Vaccination Bin Problem Cured

You don’t need to submit to a needle to benefit from vaccinations, as some Waste Exchange users found out recently. 

Late last year Pauline Crawford from the Waltham Medical Centre contacted Waste Exchange hoping to find an alternative use for the clean polybins the centre’s vaccination supplies came in. The square polystyrene bins had walls 65mm thick and came with a lid, were very clean and in excellent condition. Small numbers of the bins were available regularly, but were being thrown away. An email from Waste Exchange to community groups got an immediate response – ironically from nearby Waltham Community gardens, who took all 12 bins that were available.

Over Christmas and New Year Jim himself decided to try the bins out and took three home. After adding drainage holes Jim painted them with acrylic paint (a small test pot of paint was sufficient for two coats) and set them up as planters. The results have been excellent and the insulation provided by the polystyrene has helped the plants flourish. The planter has also worked well to contain the mint, which when planted directly in the garden can spread like a weed. 

These bins have made great planter boxes and would be ideal for apartments or offices. Being lightweight they are also portable, and can be easily moved – you can even take your herbs away with you camping or to the bach. To access some of these bins for yourself contact your local medical centre.