Recycling on the Go Containers

Transcription

1 Final Report Recycling on the Go Containers A reference document identifying considerations in the selection of containers for different Recycling on The Go (RotG) sectors and situations. Project code: PAC004 Research date: February 2012-April 2012 Date: July 2012

2 WRAP s vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. We work with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way. Find out more at Written by: Polly Griffiths (Score Environment) Front cover photography: Recycling on the Go containers at a South Ayrshire park (source: Taylors) WRAP believes the content of this report to be correct as at the date of writing. However, factors such as prices, levels of recycled content and regulatory requirements are subject to change and users of the report should check with their suppliers to confirm the current situation. In addition, care should be taken in using any of the cost information provided as it is based upon numerous project-specific assumptions (such as scale, location, tender context, etc.). The report does not claim to be exhaustive, nor does it claim to cover all relevant products and specifications available on the market. While steps have been taken to ensure accuracy, WRAP cannot accept responsibility or be held liable to any person for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with this information being inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. It is the responsibility of the potential user of a material or product to consult with the supplier or manufacturer and ascertain whether a particular product will satisfy their specific requirements. The listing or featuring of a particular product or company does not constitute an endorsement by WRAP and WRAP cannot guarantee the performance of individual products or materials. This material is copyrighted. It may be reproduced free of charge subject to the material being accurate and not used in a misleading context. The source of the material must be identified and the copyright status acknowledged. This material must not be used to endorse or used to suggest WRAP s endorsement of a commercial product or service. For more detail, please refer to WRAP s Terms & Conditions on its web site:

3 Contents 1 Overview Objective Information sources Sectors and situations Selection Considerations General considerations Considerations according to internal or external environment Considerations by sector Security Features Containers Tables Table 1 RotG sectors and situations... 5 Table 2 Key general considerations in container selection... 6 Table 3 Conventional units versus reverse vending machines... 8 Table 4 Container material considerations... 9 Table 5 Characteristics required of containers in different situations Table 6 Specific considerations by sector Table 7 Container features Table 8 Examples of containers currently or planned to be utilised in different RotG sectors and situations Glossary Container: receptacle used for the collection of recyclable materials within a RotG scheme. Bin: receptacle used for the collection of residual waste. Also used in conjunction with wheelie when wheelie bins are used to collect recyclates within a RotG container. Acknowledgements WRAP would like to acknowledge the help of the container suppliers, who generously committed time to provide information, and the individuals and organisations involved in the development of the Scottish RotG case studies. Recycling on the Go Containers 3

4 1 Overview 1.1 Objective The objective of the research was to identify recycling on the go (RotG) containers that are suitable for use at different types of site. It is recognised that a range of different container types are likely to be suitable for RotG schemes. The research aimed to identify the key considerations in container selection and give examples of existing containers that are suitable for different situations. 1.2 Information sources The information sources used in the compilation of this document were: Recoup (undated) Recycling on the Go Scoping Document RotG workshop outputs RotG literature review draft Zero Waste Scotland RotG Capital Support Fund application forms (container type and site type information only); and Direct contact with container suppliers (see Appendix 1). Telephone conversations: Leafield and Glasdon; and Face to face meetings: Broxap and Wybone. 1.3 Sectors and situations Table 1 below gives a breakdown of the typical sectors and situations where RotG containers may be located. This breakdown forms the structure for the information presented in the remaining sections. Recycling on the Go Containers 4

5 Table 1 RotG sectors and situations Sector Sub-sector Potential situations Academia Colleges Public areas of schools Universities Car parks Entrances Events Hospitals Leisure attractions Local authority Shopping centres Tourist accommodation Transport hubs Transport vehicles Commercial (e.g. exhibitions) Music / cultural festivals Sporting festivals Public areas including areas with retail outlets and food outlets Waiting areas Cinemas Community halls Conference centres Music venues Privately managed parks /open spaces Sporting venues Theme parks Beaches / esplanades Car parks Parks Streets Camping and caravan sites Holiday parks Hotels Airports Bus stations Motorway service stations Ports Roadside Train stations Ferries Trains Car parks Entrances Car parks Entrances Pavement Car parks Entrances Car parks Entrances Car parks Entrances Recycling on the Go Containers 5

