Methods for refurbishing a container and refurbished containers

Abstract

A method for refurbishing a container comprises: providing a container that comprises a floor and a wall which together define an enclosure for receiving material: removing an inner portion of the floor whilst leaving a peripheral portion of the floor in situ, the peripheral portion of the floor defining an opening into the enclosure after the inner portion of the floor has been removed; and bringing at least part of a replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor from within the enclosure to close the opening.

Description

FIELD The present disclosure relates to methods for refurbishing containers and particularly, although not exclusively, to methods for refurbishing waste and / or recycling containers of the type formed from metal, such as steel. The present disclosure also relates to refurbished containers. BACKGROUND Waste and / or recycling containers formed from steel have a typical life expectancy of from 5 to 25 years. The life expectancy of course depends on how the container is used. In many instances, containers of this type are used to dispose of food waste, for example generated by cafes or restaurants, until the waste is collected by a refuse vehicle. Over time, waste material decays and can erode the floor of the container which, in turn, can cause the floor to become damaged. In such scenarios, it is often the case that the containers are disposed of, even though the remainder of the containers generally remain intact. The entire container is often then replaced with a new container which can be expensive and can involve the unnecessary discarding of perfectly useable parts. There is a need, therefore, to provide a lower cost and / or environmentally friendly solution. It is a non-exclusive object of the present disclosure to provide methods for refurbishing containers and refurbished containers which seek to overcome, or at least substantially reduce, the disadvantages discussed above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for refurbishing a container comprising: providing a container comprising a floor and a wall which together define an enclosure for receiving material: removing an inner portion of the floor whilst leaving a peripheral portion of the floor in situ, the peripheral portion of the floor defining an opening into the enclosure after the inner portion of the floor has been removed; and bringing at least part of a replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor from within the enclosure to close the opening. The method may comprise bringing a first part of the replacement base into direct or indirect contact with an inner surface of the peripheral portion of the floor to close the opening. The replacement base may first be inserted into the enclosure in its entirety before bringing the first part thereof into direct or indirect contact with the inner surface of the peripheral portion. The step of bringing the first part of the replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor may be concurrent with a second part of the replacement base at least partially extending through the opening. The method may comprise fixing, optionally removably fixing, the replacement base to the container. The method may comprise fixing, optionally removably fixing, the replacement base to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall of the container. The method may comprise fixing, optionally removably fixing, the first part to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall of the container. The step of fixing may involve the use of one or more fixings or fasteners, such as rivets, screws and / or nut and bolt fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the step of fixing may involve adhesive bonding or welding, such as ultrasonic welding, laser welding, friction stir welding or friction spot joining. The inner portion of the floor may be removed by cutting. The cutting may be mechanical, e.g., using a saw, or laser cutting. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a refurbished container obtained or obtainable by: providing a container comprising a floor and a wall which together define an enclosure for receiving material; removing an inner portion of the floor whilst leaving a peripheral portion of the floor in situ, the peripheral portion of the floor defining an opening into the enclosure after the inner portion of the floor has been removed; and bringing at least a part of a replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor from within the enclosure to close the opening. A first part of the replacement base may be in direct or indirect contact with an inner surface of the peripheral portion of the floor. A second part of the replacement base may at least partially extend through the opening defined by the peripheral portion of the floor. The opening may have an area greater than the surface area of the peripheral portion of the floor. The replacement base may have an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle. The replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the container. The replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall of the container. The first part of the replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall of the container. The replacement base may be fixed or removably fixed to the container by one or more fixings or fasteners, such as rivets, screws and / or nut and bolt fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the replacement base may be fixed to the container by adhesive bonding or welding, such as ultrasonic welding, laser welding, friction stir welding or friction spot joining. The replacement base may be formed from a first material. The replacement base may consist of (such as be formed entirely from) the first material. The peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall may be formed from a second material. The peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall may consist of (such as be formed entirely from) the second material. The first material and the second material may be different. The first material may be a plastics material. The plastics material may comprise any one or a combination of polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfide, polymethacrylates or ethylene co-terpolymers. For instance, the first material may comprise or consist of polyethylene (such as low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene), polypropylene or ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA). The replacement base may be formed by any one of plastic extrusion, injection moulding, rotational moulding, injection blow moulding, compression moulding or forming (such as thermo or vacuum forming). The second material may be metal, such as steel. The floor and / or the wall of the container may be formed from rolled steel. The peripheral portion of the floor may comprise an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle having four corners. The replacement base may be sized and dimensioned such that the outer edge thereof fits inside and in contact with the outer edge of the peripheral portion of the floor. A support for a wheel may be provided at one or more of the corner(s) of the peripheral portion. A wheel support may be provided at one or more of the corner(s). For instance, the support or the wheel support may be provided at each corner. Each support or wheel support may be connected to at least a portion of a planar surface of the peripheral portion. The or each corner may comprise a part of the planar surface. The planar surface may have a first side within the enclosure and a second side external of the enclosure. Each support or wheel support may be connected to at least a portion of the second side of the planar surface of the peripheral portion. The outer edge of the peripheral portion may be in the form of a rim upstanding from the planar surface. For instance, the rim may extend from the planar surface and the angle between the rim and the planar surface may be greater than 90°, such as from approximately 90° to approximately 100°. In examples where the outer edge is in the form of a rim upstanding from the planar surface, the replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the rim. For instance, the first part may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the rim. The enclosure may have a volume greater than or equal to 0.3 m3. The enclosure may have a volume less than or equal to 2.0 m3. The enclosure may have a volume of 0.3 m3 to 2.0 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.9 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.8 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.5 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.6 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.7 m3 to 1.6 m3, such as 0.8 m3 to 1.5 m3, such as 0.9 m3 to 1.4 m3. Example enclosure volumes may include 0.4 m3, 0.5 m3, 0.66 m3, 0.7 m3, 0.72 m3, 0.77 m3, 0.82 m3, 0.94 m3, 1.1 m3, 1.28 m3 and 1.7 m3. The refurbished container may further comprise a lifting bar for engaging a corresponding part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly to enable lifting of the refurbished container to empty material from the enclosure. The lifting bar may be attached to the wall of the container or the lifting bar may be formed integrally with the wall of the container. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a refurbished container comprising: a wall at least partially defining an enclosure for receiving material; a peripheral portion of a floor, the peripheral portion defining an opening into the enclosure; and a replacement base having a first part and a second part, wherein the first part of the replacement base directly or indirectly contacts an inner surface of the peripheral portion and the second part of the replacement base at least partially extends through the opening defined by the peripheral portion of the floor. The opening may have an area greater than the surface area of the peripheral portion of the floor. The replacement base may have an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle. The replacement base may be formed from a first material. The replacement base may consist of (such as be formed entirely from) the first material. The peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall may be formed from a second material. The peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall may consist of (such as be formed entirely from) the second material. The first material and the second material may be different. The first material may be a plastics material. The plastics material may comprise any one or a combination of polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfide, polymethacrylates or ethylene co-terpolymers. For instance, the first material may comprise or consist of polyethylene (such as low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene), polypropylene or ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA). The replacement base may be formed by any one of plastic extrusion, injection moulding, rotational moulding, injection blow moulding, compression moulding or forming (such as thermo or vacuum forming). The second material may be metal, such as steel. The peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall of the refurbished container may be formed from rolled steel. The replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall. The replacement base may be fixed or removably fixed to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall by one or more fixings or fasteners, such as rivets, screws and / or nut and bolt fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the replacement base may be fixed to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall by adhesive bonding or welding, such as ultrasonic welding, laser welding, friction stir welding or friction spot joining. The peripheral portion of the floor may comprise an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle having four corners. The replacement base may be sized and dimensioned such that the outer edge thereof fits inside and in contact with the outer edge of the peripheral portion. A support for a wheel may be provided at one or more of the corner(s). A wheel support may be provided at one or more of the corner(s). For instance, the support or the wheel support may be provided at each corner. Each support or wheel support may be connected to at least a portion of a planar surface of the peripheral portion. The or each corner may comprise a part of the planar surface. The planar surface may have a first side within the enclosure and a second side external of the enclosure. Each support or wheel support may be connected to at least a portion of the second side of the planar surface of the peripheral portion. The outer edge of the peripheral portion may be in the form of a rim upstanding from the planar surface. For instance, the rim may extend from the planar surface and the angle between the rim and the planar