The wheelie bin is a fixed part of municipal waste collection and a familiar sight for households, blocks of flats and businesses alike. In Germany, its use is clearly regulated: the type, size and number of wheelie bins depend on the volume of waste produced, local requirements and the collection system in place. Standard sizes are 120 or 240 litres for private households, and larger 770 or 1,100 litre containers for housing estates and commercial premises.
Alongside capacity, build quality plays a central role. A wheelie bin needs to be robust, ergonomic to handle and compatible with standard emptying systems. At the same time, sustainable materials are becoming more important: many local authorities are increasingly turning to bins made from recycled plastic to conserve resources and strengthen the circular economy. Here, waste plastics are reprocessed and used as raw material for new containers – without compromising on stability or safety.
For all wheelie bins to meet these requirements reliably, they must comply with certain quality and safety standards. These include the EN 840 standard, which defines design and function, as well as the RAL GZ 951/1 quality mark for a demonstrably tested and durable design. These standards ensure that wheelie bins are reliable, long-lasting and suitable for use throughout Germany and Europe.
What Sizes Do Wheelie Bins Come In?
Choosing the right size saves money and makes waste collection more efficient. Small households are well served by 80 or 120 litre bins, while families and multi-occupancy buildings tend to use 240 or 360 litre bins. Businesses, housing estates and local authorities typically rely on 660, 770 or 1,100 litre containers.
Wheelie Bin Dimensions in Detail
Height, Width, Depth and Many More Details
| Product | Lid | Overall height ~ | Top edge of lifting comb ~ | Container depth ~ | Overall width ~ | Wheel diameter ~ | Nominal volume (L) | Empty weight (kg) | Max. fill weight (kg) | Permissible gross weight (kg) | Front lid opening ~ | Axle type |
| 60 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 925 mm | 871 mm | 516 mm | 445 mm | 200 mm | 60 | 8.5 | 24 | 50 | Tube axle | |
| 60 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 932 mm | 871 mm | 518 mm | 445 mm | 200 mm | 60 | 8.5 | 24 | 50 | Tube axle | |
| 80 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 925 mm | 871 mm | 516 mm | 445 mm | 200 mm | 80 | 8.3 | 32 | 50 | Tube axle | |
| 80 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 935 mm | 871 mm | 518 mm | 445 mm | 200 mm | 80 | 8.3 | 32 | 50 | Tube axle | |
| 80 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 940 mm | 880 mm | 525 mm | 450 mm | 200 mm | 80 | 8.7 | 32 | 50 | Solid axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 933 mm | 871 mm | 550 mm | 500 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 8.9 | 48 | 60 | Tube axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 934 mm | 871 mm | 550 mm | 500 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 8.9 | 48 | 60 | Tube axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin H | Standard Lid | 944 mm | 889 mm | 558 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 7.2 | 48 | 60 | Tube axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin H | Clip Lid | 954 mm | 889 mm | 558 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 7.2 | 48 | 60 | Tube axle | |
| 140 Litre Wheelie Bin | Design Lid | 950 mm | 892 mm | 560 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 140 | 9.9 | 56 | 70 | Solid axle | |
| 140 Litre Wheelie Bin | Silent Lid | 950 mm | 892 mm | 560 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 140 | 9.9 | 56 | 70 | Solid axle | |
| 180 Litre Wheelie Bin | Design Lid | 1075 mm | 1000 mm | 730 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 180 | 10.1 | 72 | 90 | Solid axle | |
| 240 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 1075 mm | 991 mm | 728 mm | 582 mm | 200 mm | 240 | 12.3 | 96 | 110 | Tube axle | |
