Saving Lives and Livelihoods

1. If we already have trash cans, why would we want to purchase blast resistant, bomb proof, shrapnel stopping trash cans?
Trash cans have been the target of choice in the western world for those that would like to inflict public panic or damage a business. The IRA literally bombed litter bins out of London in the 1980’s and the ensuing fires from rubbish piles caused as much death and destruction as the bombings. Trash cans represent the easiest place to anonymously conceal a pipe bomb or explosive and the can becomes part of the shrapnel effect. There is really no alternative to collecting the refuse of our society in centrally located collection bins.

It is obvious to anybody following the news, that the groups that want to harm America and disrupt our economy are knowledgeable in the use of explosives. The next attack may not be a spectacular hard target as seen on television. Multiple smaller and easier targets would have a more detrimental effect on the secure feeling we currently enjoy and the economic well being of our country. Even if you are not a terrorist target, a malicious person with any kind of grudge could inflict harm to your facility by killing or injuring the people that use it and decimating your revenue for a long time.

2. We have security guards, why would we need Security Trash Receptacles?

Security Trash Receptacles, aka Blast Resistant or Bomb Proof Receptacles augment the functions of the security force by eliminating the worry at one of the concealment points in your facility. Security forces are trained to notice a box, satchel or package left inside or near your facility but do not have any control over what is placed in the trash cans. Security Trash Receptacles work 24/7/365 and never take a break or get sleepy or tired and miss a threat.

3. Why would our facility be a threat, we are not downtown or a high profile target?

If your facility has people walking in aisles, halls, lobbies or gathering for any reason, it is a target for disruption. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives documents over 4,000 explosive incidents a year. Do you still think your facility is not vulnerable? Walk around and look at your lethal trash cans.

4. If we find a suspicious package, can we toss it into the Security Waste Receptacle?

We do not recommend that anyone be put in harms way even for the few seconds it might take to dispose of a suspicious package. It is best to evacuate and call the authorities that have bomb disposal teams. However, if someone already has the package in their grasp, the Security Trash Receptacle is probably the only secure place in your facility to place the package. Be sure it is below the bomb proof protective zone threshold – the top of the can. Maintain a secure perimeter with as much distance as possible from the can, as some fragments may escape the top of the can and deflect off the structure.

5. Why would we consider Centerpoint products over competitors?

There are currently no government or industry standards. Unscrupulous companies have similar products on the market with inflated or bogus ratings. Metal parts from these containers always become shrapnel or they simply have little or no blast resistance. The products have failed every comparable test but are out there being sold to unsuspecting customers. Centerpoint is the only US based manufacturer that submits products to multiple full contact charge locations at Department of Defense certified US testing facilities and passes all test criteria. The criteria for passing are no breach from the interior to the exterior even on full charge sidewall contact positions, no metal parts may dislodge which would create additional shrapnel and the canister must contain all horizontal shrapnel from pipe bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices. The bottom line - Centerpoint products will perform as specified up to the force protection purchased and deemed appropriate for your facility and are the only effective and proven solution.

6. Other than the BRWR™ Level 1 model, why does Centerpoint not publish force protection ratings?

Until 2007, for our customer’s security, we had never published any force protection ratings and while we were reluctant to disclose a level, this decision was made due to focus group feedback. The group felt that exposing the first level would provide new potential buyers much needed information of how competitive the pricing was for protection that would be sufficient for many facilities. The BRWR™ Level 1 level will protect public venues from pipe bombs and explosive charges of smaller magnitudes.

7. Can an assailant tell by looking at the Centerpoint can what protection level was purchased?

There are only two physical sizes that encompass a large range of force protection. The smaller physical sized trash receptacle was developed for those customers that would not consider a 40 gallon model due to its larger dimensions or janitorial contracts. No one can tell what force protection level was deployed by looking at any 30, 35 or 40 gallon can. Centerpoint does have the ability to place a 30 or 35 gallon liner in the 40 gallon can if that is a requirement of your staff.

8. Should we consider utilizing some of the Non Blast Centerpoint cans along with the Blast Resistant ones in our facility?

That is a tough decision and is best left to your facility management and security team. If you feel there are places that really do not need protection, the Non Blast container is a very competitively priced product with other trash cans that keeps the appearance of your facility uniform. You should perhaps consider the initial level BRWR™ Level 1 model that costs just slightly more than the Non Blast model.

9. Is the installation of Centerpoint cans difficult?

Competent blast resistant products use layers of absorption and resistant structures to nullify the energies of explosive effects. The higher the rating the more mass and weight is required to stop the blast. Centerpoint has developed and patented a unique lifting concept using a bottom threaded nut with a lifting tool that is furnished free with all orders. Our Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Warranty manual comes with all shipments and is provided to customers upon request or at time of order to insure easy installation. While in most instances it is less expensive to contract locally for installation, Centerpoint can handle your installation and provides a nationwide service to install our products – contact us for quotations.

10. Is the Centerpoint can reusable after an explosive event?

We have re-used pipe bomb tested cans that showed cosmetic effects for additional tests by inserting a new plastic liner but a rated military explosive charge will render the can unfit for service. Considering the potential damage that was nullified, this would be a great investment.

11. What is the cost to change our trash cans?

Centerpoint BRWR™ blast resistant trash cans are competitively priced with ordinary commercial trash cans. Consider the potential savings with the calculation below to determine the cost to have no protection from even a small pipe bomb.

Loss of life - number of casualties x $________per person =___________

Serious injuries - number injured x $_______per person =________

Physical damage to facility - repair costs =__________

Reduction in immediate revenues =____________

Reduction in long term revenues =____________

Loss of secure feelings from associates – turnover increase =___________

Loss of secure feeling from customers =____________

Reduction in equity value of business =____________

Increase in insurance liability coverage =___________

Terrorism coverage dropped on renewal =____________

Funds needed to return to normal operations =____________

Lawsuits - irresponsible security = __________]

TOTAL =____________