Logistics in Waste Management Seminar

Waste Management Logistics

Facts About Solid Waste Management

• The quality of solid waste management significantly impacts the urban poor, affecting their:

  • Health

  • Housing quality

  • Service access

  • Livelihoods

• In urban low-income areas, up to two-thirds of solid waste is not collected.

• Areas with poor waste collection services experience:

  • Twice as high incidence of diarrhea

  • Six times higher incidence of acute respiratory infections compared to areas with frequent collection.

• Waste is often dumped or burned, releasing:

  • Toxic airborne chemicals

  • Liquid runoff contaminating water sources

Waste Characteristics

• Waste is a general term describing non-homogeneous material.

• Waste management involves various factors:

  • Producers

  • Responsibilities

  • Treatment methods

  • Legislation

  • Costs and revenues

Categories of Solid Waste

• Municipal waste

• Hazardous waste

• Industrial waste

• Medical waste

• Construction and demolition waste

• Radioactive/nuclear waste

• Mining waste

• Agricultural waste

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Sources

• Residential: Food scraps, packaging, cans, bottles, newspapers, clothing, yard waste, appliances.

• Commercial: Office paper, corrugated boxes, food wastes, disposable tableware, paper napkins, yard waste, wood pallets.

• Institutional: Office paper, corrugated boxes, cafeteria waste, restroom wastes, classroom wastes, yard waste.

• Industrial: (packaging and administrative, not process wastes): Office paper, corrugated boxes, wood pallets, cafeteria wastes.

• Municipal: Litter, street sweepings, abandoned automobiles, some construction and demolition debris.

Waste Management System

• Waste management includes waste disposal, collection, and transportation.

• Waste disposal: The process of filling containers by users.

• Waste collection: Receiving and collecting waste at its source.

• Waste transportation: Transferring waste to disposal or recycling plants.

Waste Management Process

• Waste generation from households leads to different capture and collection systems.

• Appropriate collection vehicles are vital.

• Waste is transported to treatment facilities.

• Direct transport versus transfer and long-distance transport options exist.

• Process:

  • Collection

  • Transportation

  • Unloading

  • Removal

Waste Collection and Transportation Tasks

• Acquisition and collection of household, industrial, and commercial wastes.

• Transport of collected wastes to treatment and disposal facilities.

• Separate collection and transport of valuable materials.

Collection Rate Statistics

Collection rates vary by:

• Income level

• Region

• Urban vs. rural areas

Collection Costs and Informal Sector

• The informal sector plays a significant role in solid waste management, especially in low and middle-income countries.

• Approximately 1% of the urban population (over 15 million people) work informally in the waste sector.

• They often face:

  • Unhealthy working conditions

  • Lack of social security or health insurance

  • Price fluctuations in recyclable materials

  • Limited educational and training opportunities

  • Social stigma

Informal Sector Contributions

• UN-Habitat found waste pickers collect 50-100% of waste in cities in low-income countries at no cost to municipalities.

• Waste pickers in Mumbai, Jakarta, and Buenos Aires contribute over $US\$880$ million annually to the economy.

• Improvements include:

  • Formalizing and integrating waste pickers

  • Strengthening the recycling value chain

  • Considering alternative employment opportunities

Regional Snapshots of Waste Collection

East Asia and Pacific

• 77% collection rate in urban areas

• 45% collection rate in rural areas

• Source separation of recyclables

• Approximate 100% collection rate in high-income economies

• Significant numbers of waste pickers in cities like Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City

Europe and Central Asia

• 96% collection rate in urban areas

• 55% collection rate in rural areas

• Modernized collection systems with door-to-door and centralized bins.

Latin America and Caribbean

• 85% collection rate in urban areas

• 30% collection rate in rural areas

• High variation among countries

• Large cities average 4000 active waste pickers.

Middle East and North Africa

• 90% collection rate in urban areas

• 5-15% collection rate in rural areas

• Door-to-door pickup in urban areas, no source separation

• Significant informal waste picker population in Cairo.

North America

• 98% collection rate

• Curbside collection in urban areas, door-to-door or drop-off in rural areas

• Waste transported to transfer facilities after collection.

South Asia

• 77% collection rate in urban areas

• 40% collection rate in rural areas

• Large waste picker population in cities like Dhaka.

Sub-Saharan Africa

• Less than half of generated waste is collected

• Waste collection systems primarily in more developed cities, often led by private sector and NGOs

• Informal settlements often lack collection services due to social stigma.

