Whether a single-family home or a multi-party property: Open garbage cans disturb the appearance, smell bad in summer, and attract animals. A garbage can enclosure solves all three problems at once – if the size, material, and location are right. This guide shows what to look for when buying, when a walk-in garbage can shed is worthwhile, and what good metal solutions cost.
Why a garbage can enclosure? Three problems, one solution
A closed enclosure shields the bins from direct sunlight – the contents heat up less, fermentation processes and odor formation are noticeably reduced. At the same time, raccoons, martens, and rats can no longer get to the waste, and a lockable door prevents unauthorized filling. Last but not least, a high-quality enclosure visibly enhances the entrance area.
What size do I need: 120 or 240 liters?
The crucial factor is the liter size of your municipal bins: 120 liters (often residual waste) and 240 liters (often paper) are common. Before purchasing, check the information from your waste management company and measure the standing area. For orientation: A box for 2 bins measures approximately 148 × 78 × 122 cm (W × D × H); for each additional bin, about 70–75 cm width are added. For entire groups of bins – for example, in apartment buildings – walk-in garbage can sheds are the better choice.
Materials compared: What lasts the longest?
Stainless steel (V2A)
Rust-free, easy to maintain, and dimensionally stable for decades – the premium solution. Our article Stainless steel V2A & V4A – Differences and quality explains what to look for in terms of quality.
Steel, hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated
Galvanized steel with color powder coating (e.g., RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey) offers double corrosion protection at an attractive price. Read more about the technology under Color powder coating in metal construction and Hot-dip galvanized vs. electro-galvanized.
Wood-stainless steel combination
Weather-resistant wood (e.g., larch) on a stainless steel base brings warmth to naturally designed front gardens – with a significantly longer lifespan than pure wooden boxes.
Plastic and concrete
Plastic boxes are cheap but UV-sensitive and not very stable; concrete is massive but difficult to move and creatively inflexible. Metal boxes offer the best balance of durability, weight, and aesthetics for most properties.
Comfort details: Hinged lid, planted roof, gas pressure springs
A hinged lid with gas pressure springs swings open by itself with a light tap – practical when your hands are full. A green planted roof with a waterproof tray, expanded clay drainage, and sedum planting turns the box into a green design element. Lockable doors and sturdy back panels are standard features in high-quality metal boxes.
Location and building law: Can the box be placed on the boundary?
In most German states, garbage can enclosures up to 2 m high are considered fences or subordinate structures under building law – they can therefore usually be placed directly on the property boundary. Compact boxes remain well below this with a height of around 1.22 m; for walk-in garbage can sheds, special rules apply depending on the state. The local building authority can provide binding information for your location. Important for practical use: short distances to the street for collection day and storm-proof anchoring via the base plate.
Assembled or kit?
Assembled boxes are delivered by freight forwarder and only need to be positioned – ideal if you need it quickly. Kit systems like our BINBOX series save on freight volume and thus costs; with instructions and articulated feet, assembly is also possible on slightly uneven ground.
Garbage can canopy and garbage can shed: When boxes are no longer enough
From about four bins – typical for apartment buildings, property management companies, and businesses – the classic box reaches its limits. The solution is a walk-in garbage can shed: a canopy with doors, where groups of bins are neatly, protected, and lockably housed. Our sheds are available in six sizes from size 1 (269 × 180 cm) to size 6 (531 × 354 cm), each with wood or stainless steel perforated sheet cladding. Perforated sheet doors ensure permanent ventilation with full visual protection; optional gutters drain precipitation in a controlled manner, support leg extensions compensate for uneven terrain. A plus for space utilization: The same enclosure can also serve as a bicycle shed for bicycles and e-bikes. All sizes and designs can be found under Garbage can canopies & garbage can sheds.
What does a metal garbage can enclosure cost?
Some indicative values from our shop (as of 07/2026):
- 1-bin stainless steel enclosure with wooden posts: from €875.88
- 1-bin stainless steel enclosure: from €1,268.05
- BINBOX steel, lockable: from €1,344.70 (1 bin) to €3,321.29 (4 bins)
- 2-bin enclosures: from approx. €1,580–€2,023 depending on the series
- Walk-in garbage can sheds: from €6,679.80 (size 1) to €14,274 (size 6, stainless steel perforated sheet)
Cheap goods made of thin sheet metal rust quickly and warp – a box from a specialist company with galvanized or rust-free material, on the other hand, lasts for decades.
Conclusion: First measure, then choose material
Clarify bin sizes and standing area, choose the material according to aesthetics and budget – and pay attention to lockable doors, gas pressure springs, and storm-proof anchoring. All models from the stainless steel classic to the BINBOX made of steel to the wood-stainless steel combination can be found in our overview Garbage can enclosures; for large groups of bins, go here to the Garbage can sheds – Made in Germany, with up to 10 years warranty.