| 240 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 1075 mm | 991 mm | 728 mm | 582 mm | 200 mm | 240 | 12.3 | 96 | 110 | Tube axle | |
| 360 Litre Wheelie Bin | Silent Lid | 1090 mm | 1010 mm | 850 mm | 625 mm | 200 mm | 360 | 17.1 | 144 | 160 | Solid axle | |
| 660 Litre Wheelie Bin | Flat Lid | 1230 mm | 1100 mm | 775 mm | 1370 mm | 200 mm | 660 | 41 | 264 | 310 | Solid axle | |
| 660 Litre Wheelie Bin | Flat Lid | 1165 mm | 1070 mm | 775 mm | 1265 mm | 660 | 37.3 | 264 | Solid axle | |||
| 770 Litre Wheelie Bin | Flat Lid | 1365 mm | 1240 mm | 775 mm | 1370 mm | 200 mm | 770 | 43 | 308 | 360 | Solid axle | |
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin Classic | Flat Lid | 1330 mm | 1205 mm | 1075 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 50 | 440 | 510 | Solid axle | ||
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin Classic | Flat Lid-in-Lid | 1330 mm | 1205 mm | 1075 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 50 | 440 | 510 | 1162 mm x 290 mm | Solid axle | |
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin Classic | Dome Lid | 1460 mm | 1205 mm | 1210 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 60 | 440 | 51 | Solid axle | ||
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin Classic | Dome Lid-in-Lid | 1460 mm | 1205 mm | 1210 mm | 1370 mm | 200 mm | 1100 | 60 | 440 | 51 | Solid axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Design Lid | 940 mm | 889 mm | 550 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 6.8 | 48 | 60 | Solid axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Silent Lid | 950 mm | 889 mm | 558 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 7.2 | 48 | 60 | Solid axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 947,5 mm | 889 mm | 551,5 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 6.6 | 48 | 60 | Solid axle | |
| 120 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 951,5 mm | 889 mm | 551,5 mm | 480 mm | 200 mm | 120 | 6.7 | 48 | 60 | Solid axle | |
| 240 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 1068 mm | 998 mm | 734 mm | 583 mm | 200 mm | 240 | 10.2 | 96 | 110 | Tube axle | |
| 240 Litre Wheelie Bin | Clip Lid | 1077 mm | 998 mm | 734 mm | 583 mm | 200 mm | 240 | 10.2 | 96 | 110 | Tube axle | |
| 240 Litre Wheelie Bin | Silent Lid | 1050 mm | 998 mm | 734 mm | 583 mm | 200 mm | 240 | 10.2 | 96 | 110 | Tube axle | |
| 360 Litre Wheelie Bin | Silent Lid | 1105 mm | 1015 mm | 877 mm | 601 mm | 200 mm | 360 | 12.3 | 144 | 160 | Solid axle | |
| 370 Litre Wheelie Bin | Standard Lid | 1092 mm | 1000 mm | 800 mm | 747 mm | 300 mm | 370 | 19.8 | 170 | Solid axle | ||
| 370 Litre Wheelie Bin with Third Wheel | 1092 mm | 1000 mm | 800 mm | 748 mm | 300 mm | 370 | 21.1 | 170 | Solid axle | |||
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin | Dome Lid | 1460 mm | 1205 mm | 1060 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 54 | 440 | 510 | Solid axle | ||
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin | Dome Lid-in-Lid | 1460 mm | 1205 mm | 1060 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 54 | 440 | 510 | Solid axle | ||
| 1,100 Litre Wheelie Bin | Flat Lid-in-Lid | 1330 mm | 1205 mm | 1075 mm | 1370 mm | 1100 | 46 | 440 | 510 | Solid axle |
Wheelie Bin Product Range at a Glance
Our wheelie bins are available in numerous sizes and designs. From the compact 60 litre bin for single-person households to the 1,100 litre large-capacity container for local authorities, we offer the right solution for every need. All models feature a robust build, smooth-running wheels and ergonomic handles.
The Citybac® Family Explained
The Citybac® family is the heart of our range. It offers maximum flexibility, numerous variants and state-of-the-art functionality. Whether two-wheel or four-wheel containers, Citybac® combines everyday practicality with sustainability. The products are designed to be especially user-friendly, durable and low-maintenance.