Waste Collection Systems Overview

• Different collection systems exist.

• Main systems:

  • Pick-up systems

  • Bring systems

Waste Collection System Types

• Pick-up Systems:

  • Street collection

    • Waste bins for mixed waste, bio-waste, light packaging

• Bring Systems:

  • Centralized collection points

    • Bundle collection for paper, sack collection for textiles

  • Decentralized collection points

    • Depot containers for metal, glass, paper; cans, light packaging

  • Recycling yards

    • For WEEE, garden waste

Emptying Systems

• Emptying the bins on sites (pick-up principle)

  • Emptying systems

• Exchange of containers (bring principle)

  • Interchangeable systems

• Disposable containers (refuse sacks)
  *Disposable systems

Waste Collection System Details

• Pick-up Systems: Waste is collected directly from producers (households).

  • Waste containers are placed at the roadside and emptied into collection trucks.

• Bring Systems: Waste producers take waste to centralized collection points.

Waste Types Handled by Systems

• Pick-up Systems: Residual waste, biowaste, packaging waste, paper, cardboard, bulky waste, electrical waste.

• Bring Systems: Bulky waste, old wood, hazardous waste to recycling yards; paper, cardboard, glass, old clothes to sites of valuables; cans, bottles, PET bottles via single-use and multi-use systems.

Recycling Yards in Bring Systems

• Recycling yards are a major component of bring systems.

Pick-up vs. Bring Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages

Pick-up Systems

• Advantages:

  • User-friendly

• Disadvantages:

  • More expensive

  • Lower quality of collected material

  • Lower collection rates

• Bring Systems:

  • Higher collection rates for resources

  • Lower costs for collection and containers

  • Better sorting and higher quality of collected material due to user motivation

  • Requirement of larger spaces for containers and limited collection points

Influencing Factors for Collection Systems

• Technical aspects

• General fee system

• Ease of use for citizens

• Hygiene

• Economics

• Positioning and distances

• Size/structure of disposal areas

• Work safety

• Sufficient container volume/size

Mixed vs. Source Separated Waste Collection

Collection of Mixed Waste

• Lower demands in terms of separation at households.

• Lower demands in terms of collection.

• Centralized sorting required with heavier demands in terms of sorting.

• Results in lower material quality and sorting residues.

Collection of Source Separated Waste

• Heavier demands in terms of separation at households.

• Results in high material quality and fewer sorting residues.

• Material Recycling for both approaches.

Waste Sorting Methods

• Sorting at central plants after mixed collection.

• Source separation or collection as mixed recyclables, sorted at Material Recovery Facilities (MRF).

• From drop-off centers or curbside collection.

Source Segregation Benefits

• Facilitates further processing of waste.

• Simplifies the sorting process.

• Increases the overall efficiency of the material recovery facility (MRF).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Separate Collection

Advantages

• Easy and fast to realize

• Low investments in further separation processes

• High quality of recovered material via "two stages" sorting/separation

Disadvantages

• High demands on logistics (bins, collection) and space

• High demand in consumer involvement

• High amount of work at households for separation

Collection Example Calculation

• Assumptions:

  • Multi-family house with 150 housing units and 260 residents

  • Collection frequency for residual waste: twice a week

  • Reference values for waste fractions (kg/resident*year) categorized as bad, middle, good, very good.

    • Residual waste ranges from 255 (bad) to 70 (very good).

    • Biowaste ranges from 50 (bad) to 125 (very good).

    • Paper ranges from 40 (bad) to 100 (very good).

  • Average density of waste depending on the bin size (kg/liter):

    • Residual Waste: 120 L (0.115), 240 L (0.110), 1,100 L (0.095)

    • Biowaste: 120 L (0.200), 240 L (0.200)

    • Paper: 120 L (0.100), 240 L (0.100), 1,100 L (0.080)

Types of Collection Systems

• Disposable: one way, unsystematic, lifting and tipping, exchange, special systems.

Unsystematic Collection

• Collection without containers or non-uniform containers.

• Examples:

  • Waste pits

  • Feces removal

  • Bulky goods

  • E-waste

  • Mobile hazardous waste collection

  • Sack removal

Unsystematic Collection with Waste Bags

• Bags are used instead of containers.

• Capacity is usually 50 or 70 liters.