surface may be greater than 90°, such as from approximately 90° to approximately 100°. In examples where the outer edge is in the form of a rim upstanding from the planar surface, the replacement base may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the rim. For instance, the first part may be fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the rim. The enclosure may have a volume greater than or equal to 0.3 m3. The enclosure may have a volume less than or equal to 2.0 m3. The enclosure may have a volume of 0.3 m3 to 2.0 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.9 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.8 m3, such as 0.4 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.5 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.6 m3 to 1.7 m3, such as 0.7 m3 to 1.6 m3, such as 0.8 m3 to 1.5 m3, such as 0.9 m3 to 1.4 m3. Example enclosure volumes may include 0.4 m3, 0.5 m3, 0.66 m3, 0.7 m3, 0.72 m3, 0.77 m3, 0.82 m3, 0.94 m3, 1.1 m3, 1.28 m3 and 1.7 m3. The refurbished container may further comprise a lifting bar for engaging a corresponding part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly to enable lifting of the refurbished container to empty material from the enclosure. The lifting bar may be attached to the wall of the refurbished container or the lifting bar may be formed integrally with the wall of the refurbished container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a prior art container; FIGURE 2 is a partially exploded top isometric view of a refurbished container embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 3 is a top view of a refurbished container embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 4 is a partially exploded bottom isometric view of a refurbished container embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 5 is a top isometric view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 6 is a bottom isometric view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 7 is a top view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 8 is a bottom view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 9 is a front view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 10 is a rearview of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure; and FIGURE 11 is a side view of a replacement base embodying the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Referring first to figure 1, there is shown a prior art container 1 ’ comprising a floor 2’ and a wall 3’ which together define an enclosure. The enclosure has a volume of 1.1 m3. The floor 2’ and the wall 3’ are formed from steel. The floor 2’ has a generally rectangular plan having four corners 4’. Only three of the four corners 4’ are shown in figure 1. Each corner 4’ comprises a generally planar surface 5’. Each generally planar surface 5’ has a first side (not shown) facing the enclosure and a second side external of the enclosure. The container 1 ’ comprises four supports 6’, one located at each corner 4’. The supports 6’ are connected to the second side of the generally planar surfaces 5’. Wheels 7’ are connected to the supports 6’ to enable rolling of the container T across the ground. The floor 2’ further comprises a sump 8’. The sump 8’ constitutes the majority of the floor 2’. The sump 8’ extends beneath the generally planar surfaces 5’ and functions to collect decaying waste material, which is often in the form of liquid known colloquially as “bin juice”. The sump 8’ may comprise an outlet (not shown) for draining waste material from the container 1’. The container 1 ’ may be provided with a removeable cap (not shown) for plugging the outlet. In use, the sump 8’ can have a tendency to become damaged due to decaying waste material eroding at surfaces thereof. When this happens, the entire container 1’ is often discarded and replaced with a new one, which can be expensive. Furthermore, this often involves unnecessarily discarding perfectly useable parts of the container 1 ’, such as the wall 3’, the supports 6’ and / or the wheels 7’. Figures 2 to 4 are views of a refurbished container 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The refurbished container 1 may be obtained or may be obtainable from the prior art container T or any other similar container having a damaged sump. Thus, the refurbished container 1 may comprise a floor 2 (only part of which is shown in figures 2 and 4) and a wall 3 at least partially defining an enclosure 100 for receiving waste material, such as waste and / or recycling. The waste and / or recycling may include biodegradable waste such as food waste. Referring to figure 3, the wall 3 may comprise four sides 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Side 3a may oppose side 3b. Side 3c may oppose side 3d. The wall 3 may at least partially define an enclosure 100 for receiving material. The refurbished container 1 may be of the type comprising a lifting bar 12 for engaging a corresponding part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly (not shown) to enable lifting of the refurbished container 1 to empty material from the enclosure 100. The lifting bar may be attached to the wall 3 of the refurbished container 1. In use, a part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly engages the lifting bar 12 and lifts the refurbished container 1 from the ground. The refurbished container 1 is rotated upside down and the contents of the enclosure are emptied into the refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle lifting assembly subsequently reverses its movements to place the (now empty) refurbished container 1 on the ground. Referring back to figures 2 and 4, which are cutaway views in which side 3d of the wall 3 has been removed so that the inside of the refurbished container 1 and the enclosure 100 are visible, it can be seen that an inner portion (not shown) of the floor 2 has been removed whilst leaving a peripheral portion 2a of the floor 2 in situ. The inner portion may be removed by cutting, such as by use of a mechanical saw or by laser cutting. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 2a may define an opening 10 into the enclosure 100. The removed inner portion may constitute at least part of or the entirety of a damaged sump. As such, the surface area of the removed inner portion may be greater than the surface area of the remaining peripheral portion 2a. Accordingly, the opening 10 may have an area greater than the surface area of the remaining peripheral portion 2a. The peripheral portion 2a may comprise an outer edge 2b in the shape of a rectangle. The peripheral portion 2a may have four corners 4. The peripheral portion 2a may comprise a generally planar surface or surfaces 5. One or more of the generally planar surface(s) 5 may be located at the corners 4. The surface or surfaces 5 may have a first side 5a within the enclosure 100 and a second side 5b external of the enclosure 100. The refurbished container 1 may comprise four supports 6, one located at each corner 4. The supports 6 may be connected to the surface or surfaces 5. The supports 6 may be connected to the second side 5b of the surface of surfaces 5. Wheels (not shown) may be connected to the supports 6. The wall 3 may be connected to or formed integrally with the outer edge 2b of the peripheral portion 2a. The outer edge 2b of the peripheral portion 2a may be in the form of a rim 2c upstanding from the planar surface or surfaces 5. The angle between the rim 2c and the planar surface 5 may be approximately 90° to approximately 95°. Apertures (not shown) for receiving fixings or fasteners may be provided in the peripheral portion 2a. In examples where the outer edge 2b of the peripheral portion 2a is in the form of a rim 2c, the apertures may be provided in the rim 2c. Additionally, or alternatively, the apertures may be provided in the planar surface or surfaces 5. At least part of a replacement base 8 may be brought into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion 2a of the floor 2 from within the enclosure 100. For instance, a first part 81 of the replacement base 8 may be brought into direct or indirect contact with an inner surface of the peripheral portion 2a. The first part 81 of the replacement base 8 may be brought into direct or indirect contact with the first side 5a of the generally planar surface or surfaces 5 of the peripheral portion 2a. To do this, the replacement base 8 may be wholly inserted into the enclosure 100 via an opening 20 located at the top of the container 1. Alternatively, the replacement base 8 may be wholly inserted into the enclosure 100 via the opening 10. Either way, the first part 81 of the replacement base 8 may then be seated, either directly or indirectly, onto the peripheral portion 2a. In examples where the first part 81 of the replacement base 8 is brought into indirect contact with the peripheral portion 2a, there may be one or more materials, such as adhesives or sealants, provided between the first part 81 of replacement base 8 and the peripheral portion 2a. It is to be understood that the inner surface of the peripheral portion 2a refers to the surface or surfaces thereof facing inside the enclosure 100. Referring now to figures 5 to 11, there are shown views of the replacement base 8. The first part 81 may comprise one or more generally planar surfaces 82. The generally planar surfaces 82 may be configured to lie adjacent the one or more generally planar surfaces 5 of the peripheral portion 2a once the refurbished container 1 has been assembled. The replacement base 8 may have an outer edge 83 in the shape of a rectangle. For instance, the first part 81 may have an outer edge 83 in the shape of a rectangle. The outer edge 83 may be in the form of a rim upstanding from the planar surface or surfaces 82. The angle between the rim and the planar surface or surfaces 82 may be approximately 90° to approximately 95°. The replacement base 8 may be sized and dimensioned such that, in use, the outer edge 83 fits inside and in contact with the outer edge 2b of the peripheral portion 2a. Apertures (not shown) for receiving fixings or fasteners may be provided in the first part 81. In examples where the first part 81 has an outer edge 83 in the form of a rim, the apertures may be provided in the rim. Additionally, or alternatively, the apertures may be provided in the planar surface or surfaces 82. In examples, fixings or fasteners, such as rivets, may extend through an aperture of the first part 81 and a corresponding aperture of the peripheral portion 2a, so as to fix or removably fix the replacement base 8 relative to the peripheral portion 2a. As can be appreciated from figures 2 to 4, a second part 84 of the replacement base 8 may at least partially extend through the opening 10 once the first part 81 is seated on the peripheral portion 2a. The second part 84 of the replacement base 8 may, in effect, constitute a replacement sump. Referring back to the figures 5 to 11, the second part 84 may comprise a generally planar surface 841 having a wall 842 upstanding therefrom. The wall 842 may extend around the entire circumference of the generally planar surface 841. In effect, the wall 842 interconnects the generally planar surface 841 and the first part 81. The generally planar surface 841 may comprise an outlet (not shown) for draining waste material from the refurbished container 1. The refurbished container 1 may be provided with a removable cap (not shown) for plugging the outlet. The peripheral portion 2a and the wall 3 are formed from steel. The replacement base 8 is formed from a plastics material, such as high-density polyethylene. The replacement base 8 may be formed by rotationally moulding the plastics material using conventional rotational moulding equipment and techniques. Advantageously, the invention avoids unnecessarily disposing perfectly useable parts. For example, the damaged sump 8’ of a container 1 ’ can be replaced by a replacement base 8 whilst at the same time retaining the wall 3’; 3, wheel supports 6’; 6 and wheels 7’. As such, the method is more environmentally friendly (less waste) and less expensive when compared to known solutions. Furthermore, since the replacement base 8 is formed from a plastics material, it is less prone to erosion by food waste than a steel floor which can further prolong the life of the container 1. As used herein the terms “planar surface” or “planar surfaces” are intended to refer to a flat surface that lies in a single plane. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for refurbishing a container comprising:providing a container comprising a floor and a wall which together define an enclosure for receiving material:removing an inner portion of the floor whilst leaving a peripheral portion of the floor in situ, the peripheral portion of the floor defining an opening into the enclosure after the inner portion of the floor has been removed; andbringing at least part of a replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor from within the enclosure to close the opening.

