cleaning the bin was given special attention by Leafield’s design experts. The central lid is operated by a foot pedal which means users never need to touch the bin with their hands when depositing waste: wheels make it easy to transfer to central collection points for emptying. The tilting mechanism at the back of the unit pulls down to simplify the removal and replacement of bags and is easily dismantled for deep cleaning.  An optional eco-friendly plastic liner is also available for the increasingly popular ‘bag free’ alternative.

A unique lifting hinge was designed to ensure the top of the SteriBin sack frame stays in line with the inside of the bin enclosing the waste area to eliminate spillage and odours. This lift mechanic required Leafield’s design experts to take pivot technology to a new level by developing a bespoke and robust solution to meet client needs.

Because the SteriBin is open-backed for easy bag changeover and cleaning, the foot pedal mechanism was built into the sides rather than at the back of the bin.  Tolerances were critical for this as the length of the link rods dictates the degree of lid opening. A new U-shaped component was designed to hold the link rods and integrated into the top arm moulding to minimise the need for post mould assembly of components.

The ‘Anti-Microbial’ Envirobin is currently being rolled out across the NHS Grampian and the NHS Lothian estates, achieving total customer satisfaction with the NHS staff, the patients and the cleaning team.

The new bin is also attracting attention as a popular recycling choice for other sectors concerned about maintaining high levels of cleanliness, such as food production and catering industries.  

“We are constantly evolving our product portfolio to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

For more information or images contact Julie Daniels, Marketing Projects Executive, Leafield Environmental Email  [email protected] or Tel: 01225 816511


Key SteriBin features:
•    Incorporates optional anti-microbial additive to eliminate bacterial build up
•    Integral external labels with no edges to stop bacteria build up
•    Foot pedal mechanism to flip top lid to reduce manual handling
•    Option for triple waste stream or single lift lid
•    Total capacity 90L single lid, 30L/30L/30L triple lid
•    Easy to dismantle for deep cleaning – takes only 8 minutes from start to finish
•    Back tilting mechanism pulls down for easy bag changeover
•    Wheels for easy movement to collection points
•    Flat back for space saving against walls
•    Training and instruction support video available
•    RFID tag option for tracking location and cleaning programme
•    Made from 100% recyclable material