Strategic Security Bin Placement in Your Office

Optimising Secure Collection

The placement of secure document containers directly impacts how effectively staff dispose of sensitive documents. Poor placement leads to convenience shortcuts—and security gaps.

Key Placement Principles

Visibility:

Containers should be visible and clearly identified. Staff can't use what they can't see or find easily.

Convenience:

Place containers where documents are created and used. Inconvenient locations encourage improper disposal.

Accessibility:

Ensure containers are accessible to all staff, including those with mobility requirements.

Optimal Locations

Near Printers/Copiers:

• Staff naturally discard misprints here
• High document traffic area
• Captures immediate disposal needs

Reception Areas:

• Handles customer-provided documents
• Captures delivery packaging with addresses
• Visible commitment to security

Meeting Rooms:

• Presentation handouts and notes
• Confidential discussion materials
• Visitor documents

Kitchen/Break Rooms:

• Often overlooked location
• Staff bring documents while getting coffee
• Captures casual document disposal

Near Exits:

• Staff empty bags before leaving
• Captures end-of-day document clearing
• Prevents documents leaving premises

Container Selection by Location

120L Containers:

• Individual offices
• Small meeting rooms
• Reception desks
• Best for 2-5 regular users

240L Containers:

• Open plan work areas
• Near printer/copier stations
• High-traffic corridors
• Best for 5-15 regular users

660L Containers:

• Mail rooms
• Records departments
• Central collection points
• High-volume document areas

Executive Consoles:

• Individual executive offices
• Boardrooms
• Client meeting rooms
• Where aesthetics matter

Common Mistakes

Hiding Containers:

Placing containers in back rooms or corridors means staff won't use them.

Insufficient Quantity:

One container for an entire floor means long walks and avoided use.

Wrong Size:

Containers that fill too quickly between collections become inconvenient.

Poor Signage:

Staff need clear indication of what goes where.

Measuring Effectiveness

Track compliance by monitoring:

• Container fill rates
• Sensitive documents in general waste (audit periodically)
• Staff feedback on convenience
• Adjustment requests