B’inspired: Thanet’s recycling bins get an imaginative makeover

Thanet District Council has launched ‘B’inspired’, a public art project designed to give  local recycling bins a colourful makeover.

By turning everyday bins into eye-catching pieces of art, the council aims to make Thanet’s streets look brighter while reminding people to dispose of their litter responsibly. The goal is simple: make bins harder to miss to encourage more recycling and keep our district tidy.

Twenty-five artists have been invited to spray an original design directly onto a bin housing. This ensures that every piece is a one-of-a-kind addition to the local landscape. Each bin will also feature a recycling information panel incorporated into the design. Louis Michel, an internationally-renowned Thanet-based muralist, is responsible for overseeing the artists. Participants range from homegrown local talent to high-profile UK and international street artists.

Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the ‘B’inspired’ project take shape on our streets. The artworks will be colourful and eye-catching, drawing attention to the bins and building a sense of community pride. 

“Bins can be more than functional. By involving world-class artists, we’re making our recycling facilities impossible to miss, and I hope, encouraging people to use them to get rid of their rubbish responsibly.

“When we take pride in our public spaces, the community follows suit. Similar projects in other towns have shown that high-quality street art can significantly reduce illegal tagging and fly-posting.”

The first phase of the ‘B’inspired’ project began in April 2026, featuring works by local street artists. So far, six artworks have been completed, at seafront locations between Dreamland and the Parade. Bins at Westbrook Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, West Bay and Minnis Bay are next on the list.

Later phases of the programme will include artists from further afield, adding to Thanet’s ‘outdoor gallery’ and showcasing Thanet as a centre for innovative, world-class street art.

In preparation for the busy summer season, more than 80 additional recycling and rubbish bins will be installed at locations around the coast.