• Common in some regions for lightweight packaging collection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Unsystematic Collection

Advantages

• No investment in containers

• No special vehicles necessary

Disadvantages

• Often insufficient hygienic conditions

• High physical stress on removal staff

• Small collection points

• Difficult practical handling of loose waste

• Long intervals decrease willingness to store waste at home

Criteria for Selection of Collection Containers

• Materials

• Volume

• Sound insulation

• Color

• Fire resistance

• Maintenance

• Emptying system

• Anti-poster properties

• Standards

• Possibility of personalization

• Container arrangement

• Shock resistance to thermal fluctuations

• Delivery

• Technical value

• Aesthetics

• Fire resistance

• Maintenance costs

• Purchase price

• Guarantees and deadlines

Systematic Collection

• Developed to address the disadvantages of unsystematic collection.

• Three main types:

  1. Lifting and tipping

  2. Container exchange

  3. Special procedures (container-less)

• These are road-bound systems; transport can also occur by rail and water.

Systematic Collection - Lifting and Tipping

• Contents of the waste container are emptied via lifting and tipping devices into the collection vehicle.

• The empty container is set back in place.

Lifting and Tipping - Partial Service

• Waste producer puts waste bins on the curbside (partial service).

• Waste workers take waste bins from properties to the collection truck and back.

Systematic Collection - Exchange System

• The full container is replaced with an empty one (useful volume $5 - 40 m^3$).

• Useful from about $12 m^3$ volume or a weight from about $3.5 Mg$.

• Vehicles with dropping, unrolling, and sliding systems are used.

Systematic Collection - Vertical Waste Logistics

• Vertical waste logistic is important in high-rise buildings.

• Population in these buildings equals small cities.

• High-rise office buildings offer recyclables with high value.

• Existing shaft systems are critical in safety and health.

Systematic Collection - Special System

• In this system, the full container is replaced with an empty one (useful volume between $5$ and $40 m^3$​).

• The use is useful from about $12 m^3$​. volume or a weight from about $3.5 Mg$​.

• Vehicles with dropping, unrolling and sliding systems are used.

Types of Collection Systems - Service on Demand

• Web platforms and App technologies enable individual on-demand services.

• Tailored solutions for singles and older people due to aging societies.

• Individualizing services and "bin equipment" creates new business opportunities for the waste industry.

Requirements for a Collection System

• Quality of collected materials must be sufficient for recovery.

• Complete capture of materials, balancing coverage and purity.

• User-friendliness for motivation:

  • Understandable separation systems

  • Easy to use

  • Avoids odor and vermin

  • Visually appealing

  • Clear discharge plan

Container Systems

• Include waste bins, large waste containers, and other container options.

Press Container Systems

• Operate as an exchange system.

• Especially suited for paper, commercial wastes, bulky waste, wood.

Multi-Chamber Containers

• Divided containers hold two different waste types and are emptied into a vertically divided collecting vehicle.

Underfloor Containers

• Containers placed underground to save space and improve aesthetics.

Waste Locks

• Create incentives for waste prevention and recycling in multi-family houses.

• Lock technology ensures fairness in billing of waste.

Waste Identifying Systems

• Enable individual waste accounting and increased waste separation.

Alternative Collection Systems at Home

• Macerator in the kitchen:

  • Kitchen waste is processed in the sink with running water.

  • The mashed waste is transported in the sewage system.

  • Separate wastewater streams allow combination with black water.

• Small manual press:

  • Kitchen waste is compressed manually or with a small electric press.

  • The fluid fraction enters the blackwater system for co-digestion.

  • Reduces the volume of residual waste.

Innovative Trash Bins

• Intelligent waste bins:

  • Compress garbage with electricity generated by built-in solar panels.

  • Inform operators when they are full.

  • May require manual opening (can be impractical and unhygienic).

Bigbelly Trash and Recycling Containers

• 30,000 containers worldwide

• Use solar power to compact garbage

• Cloud-based software controls capacity of bins

• Installs Wi-Fi hotspots in containers in New York City

Enevo Waste Collection Technology

• Volume-based sensor sends information on container fullness using sonar.

• Dashboard suggests routes for trash carriers to optimize efficiency.

• Technology can be installed in any container type.

• Data can be used by other platforms for flexibility.

• Results in 20-40% savings in waste collection costs.

Container Systems – Social Aspects

• Municipal initiatives use language and humor to change public perception of waste and contribute to environmental awareness.

Waste Transport Overview

• Transfer of solid waste from the production point to disposal or treatment.

