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Build Your Own Bin

Do you want to make your own PVC recycling bins?

Here’s some tips and instructions on how to build your own recycling station.

Materials needed (per station)

  • 2’ of 6” PVC Pipe – NOTE: Most pipe is sold in 10’ sections
  • 1 6” 90 degree elbow
  • 1 6” female threaded adapter
  • 1 6’ threaded male plug

Instructions

  • Cut PVC pipe into approximately 2’ long pieces using a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, bandsaw, or table saw.
  • In a well aerated area, apply PVC glue to the inside (non threaded part) of the adapter. With adapter sitting squarely on the ground, press the pipe down into the adapter until snug. NOTE: PVC glue works by dissolving the PVC, then sets rapidly, so you don’t have a lot of time to "play” with it.
  • Apply PVC glue to the inside of one end of the elbow (it doesn’t matter which end). Press the elbow onto the pipe. Try and make sure that any blemishes on the pipe end up on the back side of the bin.
  • Drill two holes (about 1/4” - 3/8”) in the plug (for drainage in case water gets into the container) and attach to the adapter hand tight.
  • Affix stickers to the bin. (Need stickers? Order from Florida MRRP). 

Video Demo from FWC

This video shows an introductory way to make a bin. This video doesn’t include the PVC glue, which is highly recommended to ensure the longevity of your bins. This video also touches on how to make a personal monofilament bin out of a tennis ball container.

The BoatU.S. Method

Here is an alternate video from our partners at BoatU.S. explaining how to put together an outdoor monofilament recycling bin.

How to install

  1. Decide where you are going to install the bin. We suggest close to a trash can so less trash ends up in the bin.
  2. Using a long drill bit (8”), drill 2 holes in the supporting wood (post or railings). The holes should be placed such that the upper hole will line up with the lower part of the elbow and the lower hole lines up with the collar of the adapter. Drill a hole through the base of the elbow at the back of the bin.
  3. Use bolts to attach the bin to the post at the top hole. Lok-tite may be used on the threads to try and keep the nuts from coming loose.
  4. From the back side of the post, drill through the existing hole and through the collar of the adapter. Use a second bolt to attach the bin through these holes.

 Alternate method of installation

In relatively secure areas (paid-access fishing piers, for example), or where you must attach the bin to a concrete railing, you can use long cable-ties/ zip ties to wrap around the post and bin in 2 or 3 places. Make sure they are secure and any excess part of the tie is snipped off.

 Deterring vandals

 You can help prevent removal of 4x4 posts in one of two ways:

  1. Use concrete to help set the post in the ground.
  2. Nail or screw a piece of 2x4 perpendicular to the 4x4 post, as close to the ground as you can. This will prevent people from being able to rock the post back and forth. If the container is attached to a pier/railing, you can attach a 2x4 or 4x4 to the pier adjacent to both sides of the container—this helps stop people from rocking the bin back and forth and breaking it loose.