Case Study:
Enfield Council Transforms Park Waste Management with Community-Designed Apollo Wheelie Bin Housings
Pilot project combines improved waste management with artwork created by local school children
Keeping parks clean isn’t simply about providing somewhere to dispose of litter. It’s about choosing waste infrastructure that is practical, durable and encourages people to take pride in their surroundings.
Faced with overflowing open-top litter bins, wind-blown rubbish and increasing complaints about park cleanliness, Enfield Council’s Urban Greenspaces team launched an innovative pilot project to modernise waste management across several parks.
Working with Wybone, the council installed seven Apollo 1280L wheelie bin housings, featuring three unique artwork designs created by local school children following a borough-wide art competition. The project demonstrates how practical infrastructure can also become an engaging feature within the community.
The Challenge
Traditional open-top litter bins were no longer meeting the demands of Enfield’s busiest parks.
Overflowing waste, litter scattered by wind and wildlife, and limited capacity were affecting both park maintenance and visitor experience. Residents regularly reported rubbish escaping from bins and detracting from the appearance of valued green spaces. The Urban Greenspaces team wanted a solution that would:
- Increase litter capacity
- Reduce escaped waste
- Improve the appearance of parks
- Make servicing more efficient
- Encourage greater community pride
The Solution
As part of a pilot programme, Enfield Council replaced ageing open-top litter bins with Wybone Apollo 1280L wheelie bin housings.
The Apollo units provide enclosed storage for high-capacity wheelie bins, helping to contain waste while protecting it from wind, birds and other wildlife. Alongside the new housings, the project included:
- Installation of seven Apollo 1280L wheelie bin housings
- New concrete bases where required
- Removal of damaged and obsolete litter bins
- Increased waste capacity in key park locations
- Modern enclosed waste infrastructure designed for easier servicing
To make the project even more engaging, the council invited local schools to design artwork for the new housings. Three winning designs were selected and professionally reproduced as large-format vinyl graphics before being applied to the Apollo units, transforming everyday waste infrastructure into colourful public artwork. The approved artwork concepts were incorporated into the Apollo housing design during manufacture.
Bringing the Community Into the Project
Rather than installing standard litter bins, Enfield Council used the project as an opportunity to involve local young people.
Schools across the borough were invited to take part in an art competition, encouraging pupils to create designs promoting cleaner parks and environmental responsibility.
The winning students received art sets and litter pickers, while their artwork now features on the Apollo housings installed throughout the parks.
The result is infrastructure that not only performs an important operational role but also reflects the creativity and pride of the local community.
The Results
The project has only recently been installed, yet our Apollo units have already delivered several immediate benefits:
✓ Cleaner, more attractive public spaces
✓ Increased waste capacity in busy parks
✓ Replacement of open-top bins that allowed litter to escape
✓ Improved operational efficiency through larger enclosed waste systems
✓ Strong community engagement through local school participation
The council will continue monitoring the pilot, assessing usage levels, maintenance requirements and changes in littering behaviour before considering a wider rollout across additional parks.
"Working with Wybone has enabled us to trial an innovative approach to waste management in our parks. The new bin housing not only improves the appearance of our green spaces but also provides an opportunity to assess how larger enclosed waste systems perform in different park environments. One of the most rewarding aspects has been engaging with local schools through the accompanying art competition, giving young people the opportunity to contribute to their local environment."
Products Featured in Case Study:
Apollo 1280L Wheelie Bin Housing
The Apollo 1280L provides a secure, high-capacity enclosed waste solution designed to improve the appearance of public spaces while protecting wheelie bins from vandalism, wildlife and adverse weather. Manufactured in Britain from heavy-duty galvanised steel, it offers a durable, low-maintenance solution for parks, town centres and other high-footfall environments.
Key Features
- Houses 1280-litre wheelie bin for high-capacity waste storage
- Enclosed design helps prevent litter escaping due to wind, birds and wildlife
- Manufactured from galvanised steel for exceptional corrosion resistance and long service life
- Large waste aperture for easy public access
- Secure, lockable front-opening access door for efficient servicing
- Heavy-duty locking mechanism protects against unauthorised access and vandalism
- Adjustable levelling feet for installation on uneven ground
- Bespoke options available, including custom powder coating, vinyl graphics, laser-cut logos and personalised branding
Ideal Applications
The Apollo 1280L is suitable for a wide range of public environments, including:
- Parks and green spaces
- Local authority streets and public realms
- Town and city centres
- Visitor attractions
- Retail and leisure destinations
- Education campuses
- Transport hubs
- Business parks
Looking for a bespoke waste management solution?
Our Apollo range can be customised to suit your branding, project requirements and operational needs. Contact our team to discuss your next project.
01226 744010 – sales@wybone.co.uk – www.wybone.co.uk
