How Wheelie Bin Housings Can Improve Public Spaces | Thanet District Council Apollo Project

July 9, 2026

A practical solution that improves the look of our streets

Waste infrastructure is essential, but that doesn’t mean it has to dominate the landscape.

Large wheelie bins provide the capacity needed for busy public spaces, parks and seafronts, yet they can often detract from the appearance of an area when left exposed. For councils and public realm teams investing in cleaner, more attractive environments, finding a way to manage waste without compromising aesthetics is becoming increasingly important.

That’s exactly where wheelie bin housings come into their own.

Recent installations for Thanet District Council demonstrate how practical waste infrastructure can be transformed into something that complements its surroundings rather than detracts from them.

Concealing the bin, not the creativity

Manufactured by us, these Apollo 1280L large wheelie bin housings have become part of the local ‘B’inspired’ artist residency, with each housing transformed by local artists into a unique piece of public art.

Rather than seeing rows of exposed wheelie bins along the seafront, residents and visitors are greeted by colourful artwork that reflects creativity, encourages recycling and contributes to a more welcoming public space.

The project demonstrates that investing in waste infrastructure doesn’t simply have to solve an operational challenge. It can also improve how people experience a place.

Designed for busy public spaces

While the artwork catches people’s attention, the Apollo housing has been designed with everyday practicality in mind.

The Apollo range conceals large-capacity wheelie bins behind a durable galvanised steel enclosure, creating a cleaner, more organised appearance while still allowing quick and easy waste collection.

Available in multiple sizes, including the 1280L model supplied for Thanet District Council, the housing features interchangeable waste apertures, secure locking options and a modular design that can adapt to changing recycling requirements in the future.

For local authorities, this means a solution that not only improves the appearance of an area today but can evolve alongside future waste legislation.

A canvas for placemaking

One of the Apollo range’s most popular features is its ability to incorporate bespoke artwork, branding and graphics.

Whether it’s celebrating local artists, promoting community campaigns, showcasing landmarks or reinforcing council branding, the housing provides a large, durable surface that helps waste infrastructure blend naturally into its surroundings.

Projects like Thanet’s show how something as functional as a wheelie bin housing can contribute to placemaking, encouraging people to take greater pride in the spaces they use every day.

Manufactured at Our Barnsley Factory

Every Apollo wheelie bin housing is manufactured at Wybone’s Barnsley factory using premium galvanised steel and finished to meet the demands of busy public environments.

By combining durability, flexibility and bespoke design options, the range gives councils and organisations the opportunity to improve both waste management and the visual quality of their public spaces.

The Thanet project is a reminder that even the most practical street furniture can make a positive contribution to the places where people live, work and visit.

Product Featured in this Article

Apollo 1280L Wheelie Bin Housing

The Apollo 1280L Wheelie Bin Housing is designed to conceal large-capacity wheelie bins while improving the appearance of public spaces. Manufactured in the UK from premium galvanised steel, it provides a secure, durable and attractive solution for parks, seafronts, town centres and other high-footfall environments.

Key features include:

Conceals 1100L and 1280L wheelie bins
Bespoke artwork, branding, vinyl wrap, colors and bespoke finish options
Interchangeable apertures for different waste streams
Secure self-locking or bolt-lock door options
Premium galvanised steel construction

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