6 2 Selection Considerations 2.1 General considerations As shown in Table 2, there are a large number of considerations to take into account when planning the installation of RotG containers or the upgrade of existing facilities. Manufactures and suppliers who were consulted suggested that they will work with the client to undertake a site survey or waste audit to help set the constraints and boundaries for container selection. All suggested that footfall is a very important consideration as it impacts on the best locations for containers, the number of containers required and the capacity needed to meet demand. Most suggested that clients should consider a trial or pilot before implementing full schemes. Suppliers suggested that the trial stage need not necessarily involve a cost to the client. Table 2 Key general considerations in container selection Headline considerations Budget available Potential locations for containers Materials collection Selecting number of containers Selecting container capacity Operational constraints Security and fixing Sub-considerations Limits the number of containers; Some materials and signage requirements will be expensive; and High-tech reverse vending machines versus other types of container. Geography e.g. internal or external environment; Ensuring that containers are visible; Space available may be an issue; Busiest locations areas of highest footfall; and High waste producing areas e.g. canteens, food outlets. Wastes arising and materials to be collected for recycling; Segregated or co-mingled; Number of materials collected; and Plans for residual waste - will residual waste be paired/twinned/co-located with recycling. Size of location; Space available; Footfall; Accessibility adequate number to allow easy accessibility; and Vehicle available for servicing containers emptying / cleansing. Space available; Footfall; and Emptying frequency in part will dictate capacity required. Frequency will depend on whether the collection will be a new service or added to an existing collection round. Manual handling issues; Emptying by hand versus by vehicle uplift; Vehicles available for servicing containers emptying / cleansing; Ability to empty when full; Number of operatives available to empty containers; Ease of opening and accessibility; and Ability for users to continue to use container while being emptied. Ability to lock; Fixed versus free standing; Fixed containers may need planning permission; Ability to secure containers in the case of a security alert; and Recycling on the Go Containers 6

7 Headline considerations Other health and safety considerations Signage and branding Maintenance requirements Procurement/sustainable procurement/csr Sub-considerations Specific security consideration for certain sectors e.g. airports (see Section 2.3). Ability to move containers; Exclude sharp edges; and Accessibility to disabled and children. Ability to brand with corporate and national messages/signs/iconography; Aesthetically in keeping with surroundings; Corporate style /street scene consistency; Flexibility to change if scheme is modified/new materials added; and Ability to add advertising/sponsorship potential source of income. Ease of cleaning; Vandalism risks fly-posters, fire risks; Vermin risks seagulls, rats; Longevity corrosion (e.g. salt corrosion at seafront sites); Ability to refurbish; and Flexibility of solution ability to easily adjust or change signage, apertures, volume split. Ability to recycle; Use of recycled materials in manufacture; Ability to refurbish; and Any procurement restrictions e.g. framework contracts. This document focuses on low tech containers i.e. containers which do not require an energy supply. Table 3 outlines some differences between conventional units and reverse vending units. There are conventional units that require an energy supply to allow the incorporation of more high-tech solutions. These are recent additions to the container market. Two examples are given in Table 4 and Error! Reference source not found. Recycling on the Go Containers 7

8 Table 3 Conventional units versus reverse vending machines Conventional unit No requirement for an electrical supply; Substantially cheaper to procure than RV; Opportunity to collect mixed recyclables within the same unit; Suitable for different sizes, shapes and forms of packaging; units are smaller in size and require less floor space; Low daily maintenance; and Rely on external messages to the consumer to minimise contamination. Reverse vending Require an energy source (can be supplied through solar panels); Generally more expensive than conventional units; Generally collect just cans and plastic bottles. Some units can be used for hot drink containers; Ability to provide incentives to users; however, users may expect a form of incentive which is not always sustainable and withdrawing incentives can result in lower capture rates; Able to reject contamination; but can also reject requested items (e.g. unidentified barcodes); Electronic record keeping of the number of times the unit has been used; Can incorporate crushing and therefore have a higher capacity compared to a non-crushing unit; Require periodic emptying and cleaning; Require software update (e.g. new barcodes); Depending on the size, may not be applicable to all types and sizes of packaging (e.g. no HDPE bottles or no 1-2L PET bottles); and If external, can attract vandalism. Table 4 Renew in London Locations installed: 200 Renew communication pods, that double as paper recycling containers, have been installed in the Square Mile of London. High tech features: Two LCD screens displaying live news, entertainment and information; Wi-fi hotspots; and Public broadcast network in emergency situations. Other features: Designed to mitigate the force, fire and fragments of an improvised explosive device: inner chassis four times stronger than steel and body panels made from glass-reinforced polymer; and Slot aperture for paper recycling. Cost: 25,000 per unit; Renew pays for containers and maintenance; and Recoup capital expenditure through sponsorship and corporate news and announcements, as well as the content that is shows in real-time. Source: and various internet news articles accessed. Recycling on the Go Containers 8