Sustainable Bins Made from Recycled Plastic
Resource-Efficient & Certified
CITYBAC® continues the long tradition of SULO wheelie bins and waste containers. The new generation was designed to meet the demands of the modern circular economy. Maximum environmental friendliness, ergonomics and durability – the ideal container system for environmentally conscious local authorities and businesses. The CO₂ calculator makes the environmental impact of every wheelie bin transparent, showing how material choice and colour directly affect its ecological footprint. Certifications such as the Blue Angel confirm the products' circularity.
Special Solutions for Trade, Clinical & Confidential Waste
The CITYBAC® range doesn't just cover all standard collection and disposal tasks – it also offers tailor-made solutions for specialist applications. From hygienic disposal in clinics and surgeries, to the secure collection of confidential documents, to particularly fast handling and flexible volumes – discover our special-purpose wheelie bins for specific needs.
In our assembly videos, we show in clear, step-by-step detail how different wheelie bins are correctly put together. We guide you through the assembly process stage by stage, so every waste container can deliver its full functionality and lifespan.
Options & Accessories for Your Wheelie Bin
Every bin can be configured to your exact needs:
- Locks protect against unauthorised use
- Embossed panels make the wheelie bin personalisable
- Lid and body colours make waste separation easier
- Add-ons such as filter lids or throw-in flaps improve comfort and hygiene
In our assembly videos, we show in clear, step-by-step detail how different wheelie bins are correctly put together. We guide you through the assembly process stage by stage, so every waste container can deliver its full functionality and lifespan.
How Are Wheelie Bins Made?
In the "Bestfalen" segment of Lokalzeit OWL, our durable wheelie bins were featured as an example of sustainable waste containers made in East Westphalia.
Wheelie Bins for Every Need and Application
Our wheelie bins adapt to your area of use – whether for local authorities, waste management companies, businesses or private households. We supply solutions precisely tailored to your requirements: durable, functional and sustainably produced. Municipal waste containers
For Local Authorities and Waste Operators
Local authorities and waste management companies need wheelie bins that are durable, compliant with standards and economical to operate. Municipal waste containers are manufactured to DIN EN 840, from recyclable plastic (awarded the GGAWB RAL quality mark) and to third-party certified DIN CERTCO standards. Every container undergoes comprehensive load, weathering and function testing to ensure long-term, reliable use.
The systems are ergonomically designed, easy to handle and available in numerous variants – with locks, throw-in openings, colour coding or individual labelling.
For modern waste management, our containers can be combined with digital hardware: RFID transponder chips which, together with digital hardware on refuse trucks and integrated weighing systems, enable demand-based billing. We also offer matching software solutions with further functions for analysis and route optimisation. The result is a fully connected system that combines efficiency, transparency and sustainability in municipal collection.
For Businesses and Trade
Commercial operations have very different requirements for their waste containers depending on the sector. Whether industry, trade, hospitality or retail – all of them produce different types of waste: from packaging and recyclable waste to organic residues and production waste.
Our wheelie bins are designed to meet these varied applications. The containers are made from high-quality, recyclable plastic, are weatherproof, impact-resistant and easy to clean. Sturdy axles, ergonomic handles and smooth-running wheels make them ideal for daily use in business, indoors and outdoors alike.
On request, the bins can be clearly marked for specific waste types using colour coding, lid variants, special throw-in openings or labelling. The result is a clear, hygienic and secure collection system that makes daily operations easier and supports waste separation in the workplace.
For Private Households
Households produce a wide variety of waste every day – from general waste and food waste to paper and packaging. Clean separation is the foundation of a functioning circular economy and sustainable disposal.
Food waste bins are used for organic waste such as kitchen scraps and fruit and vegetable peelings. Paper and cardboard are collected separately so they can be recycled to a high standard. Lightweight packaging made of plastic, metal or composite material belongs in the recyclables collection, while general waste should only contain what cannot be recovered.
Through consistent waste separation at home, valuable raw materials are recovered and fed back into production. In this way, every family makes a direct contribution to environmental protection – efficiently, practically and in line with local authority disposal guidelines.
