Refuse collection vehicles


Grimy carts or savvy communication tools?


The antiquated perception surrounding the ‘dirty’ role of a bin man unfortunately still exists to some degree, admits Lawrence Craig from vehicle graphics specialist, Spedian, but to what extent are modern refuse collection vehicles helping to change this unjust view?


Lawrence Craig Managing director Spedian


W


HEN ASKED to name a career path that enables an individual to make a difference through their work - namely by instigating positive


change - what would you say? Answers may typically include teaching,


the police force or the nursing profession, but how many would highlight refuse collection? Unfortunately, refuse collection is still seen


by many as a dirty job, with some people even going so far as to consider the role of a bin man as a second rate employment. However, this viewpoint is, in fact,


incredibly archaic. Granted, such individuals may not be saving lives, but they are providing an important service. In many respects they help to educate, protect our quality of life and safeguard the world in which we live. So where do the anomalies lie?


A generational difference? The younger generation of today - children who are growing up learning about the importance of recycling in school - are perhaps more likely to have a more positive view of the refuse collection occupation. In many instances, their environmental


consciences will be more alert because they are growing up in an era where recycling really matters. For them, refuse collectors are continuing the recycling efforts that they have kick-started in school or at home. Yet there needs to be a more widespread


appreciation for the efforts that refuse collectors go to in order to make our country a ‘greener’ place. They work hard, adhering to carefully planned schedules whatever the weather to collect the ‘waste’ that households and businesses continue to produce. But to what extent will these waste management professionals ever be acknowledged for the recycling champions that they are?


The value of the vehicle Refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) are going some way to stimulating a shift in attitudes. Once viewed as smelly rubbish lorries, they are now increasingly used by local authorities and waste management firms as valuable mobile assets. As well as providing a waste pick-up service, these vehicles and their operators are proving a visually integral part of the UK’s resource agenda. What’s more, these clean, advanced and


energy efficient technologies are helping to gradually change the image of refuse collection. The fact that these vehicles are state-of-the-art helps to quash the myths that the industry is unrefined and outdated.


Communicate, communicate, communicate With often restricted in-house resources, local authorities are also increasingly using RCVs as communication tools to create a dialogue with members of the public. These highly visible trucks navigate local neighbourhoods on a daily basis and so are seen by the ‘audience’


6 January 30 2014


The more ‘savvy’ of fleet or communication managers can even sell the advertising space on the side of the collection vehicles to generate additional income It means the graphics will stay as clean as


that councils need to talk to. They therefore provide a powerful, relevant and cost effective marketing platform, within councils’ direct control. When it comes to the graphic design and


content of these communication messages, an intelligent approach can be adopted. The sides of the vehicles can be used to


promote recycling and collection methods for instance, which educates households about what to recycle, how to do it and why it matters. Seasonal messages, or information about the council or waste management firm’s wider services, can also be incorporated. The more ‘savvy’ of fleet or communication


managers may even sell the advertising space on the side of these highly noticeable mobile units, to generate an additional revenue stream. Indeed it would be encouraging to see


more consumer brands investing parts of their marketing budgets into such council initiatives. This collaborative approach to recycling would go some way to satisfying product manufacturers’ or retailers’ corporate social responsibility, while enabling them to engage with key customers of their own.


Additional system innovations While a growing number of people will acknowledge the hi-tech nature of the refuse vehicles themselves, very few would anticipate how much creativity goes into the side of these vehicles too. In the vehicle graphics sector for example,


innovation is continuing apace to help support local authorities as they tackle ever more stringent targets and budget constraints. Graphics now exist in high definition


and with a colourfast guarantee from all- weathering - a feature that is more important than many people will realise.


the vehicle, which helps to create the right impression and portray an image of quality, plus they will last longer. When combined with patented


technologies that create increased suction and panel adherence according to the vehicle’s speed - creating a stronger, tear-resistant solution - this further protects the longevity of the investment.


Councils have the flexibility to interchange the messages and branding


The environmental link Such systems are also becoming increasingly lighter - weighing as little as 35g per linear metre. This improves fuel efficiency and saves money, plus the organisation’s wider environmental credentials are enhanced. Acknowledgement of this desire for


sustainability, coupled with on-going cost pressures, has also driven the more revolutionary of vehicle graphics system suppliers to develop fully reusable products too.


This means that not only is the system


straightforward to install and remove - without causing damage to the vehicle


www. r e c y c l i n gwa s t ewo r l d . c o . u k


substrate - but the communication panels can also be refreshed with ease. Councils and contractors therefore have


the flexibility to interchange the messages and branding that they display. One local authority for instance, promoted


free town centre parking on their refuse vehicles, over the Christmas period. Now the offer has expired, the panels have simply been rolled and neatly stored away, until they are next required - so the council does not have to reinvest in graphic redesign or reprinting. What’s more, the valuable freed-up space


can again be used to champion sustainability in the local area and help improve recycling rates.


A joined-up approach speaks volumes As advancements continue within the recycling and waste management arena, local authorities and waste management contractors can become so much smarter in their approach to business. These organisations by their very nature are trying to encourage households and businesses to adopt more sustainable ways of life.


And now, by investing in the right product


innovations and harnessing the strategic value of the resulting opportunities, they can revolutionise the environmental credentials of their own operations at the same time. Councils often come under fire for their


approach to the UK’s waste agenda, their allocation of budgets and their dialogue with local communities. However, this goes to show that many local authorities are in fact investing in revolutionary technologies to improve the functionality, appearance and added value of their mobile assets.


RWW • www.spedian.co.uk Recycling & WA S T E W O R L D


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