9 Table 5 Big Belly solar bin Locations installed (worldwide): locations; and On-street, parks, colleges, beach fronts, leisure venues. High tech features: Solar panel which powers a compactor; and Wireless monitoring system sends text or when 85% full. Advertised advantages: Reduction in container collection costs; Elimination of over flowing containers; and Generates positive public response and buy-in. Energy supply: Solar panel Source: There are some considerations when thinking about the material most suitable for the body of the container (see Table ). However, many units tend to be composites or manufactured from a mixture of materials. Manufacturers of metal containers are able to supply containers with a variety of finishes such as anti-fly paint and anti-corrosion paint. As such, it is hard to draw general conclusions about material suitability. (Material considerations in relation to bomb proof units are discussed in Section 2.3.) Table 6 Container material considerations Material Glass fibre Plastic Steel/galvanised steel Characteristics Non corrosive; and Hard wearing. Generally lighter than steel; Generally cheaper than steel; Can be more vulnerable to vandalism and fire damage; Can have double-skin moulding for added strength; and Can be manufactured using recycled plastic. Heavier than plastic; High durability; Can be more vulnerable to corrosion but galvanised metal containers are more resistant and anti-corrosion paint is commonly available; Can get hot in summer if positioned in direct sunlight; Can have sharp edges; and Can be refurbished. Recycling on the Go Containers 9

10 2.2 Considerations according to internal or external environment Table 7 outlines some of the characteristics required for containers depending on where they will be located. locations are frequently more space-limited than external situations and so container footprint is a key consideration. environments tend to be more controlled than external environments - features can be included such as liquid reservoirs and vandalism is less of an issue. In external environments, the key considerations are selecting containers that will be robust, hard-wearing and resistant to weather and vandalism. Table 7 Characteristics required of containers in different situations Car park Entrances Pavement As external; Highly visible; and Tend to require larger capacity than internal. As internal. Fireproof; Fixed and locked; Hard wearing; Larger capacity / large footprint; Planning permission (required for fixed containers); Resistant to vandalism; Vermin-proof including seagulls; and Weather resistant. Easily accessed; Easily serviced / cleaned; Movable; Resist damage; and Small footprint. As external; and Small footprint. 2.3 Considerations by sector Table 8 sets out some specific considerations by sector; these have been highlighted at the WRAP organised RotG stakeholder engagement workshops 1 or identified by container suppliers. Generally, the considerations outlined in Table 2 are common across different sectors and have not been specifically repeated below. The only design specification identified in this research was produced by BAA for their airports (see Section 2.4). The NHS sets strict fire requirements which have to be met by waste collection containers. 1 Stakeholder engagement workshops were held in England, Scotland and Wales with organisations involved in RotG development and delivery to explore the financial mechanisms behind their schemes and how existing partnership arrangements could be replicated. The workshops were held in January and February Recycling on the Go Containers 10

11 Table 8 Specific considerations by sector Sector Hospitals Local authority managed spaces One-off events Permanent leisure attractions / venues Shopping centres Transport hubs Consideration Compliant with fire safety; Infection control must be easy to clean; and Restricted space (in corridors). Ability to empty using existing vehicles; Aesthetically in keeping with surroundings, particularly in conservation and heritage areas / with street-scene requirements; Containers that will not corrode - specifically for coastal areas; Easy to open and empty; Low maintenance; Meet the requirements of the population that use the area; and Resistant to vandalism. Easy to transport, stack and store; High capacity; High visibility; and Quick to install. Aesthetically in keeping with surroundings; and Highly visible. Aesthetically in keeping with surroundings; and Highly visible. Aesthetically in keeping with surroundings; Airports the collection of materials that cannot be taken through security e.g. sharps, liquids and textiles; Highly visible; Security requires frequent emptying; and Security transparent or blast resistant containers may need to be considered. 2.4 Security Security is a particular concern at transport hubs and some other potential terrorist targets. Blast proof containers have been installed within the Square Mile in London (Section 2.1). The Aviation Security in Airport Developments (ASIAD) provides recommendations on the positioning and structure of containers for airports that can be accessed through official sources. The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) 1 has carried out a number of tests on containers. They then allocate a rating and it is up to the airport to decide on the standard and suitability of the containers they install. The Home Office has produced a guidance note (HOSDB 12/08) The selection, positioning and testing of Blast Resistant Litter Bins 2. BAA has a Design Performance Standard for Airport Bins 3. This sets out detailed requirements including: being able to sustain intense use; having a high quality visual appearance; being readily maintainable and cleanable; BAA Airports (2009) Airport Bins: Design Performance Standard. Recycling on the Go Containers 11