Chip + Bin: Smart Waste Management
Digitalisation is also transforming waste management. With our RFID chips and the SULO Digital software platform, collections can be documented, fee models introduced and processes made more efficient. By combining robust hardware with intelligent software, local authorities and waste operators gain full transparency and control. The system automatically records collections, delivers real-time data and enables more precise route planning.
Smart Waste Management: A Case Study from the Town of Detmold
Digitally capturing waste management data is a quantum leap for the logistical efficiency of any local authority, as well as for the environment and residents. Anja Fricke, Head of Waste Management for the Town of Detmold, explains what this looks like in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheelie Bins
From 2025, the separate collection of food waste is mandatory in Germany. This means kitchen and garden waste can no longer be disposed of in the black general waste bin, and must instead be collected in a food waste bin. SULO offers suitable food waste bins with ventilation systems, filter lids and various sizes.
For a four-person household, a wheelie bin with a capacity of between 120 and 240 litres is generally recommended – depending on the amount of waste produced and the collection intervals. Many local authorities provide 240 litre bins as the standard size. SULO offers these sizes in the Citybac® range – robust, ergonomic and certified.
The cost of a 120 litre wheelie bin depends on the local authority. In most cases, the containers are funded through waste charges and provided as part of the waste fee. Local authorities and waste operators buy their wheelie bins directly from manufacturers such as SULO. Private customers can also purchase replacement bins through specialist retailers.
The same applies here: costs are set by local authority charges. For collection in multi-person households, 240 litre bins are the most widely used solution. Local authorities often purchase these containers in large quantities directly from SULO.
SULO offers waste containers from 60 to 1,100 litres.
- 60–120 litres: ideal for small households
- 240–360 litres: for multi-family buildings and medium waste volumes
- 660–1,100 litres: for housing estates, businesses and local authorities
All containers are EN 840 certified and RAL-tested.
The lid colour indicates the relevant waste fraction. Depending on the local authority, a wheelie bin with a red lid may be designated for general waste or a specific fraction (e.g. recyclables). SULO offers wheelie bins with different lid colours to enable clear separation.
Personalised Advice on Wheelie Bin Solutions
Whether for a local authority, a business or a private household – we offer individual advice and work with you to find the right solution. Our experts can help you choose the right size, accessories and digital extensions.
REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Saving Resources
CITYBAC® waste containers are 100% recyclable and made from up to 100% recycled material. This closes the loop completely. We call this approach CIRCULAR ECO, which minimises the consumption of fossil raw materials. For the environmental development of towns and cities, this is a documentable plus point in minimising carbon footprint.
ECO DESIGN
Designed to Impress
The innovative CITYBAC® ECO Design, with its weight-reduced body, cuts material use and answers the growing demand for resource-efficient solutions. The optimised geometry allows CITYBAC® containers to be stacked more space-efficiently. This means up to 20% more containers can be transported in a single lorry. A major ergonomic benefit of this controlled weight reduction is the significantly lower physical strain on refuse collection staff.
Pioneers of Quality
CERTIFICATIONS
SULO wheelie bins are known worldwide for their outstanding durability and robustness. That remains true with CITYBAC® – if anything, more so. We safeguard our quality leadership through a strict quality management system that goes far beyond the required standards.
The exclusive SULO label guarantees that all products meet circular economy criteria, including minimal use of virgin material.
SULO Langres is the first French manufacturing site to be awarded certification for, among other things, using at least 60% recycled materials (bottles, lids, etc.). Today, the use of 100% post-consumer HDPE is standard.
The world's most widely recognised Blue Angel eco-label for companies whose products consist of more than 80% recycled material.
Certification by the RAL association proves that strict quality and environmental criteria for containers are met.
SULO 360° Waste Management
SIMILAR SOLUTIONS
SULO supplies the full range of innovative waste management solutions. Feel free to establish your own sustainable collection and sorting system within your area of responsibility.
Solutions for medical purposes, confidential documents, adjustable volumes and alternative collection.