2. The method according to claim 1 comprising bringing a first part of the replacement base into direct or indirect contact with an inner surface of the peripheral portion of the floor to close the opening.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of bringing the first part of the replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor is concurrent with a second part of the replacement base at least partially extending through the opening.

4. The method according to any preceding claim further comprising fixing, optionally removably fixing, the replacement base to the container, e.g., to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or to the wall of the container.

5. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the inner portion of the floor is removed by cutting.

6. A refurbished container obtained or obtainable by:providing a container comprising a floor and a wall which together define an enclosure for receiving material;removing an inner portion of the floor whilst leaving a peripheral portion of the floor in situ, the peripheral portion of the floor defining an opening into the enclosure after the inner portion of the floor has been removed; andbringing at least part of a replacement base into direct or indirect contact with the peripheral portion of the floor from within the enclosure to close the opening.

7. The refurbished container according to claim 6 wherein a first part of the replacement base directly or indirectly contacts an inner surface of the peripheral portion of the floor.

8. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6 to 7 wherein a second part of the replacement base at least partially extends through the opening.

9. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the replacement base is fixed, optionally removably fixed, to the container, e.g., to the peripheral portion of the floor and / or to the wall of the container.

10. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the replacement base is formed from a first material and the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall is / are formed from a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different.

11. The refurbished container according to claim 10 wherein the first material is a plastics material.

12. The refurbished container according to any of claims 10-11 wherein the second material is metal.

13. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6 to 12 wherein the peripheral portion of the floor comprises an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle having four corners.

14. The refurbished container according to claim 13 comprising a support for a wheel provided at one or more of the corner(s).

15. The refurbished container according to claim 14 wherein each support is connected to a planar surface of the peripheral portion of the floor.

16. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6-15 wherein the enclosure has a volume greater than or equal to 0.4 m3.

17. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6-16 wherein the enclosure has a volume less than or equal to 2.0 m3.

18. The refurbished container according to any of claims 6-17 further comprising a lifting bar for engaging a corresponding part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly to enable lifting of the refurbished container to empty material from the enclosure.

19. A refurbished container comprising:a wall at least partially defining an enclosure for receiving material;a peripheral portion of a floor, the peripheral portion defining an opening into the enclosure; anda replacement base having a first part and a second part,wherein the first part of the replacement base directly or indirectly contacts an inner surface of the peripheral portion and the second part of the replacement base at least partially extends through the opening defined by the peripheral portion of the floor.

20. The refurbished container according to claim 19 wherein the replacement base is formed from a first material and the peripheral portion of the floor and / or the wall is / are formed from a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different.

21. The refurbished container according to claim 20 wherein the first material is a plastics material.

22. The refurbished container according to any of claims 20-21 wherein the second material is metal.

23. The refurbished container according to any of claims 19-22 wherein the peripheral portion of the floor comprises an outer edge in the shape of a rectangle having four corners, optionally wherein a support for a wheel is provided at one or more of the corner(s).

24. The refurbished container according to any of claims 19-23 wherein the enclosure has a volume of 0.4 m3 to 1.7 m3.

25. The refurbished container according to any of claims 19-24 further comprise a lifting bar for engaging a corresponding part of a refuse vehicle lifting assembly to enable lifting of the refurbished container to empty material from the enclosure.

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