Steel prices have increased by 40% over the last twelve months. The steel price increase is due to rapidly rising steel demand and escalating freight and energy costs. For steel product manufacturers the dramatic price rise of raw materials has necessitated passing on the increase of prices for finished products to consumers. This has resulted in the rising prices of finished goods such as waste management products.For the Local Government in the United Kingdom, this means an instantaneous cost increase for council bins and recycling stations amongst other steel based minor and major infrastructure. Due to the rapid increase of steel prices, local councils are finding it difficult to balance budgets against the demand to maintain quality waste management services to their constituents.

UCL (Unicorn Containers Ltd) understands the need to balance quality waste management solutions with a cost effective approach for Local Government. UCL is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of waste, sanitary and outdoor litter bins supplying to Council’s across the United Kingdom.

In order to provide Local Government with economic waste management options, UCL have invested in new technology and machinery that increases the efficiency in the production of steel based products. This includes litter bins, recycling stations, sanitary disposal and other waste management products used by Council’s throughout the UK.

By increasing efficiency in the production process, UCL is able to keep price increases of steel based waste disposal products to a minimum. Increases in efficiency do not mean a decrease in quality. UCL has maintained their superior product standards and the quality of the steel used in their waste management products. Most waste management products are continually exposed to variant outdoor conditions and in the UK, this means the searing heat of summer, a high number of rainy days along with the freezing cold of winter. UCL use Zintec in their waste management products to prevent rusting and provide durable long lasting litter and waste solutions.

UCL develop and manufacture practical waste and environmental solutions for Local Governments in the United Kingdom including:

• ‘On-street’ recycling stations
• Wheelie bin housing’s and secure frames
• Dual purpose recycle bins
• A wide range of outdoor litter bins
• Smoking control and disposal options
• Indoor litter bins
• Healthcare waste
• Vending machines
• Outdoor seats and tables

While other waste management product manufacturers have passed on high increases in prices to Local Governments, UCL has invested in long-term economic solutions to address the rising prices and demand for steel. Unicorn Containers Ltd works with Local Government in the United Kingdom to develop a wide range of cost effective waste management options to ensure that while market forces may be driving costs up, Local Governments do not have to compromise on the quality of their waste management services.