12 being portable and meeting manual handling regulations; and being colour-coded according to WRAP conventions. Based on the consultation with the suppliers, it would seem that railways station operators are more concerned about the security risks than airports. Glasdon produces the only container approved by TRANSEC 1 for use in railway stations. The C-thru container is fire and blast-proof. Some containers available from suppliers can be provided with blanking plates to block the apertures of containers if there is a security alert. 2.5 Features This section highlights some of the specific features that can be included on RotG containers to encourage use and to help operationally. Container suppliers and practitioners at the RotG workshops suggested that material-specific apertures help reduce contamination. Containers are available with apertures specific for bottles, cans, paper and mixed dry recyclate. Generally, it seems to be agreed that the aperture size for all materials, including residual litter, should be restricted to prevent contamination and, for larger capacity containers, used by commercial businesses. In addition, it also seems to be generally agreed that the aperture provided for residual waste should be larger than that for the recycled material streams. Error! Reference source not found. identifies some of the other container features available. 1 The Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate (TRANSEC) was set up as a separate unit within the Department for Transport (DfT) following the Lockerbie bombing of 21 December Recycling on the Go Containers 12

13 Table 9 Container features Feature Ability to group bins Ashtray/stubber plate Branding/good signage Brushes on apertures Castors on liners Colour D-shaped profile or flat profile Dimpled/perforated/ribbed surface Front opening Interchangeable apertures/lids Liner tray with reservoir Liquid reservoir Rat modification Seagull flaps Side or rear opening Sound dampening Sloping/pyramid roofs Special coatings e.g. anti-fly posting, anti-corrosion Transparent Weight warning graphic Comments Some containers are specifically designed to be grouped together e.g. collecting source-segregated material. For external environments. Branding and signage can look busy on smaller containers; Needs to be very clear, simple, eye-catching and easy to understand; and Should look different from residual waste bins. Can extinguish lit matches decreasing the fire risk; Can prevent food waste; and Can reduce potential health and safety risk e.g. broken glass escaping out of container. Helps to make emptying easier. Recycle Now 1 and Recycle for Scotland colour code is current standard best practice; Black can work well for RotG if well signed and has coloured apertures for recyclate; Black can be viewed by users as residual waste containers, if not distinguished by signage/colour-coding; Colour can be used to tie in with kerbside scheme in a local authority situation; this may not be appropriate in tourist areas where the kerbside colour has no meaning to visitors; and Colour on the apertures and doors can be used to help identify the materials accepted. Allows positioning against a wall. Deters fly posting. Allows emptying without lifting. Gives flexibility to modify what is being collected. To collect liquids and help cleaning. Can be used to help reduce liquid contamination; and Not suitable in an external environment. For consideration in areas where rats are an issue. For consideration in areas where seagulls are an issue. Containers can still be used while being emptied. For consideration if collecting glass. Prevents materials being placed on the top of the container. Can be considered for specific external situations. Users can see what materials should go in the container; Discourages contamination; High security any suspect package can be seen; It has been suggested that transparent containers are not suitable in an external environment. However, some suppliers are now producing transparent containers considered to be tough enough to use externally; and Can have some aesthetic issues, as not everyone likes to see the content of a recycling container. On clear containers to indicate when contents reaches a certain weight within the container (e.g. used for battery collection). 1 and Recycling on the Go Containers 13

14 3 Containers Table 10 gives some more detailed examples of containers that have been adopted in different RotG sectors and situations. This information has been compiled from the Scottish RotG case studies and the Scottish RotG Capital Support Fund applications. The accompanying Excel file (RotG container database July 12.xls) gives details of recycling containers currently available from the main manufacturers. It should be noted that suppliers have development programmes and as such new products are continually being developed. In addition, some suppliers are able to offer bespoke solutions. Hence, there is likely to be greater flexibility in container provision than can be demonstrated in the database. Within the database the following details are provided for each container, subject to the information being available via the manufacturer s website (details are listed in same order as the database): Manufacturer; Model; Main material type; Containment method inside container e.g. metal liner, plastic sack; Colour; Colour of aperture/lid; Number of apertures; Type of aperture; Volume; Suitability for grouping; Number of material streams; Situation most suitable (external or internal); Other comments on suitability (based only on information provided by supplier); Features; Optional features; Lockable option; Fixing; and Source (website link). The information in the database was supplemented with material provided directly by the suppliers consulted. Recycling on the Go Containers 14

