Surface Mount and Floor Standing Waste Receptacle Comparison

Selecting the best waste receptacle for your facility can prove challenging. We review the advantages and disadvantages to choosing certain models in our surface mount and floor standing waste receptacles comparison. There are also several influences involved in deciding which solution is best for your establishment, including costs associated with labor and replenishment as well as product maintenance.

The surface mount and floor standing waste receptacles comparison should begin by analyzing the benefits of the various mounting styles. Surface-mounted receptacles are available in either recessed or wall-mounted varieties. Recessed waste receptacles are installed within a framed rough wall opening with varying degrees of protrusion. Although recessed receptacle installation must be completed with the help of a mechanical engineer to avoid pipes, vents, and conduits, these models reduce overall protrusion and enhance restroom accessibility by offering added maneuverable space. Surface-mounted waste receptacles that are installed on a wall or a partition are often constructed to be compact and slim to avoid restricting accessibility.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that access to receptacle openings should be 15 inches to 48 inches above the floor to allow forward and side reach by people in wheelchairs. Hinged panels covering waste receptacle openings should not require more than five pounds of force to open. It is recommended that units projecting more than four inches from the wall be located in corners, alcoves, or between other protruding structural elements so as not to be a hazard to blind people or interfere with required access aisle and the 60-inch minimum diameter turning spaces for wheelchairs.

Another major determining factor in our surface mount and floor standing waste receptacles comparison pertains to cost. In searching for the appropriate solution for your facility, it is essential to set expectations and standard operating procedures for routine cleaning and maintenance. Floor-standing waste receptacles often provide a larger surface area made from stainless steel or other metals that require careful cleaning, and these models require larger waste bin liners or trash bags than surface-mounted alternatives.

Last but not least, it is important to consult and verify all distances and heights with local codes or ordinances, because they often supersede federal requirements. If you have any questions about this article, please contact a member of the PandaProducts.com team today.