What Is a Large Garbage Bin for Apartments? Types, Selection Tips, and Installation Standards

If an apartment building does not have a designated garbage disposal area, trash can scatter around the property and lead to hygiene and safety issues. Because this can also escalate into disputes among residents, you should consider installing a large garbage bin. In this article, we explain in detail the types of large garbage bins (garbage stations), how to choose them, and installation standardsin detail.

Why should an apartment building install a large garbage bin (garbage station)?

Installing a large garbage bin is an important facility investment that directly contributes to higher occupancy. For people searching for a property, whether there is an on-site garbage collection area is one of the key points in choosing a property.

Prospective tenants also check garbage disposal

If there is a garbage collection point on the property, the effort required to carry trash out is reduced, making it an important factor when considering a rental. However, relying only on nets can create a negative impression.To prevent trash from scattering around the property as well, you should consider installing a large garbage bin.

Why are large garbage bins considered important when choosing a property?

There are two main reasons why large garbage bins are valued.

• Maintaining hygiene：If the setup relies only on nets, crows or cats may tear into the trash, creating an unsanitary impression
• Preventing trouble：Exposed trash can lead to privacy concerns and unease, undermining residents' sense of security

What types of large garbage bins are available?

There are five main types of large garbage bins. Understand the features of each type and choose the one best suited to your property.

Mesh type

This is a foldable garbage bin covered with steel mesh.inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to cleanThese are its main advantages. Because all four sides are enclosed with mesh, there is little risk of trash collapsing outward, and the good airflow prevents odors from building up. However, because odors can easily drift outside, it should be installed away from the building.

Sealed type

This is a sealed garbage bin with a lid or door.Because the contents are not visible, it helps protect privacy, and it protects trash from crows and cats. The maintenance effort and capacity limits are drawbacks.

Roofed type

This is a large-capacity type enclosed by walls on all sides and equipped with a roof. It is suitable for apartment buildings with many residents and forsnowy regions. For odor control, it is recommended to choose products that include partial mesh or punched ventilation holes.

Door-equipped type

This type has a door on the top or roof section, allowing residents to dispose of trash while standing. A sliding door is easy to use, anda compact model can be installed beneath a shared staircase even when space is limited.

Storage shed type

This is the largest type of garbage storage unit and is suitable for shared use by several apartment buildings. With built-in shelves, it can also store cleaning supplies, andits large capacity means there is less concern about trash overflowing. That is one of its key attractions. Installation requires a large amount of space.

What points help you avoid mistakes when choosing a large garbage bin?

To choose the large garbage bin best suited to your apartment building, review it from the following four perspectives.

Choose by material

Material	Features	Points to note
Steel	Durable and affordable. Surface coating helps prevent rust	For long-term outdoor installation, watch for deterioration of the coating
Aluminum	Lightweight and easy to install	Rain may cause a film of corrosion to form
Stainless steel	Resistant to rust and long-lasting	Higher in price. Regular maintenance is required
Plastic	Highly sealed and effective for odor control	Durability is somewhat lower

Choose by size and capacity

Capacity should be estimated based on the number of users and households.If capacity is exceeded, the lid may no longer close, increasing the risk of damage from animals. Choosing a slightly larger size is safer.

Choose by ease of opening and closing

A wider opening makes it easier to put trash in and take it out, butif the door is large, its weight may make it difficult for women and older people to openin some cases. Sliding types are often easier because they do not need to be lifted.

Choose by functions such as locks and adjusters

To prevent trash disposal by non-residents and damage from animals,installing a lock is effective. If the unit has adjusters, its height can be adjusted even when the installation site is sloped.

Five recommended large garbage bins for apartment buildings

Here are recommended products that can be selected according to installation space and number of households.

テラダ ゴミステーション 簡易折りたたみ式

This is an affordable garbage station that can be assembled without tools. It comes in three capacities from 234L to 468L, andits foldable design makes it easy to move. It is suitable for places where fixed installation is difficult.