15 Table 10 Examples of containers currently or planned to be utilised in different RotG sectors and situations Organisation Sector Subsector Aberdeenshire Local authority managed space Situation Container types On-street Glasdon Nexus 360, Leafield Eco Envirobank, Broxap Derby Material type Plastic, cans, residual waste containment method Wheelie bin 240 or 140 litre Number of apertures Aperture type 2 Specific to material stream Vol. (litres) 3x140 or 240 Reasons given for selection Residual waste can be collected adjacent to recycling to reduce contamination Compatible with wheeled bin collection system so existing vehicle fleet can be utilised for collection Clackmannans hire Council Community Central Hall Local authority managed space Permanent leisure attraction On-street Double Derby Bins Slimline Recycling Unit (BX 2596-DDS- RC) Community hall Wybone box cycle single Mixed recycling (paper, card, plastics, metal food and drink containers ); residual waste Paper, plastic bottles, cans Clear plastic liner Clear plastic sack 4 Specific to material stream. 1 Specific to material stream. 2x80 Allows collection of residual waste with recycling 60 Clear containers to reduce contamination Fit together easily to create recycling points Dundee City Council Dundee City Council Local authority managed space Local authority managed space Parks / open spaces Wybone Timber Fronted (RLA/5 & 6) On-street Broxap Single Sided Recycling Plastic packaging, aluminium cans and paper/card board Plastic packaging, aluminium cans, Self-closing flaps Timber fronted containers match the circular slatted timber litter bins currently on-site Blend in well with the surroundings - 3 Flap 270 Same container as found to be successful in beachfront location Hard-wearing High enough capacity to cope with demand Recycling on the Go Containers 15

16 Organisation Sector Subsector Dundee City Council Local authority managed space Situation Container types Container (BX45 SEPR8) On-street Glasdon Nexus range / Wybone Mini Cyclo Material type paper/card board Plastic packaging, aluminium cans and paper/card board Double unit containment method Number of apertures Aperture type Vol. (litres) Reasons given for selection Size not too obtrusive Co-ordinate with the existing litter bins yet distinctive enough to avoid confusion (and hence contamination) Minimise the risk of fly posting damage Aperture sizes limits large-scale deposits or the dumping of larger materials East Lothian Edinburgh Leisure Essential Edinburgh Glasgow Council Local authority managed space Permanent leisure attraction Permanent leisure attraction Local authority On-street and car park Swimming pool Parks / open space On-street / parks / Taylors Node 360º Wybone triple, double, single and plastic cup recycling Broxap Buxton Double Recycling Unit Wybone Peat unit Mixed recyclates: mixed paper and cardboard; comingled cans, plastic and glass. - Clear plastic liner Mixed recycling; residual waste Mixed papers - 1-4x800 High capacity (to fit with fortnightly collection frequency) Locking post and base plate gives security without need for planning permission 1-3 Specific to material stream. Liners 6 Large aperture Material specific apertures reduce contamination and minimise health and safety risks - Ability to relocate if location chosen not working Similar in design to those found in many other public spaces therefore easier for visitors to recognise and use 2 x 120 None given Metal liner. 1 Keyhole 120 Able to secure on concrete plinth which makes them secure and less Recycling on the Go Containers 16

17 Organisation Sector Subsector Highland Council Perth and Kinross Council Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh managed space Local authority managed space Local authority managed space Leisure attraction Leisure attraction open spaces Situation Container types Car park Glasdon Nexus 200 On-street Taylors Node 360 Parks / open space Parks / open space Dolphin recycling container stainless steel Glasdon Nexus 100 Material type (newspape rs/magazi nes), card, plastic bottles and cans Paper, cans and plastic bottles Mixed recyclates: Paper, cardboard, cans, mixed plastics Paper, plastic bottles, residual waste Plastic, paper, cans containment method Number of apertures Aperture type Vol. (litres) Reasons given for selection Liner 4 Small hole 200 None given likely to be knocked over Size makes it suitable for highly visible location Size does not cause any manual handling issue - 4-4x800 Able to be serviced by current fleet of RCVs reducing operating costs High capacity (to fit with fortnightly collection frequency) Clear plastic liners Clear plastic liners 3 Large aperture 1 Slot (paper); small hole (plastic) 2 x 50 1 x 70 Highly visual Locking post and base plate gives security without need for planning permission No need for groundwork Container can be moved freedom to adjust location of containers if required Reduced manual handling risk High specification Aesthetically appropriate to setting (visitor centre entrance) Robust Clear signage 100 High specification. Aesthetically appropriate to setting (meeting rooms). Robust. Clear signage Source: Successful applications to the Zero Waste Scotland RotG Capital Support Fund Phase 1. Recycling on the Go Containers 17

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