Date: 25/08/23
Worldwide, wheelie bins have always been a traditional systems for waste and recycling collection. In 1968 Frank Rotherham Moudlings a company located in Slough, England invented the wheelie bin as we know it today. However, over the past decade or so there has been much debate over the current waste collection system, with health and safety issues being a primary subject of the argument. As wheelie bins were being vandalised, they also became a prime target for pests and rodents. In the Summer months and with rising temperatures, the heat made for revolting smells and even risk to the health of citizens and neighbourhoods. Another issue being the space they take-up whether its stored to the front or the back of the house. Today, wheelie bins are practically part of the furniture!
The concept is straightforward, a communal waste collection system that is emptied as and when required. Underground bins are an efficient and accessible process of collecting recycling materials and waste. This system is popular across Europe and can be seen in every big city and European capital. The bins themselves require minimum maintenance and emptying, as they have a sizeable waste collection volume. The waste falls into a large underground chamber, where once installed a sensor will inform the council and or operator when capacity is full. This is to ensure that collections only take place where necessary. A unique vehicle is mandatory for the collection of waste. This vehicle requires to have a crane at its rear, the hook that the crane is enclosed to lifts the whole container out of the ground and around to the vehicle. The crate has a ‘drop-away’ base, allowing for a quick and easy removal of all waste into the truck. Underground bins are great for schools and educational institutes, housing, parks, and urban waste collection, as it allows for appealing design space for planners, while locals and residents appreciate the added space, safety, and hygiene.
Underground Refuse System (URSs) are fixed waste collection points, consisting of sub-surface units which can be used for the collection of waste commercial, residential and on-street bins. Waste only refers to leftovers that cannot be recycled.
Reduces operating costs.
Saves space – two-thirds of the container is underground.
Health& Safety – is fixed to the ground therefore cannot be blown over in weather conditions, set on fire to be push to other locations
Operated via a hydraulic lifting system either by remote control or a collection truck.
The above ground system consists of either polyethylene or metal columns that collected the specific waste.