ダイケン クリーンストッカー ステンレス製 CKS型

Made of rust-resistant stainless steel for long-term use. Available in 11 sizes. Witha rotating upper door and a vertically sliding front door, limited space can be used efficiently. Its temporary lock function is also effective in preventing tampering.

ヨドコウ ダストピット Mタイプ（DPM型）

This is a large-capacity type ranging from 1,850L to 2,200L. Becausethe front opens wide, loading and collecting trash is easy. Adjusters are included as standard.

四国化成 ゴミストッカーWP型

It is made of wood-like resin with excellent weather resistance and design appeal. Its dedicated lockable door helps prevent it from springing open in strong winds.

イナバ物置 ダストボックス

This is a shed-style garbage storage unit, ideal for shared use in large apartment buildings or across multiple buildings. The shelves also allow cleaning supplies to be stored. However,installation requires concrete floor work.

What should you watch out for when installing a large garbage bin?

When installing a large garbage bin, clear rules and regular cleaning are essential.

Thorough communication of garbage disposal rules

• Sorting：It is important for residents to understand the rules, which differ by municipality
• Time：Many apartment buildings have a rule requiring trash to be put out by the morning of the designated collection day
• Designated bags：If the designated bags are not used, the trash will not be collected, so this must be communicated clearly
• Odor control：It is helpful to explain in advance measures such as tying garbage bags tightly

Regular cleaning inside and around the bin

Leaving odors and dirt unaddressed can lead to insects and pests. Because this also affects the impression of the property,regular cleaning is indispensable.

How do installation standards for large garbage bins differ by municipality?

Installation standards vary by municipality, so prior confirmation is necessary. Below are examples from major cities.

Municipality	Installation standard	Conditions for shared housing
Sapporo	One site for every 20 to 30 households	Installation possible for buildings with 6 units or more
Yokohama	One site for every 10 to 30 households	As a rule, installation is on the property. For buildings with fewer than 10 units, an existing collection point is used
Kumamoto	Determined on a case-by-case basis	Installation possible for buildings with 6 units or more

What problems can arise at a garbage station, and what countermeasures are effective?

Here we explain the problems that commonly occur after installing a large garbage bin and how to address them.

Violations of garbage disposal times

If trash is put out outside the permitted times, it will not be collected and may be scattered by crows or cause bad odors.For residents who do not follow the rules, prepare explanatory materials and communicate the rules again.

Uncollected trash left behind

Trash that is not collected because of sorting mistakes may be left behind.Distributing explanatory materials to residents or posting notices at the shared entrance is effective.

Dirt inside and around the garbage bin

When dirt accumulates, odor problems increase and vacancy turnover can rise. Athank-you noticesaying, “Thank you for always using this area neatly,” can also be effective.

Trash disposal by non-residents

Installing a lock or motion sensor is effective.a notice stating that security cameras are installedcan also serve as a deterrent.

Large trash left behind by tenants moving out

At move-in or when a move-out is confirmed, explain bulky-waste rules individually to the resident.

Who should clean the garbage station?

There are two ways to handle cleaning: the landlord does it personally or hires a contractor.

Benefits of the landlord handling cleaning

• Saving management costs (contractors typically charge around JPY 10,000 to 20,000 per month)
• Checking the condition of the property and finding issues early
• Creating opportunities to communicate with residents

Benefits of hiring a cleaning contractor

• Reduces the landlord’s workload
• Provides a consistent level of cleaning on a regular basis
• Reduces the burden of managing multiple properties

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to install a large garbage bin?

Simple mesh models start at several tens of thousands of yen, while large stainless-steel types generally cost JPY 100,000 or more. Shed-style units become even more expensive once installation work is included.

Is permission required to install a large garbage bin?

Installation standards differ by municipality. In general, on-site installation is permitted for shared housing with six or more units, but you should confirm in advance with the relevant sanitation office.

What is the service life of a garbage bin?

This varies by material, but stainless steel typically lasts 15 to 20 years, while steel lasts 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can extend service life.

How can residents’ garbage disposal manners be improved?

Explain garbage disposal rules in writing at move-in and distribute notices regularly. Thank-you notices and announcements that security cameras are installed are also effective.