EC20 Bin Washing Systems: How Much Could You Be Saving?

Industrial Washing Machines Ltd (IWM) has outlined how its EC20 bin washing system can help food factories compare automated cleaning with the full cost of washing bins manually. The company designs, supplies and installs washing and hygiene equipment and has supplied this system to customers in more than 20 countries.

The standard EC20 handles both 200 and 300 litre Eurobins without adjustment. Its inverted wash position is designed to clean and sanitise the bin, undercarriage and wheels during each cycle, while reducing the need for operators to reposition heavy bins for hosing and draining.

Monitoring the cost of each wash

IWM fits the EC20 with a Siemens operator interface that provides diagnostic information, machine data and access to manuals. Its monitoring system allows users to enter their own energy and water tariffs, then tracks consumption to calculate ongoing operating costs.
This gives businesses a basis for comparing their current cleaning method with an automated system using site-specific utility prices rather than relying on purchase cost alone.

Looking beyond water consumption

The article estimates that manual cleaning with a medium-pressure hose uses around 50 litres for a 200 litre Eurobin. At ten bins per hour, this would amount to approximately 500 litres of water per hour.
Labour, water and sewerage, water heating, detergent and equipment wear all contribute to the cost. IWM gives an indicative manual washing range of £21.50 to £36.50 per hour, equivalent to £2.15 to £3.65 per bin at that throughput. Actual expenditure will depend on the process, tariffs and operating conditions.

EC20 throughput and indicative savings

Based on its trials and cost analysis, IWM reports that the EC20 can wash up to 15 standard Eurobins per hour from as little as £1.25 per bin. Compared with the article’s manual example of ten bins per hour, this represents a 50% increase in throughput.
Using the midpoint of the manual cost range, £2.90 per bin, against £1.25 for the EC20 gives an illustrative saving of £1.65 per bin. At 15 bins per hour over an eight-hour shift, the calculation is approximately £198 per shift.
For a factory operating two shifts per day, six days per week, IWM estimates savings of around £2,400 per week. The company says many customers achieve a return on investment in under six months on this basis. These figures are an example rather than a guaranteed result for every installation; each site should assess its own volumes and costs.

Operational benefits alongside the cost comparison

Automating the wash process can help deliver consistent cleaning and hot-water sanitisation while reducing manual handling. The inverted cabinet arrangement also limits the need for hand hosing and draining, which IWM links to lower injury risk and less wear on factory floors.

Frequently asked questions

Can the standard EC20 accommodate different Eurobin sizes?

Yes. The standard model accepts both 200 and 300 litre variants without adjustment.

What should be included in a manual washing comparison?

Consider labour, water, sewerage, heating, detergent, equipment wear and the number of bins cleaned. A meaningful comparison uses the same cleaning requirements and the site’s own costs.

How can a business assess potential payback?

Compare its current cost per bin and cleaning volume with the proposed system’s operating costs and investment. IWM can discuss site requirements, installation, servicing and available finance or leasing options.

For more information on EC20 Bin Washing Systems: How Much Could You Be Saving? talk to Industrial Washing Machines Ltd