RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
basis. Add this to the odour generated in warmer climates and something needed to be done, and fast.
So, the solution had to lie in either a higher volume over- ground container or an underground counterpart. Many opted for the latter.
So, what are the benefits of
underground waste systems? Aside from the fact that UWS take up less square footprint of an area underground, there are many advantages for facilities managers, the general public and local authorities alike – especially when it comes to environmental bearing and reducing visual impact.
“Should the UK be looking to
mimic some countries’ approach – such as Holland, Spain and
Norway – to help us reduce our own nation’s carbon footprint?”
However, it’s not that the current UK infrastructure doesn’t implement this kind of waste management. There are a number of UWS in operation across the country – 95% of which are installed within urban areas – which help to reduce the likelihood of fly tipping, while also improving and modernising the aesthetic of an area. By switching to a sealed, below-ground waste container, sites are able to eliminate the need for old-fashioned rubbish chutes or multiple wheelie bins – helping to decrease vermin levels and also prevent side-waste from becoming litter.
Additionally, when looking at the current situation, there are, and will continue to be, a growing proportion of people visiting areas of natural beauty and taking staycations in the UK. So, while four-wheel wheelie bins can cope well when visitor numbers are ‘normal’, as tourism continues to gradually reopen, more waste collections will be needed.
The ‘green’ element is also an area to be aware of with UWS – ranging from a reduced carbon footprint to a smarter, more intelligent way of dealing with our waste. They also have minimal moving parts, which greatly increases their lifespan when compared with over- ground equivalents.
Of course, the greater volume of these installations means they need emptying much less frequently too – for instance, one UWS could provide the solution for over 20 properties – and this, in turn, decreases the number of trucks needed to remove the waste and lowers the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.
www.tomorrowsfm.com TOMORROW’S FM | 29
The sustainability and longevity of these solutions are there. And so is the technology.
One unknown with over-ground waste solutions is that it’s not easy to monitor who is throwing waste into the container – and if this is someone outside of the organisation – affording more possibility of multiple, overflowing bags of side waste piling up on premises. Aside from the aesthetic headache, this could also lead to inflated collection costs for the business. UWS on the other hand are able to be operated by an easy-to-use access control system – allowing only users with a valid key fob to gain access.
But the technology can also extend to fill-monitoring features, alerting collectors to when each container is nearly full – removing the need to physically check each one. This smart insight means collection routes can be planned more effectively and containers can be emptied before they become a problem.
Innovation is crucial for the future To do things the way ‘they’ve always been done’ because it’s the familiar option isn’t the right way forward – particularly when it comes to waste management.
Embracing innovation and new concepts are pivotal in helping to shape a country which champions environmental sustainability and a circular economy.
But perhaps a change of mindset is also needed when it comes to the procurement process to help make this a reality. While cost-effectiveness should be important, the long-term health of our planet should take precedence and maybe, if everyone were to think inside the – underground – box, they might just find the pollution solution the country been searching for.
www.eseworld.uk.com/
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70