• Varies based on:

  • Origin (domestic, commercial, residential, institutional)

  • Content (organic, glass, metal, plastic, paper)

  • Hazardousness (toxic, non-toxic, flammable, radioactive, infectious)

• Municipal solid waste is collected in several ways:

  • House to house

  • Community Bins

  • Curbside pickup

  • Self-delivered

  • Contracted or delegated service

Collection Vehicle Factors

• Loading capacity

• Distance to treatment/disposal plant or transship station

• Container system

• Topography

• Traffic obstructions

• Road width

• Amount of waste workers

Collection Vehicle Specifications

Parameters of collection vehicles:

• Number of axes, Admissible total weight (tons), Load capacity (tons), Usable volume (m³).

• For collection: Vehicles with lower load capacity are sufficient (not economical for long distances, optimized for collection, limited loading capacities and press, additional personnel onboard etc.)

• For transport: More efficient to use vehicles with high load capacity

Collection Vehicle Types

• Front loader

• Side loader

• Rear-end loader

  • Each vehicle is suited for specific waste collection areas and system.

Front Loader

• Automated forks on the front.

• Mechanically lifts and empties waste containers or dumpsters.

• Services commercial and industrial businesses with large dumpsters.

Rear Loader

• Large opening at the rear.

• Container is inverted, and waste falls into the hopper.

• Some models include container washing systems.

Side Loader

• Loaded manually or automatically from the side.

• Mechanical arm lifts residential garbage containers.

• Suitable for certain street types and containers.

Waste Press Truck

• Often used in Germany.

• Applicable for almost all waste types.

• Compaction factor: 3.

• Low mixing effects

• Emptying time approximately 1 minute.

Rotary Drum Truck

• Approximately 4 rounds/min

• Especially for bio and mixed waste

• Compaction factor: 2-4

• Crushing and mixing effects

• Emptying time approximately 5 minutes.

• Advantage: low vehicle weight and length

• Disadvantage: low press efficiency

Collection Vehicles - Exchange systems

• roll-off tipper

• roll-off tipper with trailer

• sliding tipper

• skip loader

Lifting and Tipping System

• Employs lifting and tipping devices.

Technology in Collection Vehicles

Are constantly evolving in the waste managment system

Underground Systems

• Vacuum systems

• Waste treatment at the place of production

Trans-shipment Station

• Long-distance transport from large-scale disposal regions to treatment facility.

• Cheaper long-distance transport with transfer station replaces direct transport.

• Functionally composed of:

  • Delivery

  • Compaction and transshipment

  • Possibly bunkers as a buffer and interim storage

• Unloading bay, Bridge crane, Scale, Hydraulic press, Container Wagon

Economy of Trans-shipment Station

• Analyzed based on:

  • Specific Cost [Euro/Mg]

  • Waste Amount [Mg/a]

  • costs for direct transport

  • costs for transport in large capacity vehicle

  • costs for transshipment station

  • total costs for transport and transshipment

Tour and Area Planning

• Planning the waste collection process.

• Optimizes resource use and minimizes costs.

• Advantages:

  • Optimal use of available resources

  • Minimize costs

  • Equal allocation → tours from Monday to Friday

  • Compact collecting areas

  • Utilization of employees working time and vehicles

  • Flexibility if circumstances changed / service

• Employees for tours:

  • One driver up to several loaders (1:0, 1:2; 1:3)

  • Tours can be periodic (residual waste collection) or non-periodic (e.g. bulky waste collection on demand)

Tour and Area Planning Conditions

• Complex logistical task requiring IT support.

• Input data:

  • Number of containers per tour

  • Defaults of waste management statute

  • Collection intervals

  • Changes in team strength and container sizes

  • Reduction of intermediate trips

  • Improved utilization of vehicle payload

Tour and Area Planning Goals (Hamburg Example)

• Optimal work capacity and fair power allocation (personal)

• Workload for all teams to 100% in week

• This corresponds to $487$ min. of work per day

• $16$ tons moved per day by every waste truck

• Compact areas for collectors

• Minimize driving distances without collection

• Customer requirements and local circumstance

• Rush hour

• No obstacle for busses

• Emptying of the bins in the town centre of Hamburg until 09:00 a.m.

Tour and Area Planning Example

• Parking site, Collection areas A and B, Waste treatment site

• Intermediate emptying tour (if necessary), End emptying tour

• Collection tour, End of tour

Tour and Area Planning Operations

MORE DEATAIL

Waste Management Logistics

Facts About Solid Waste Management

• The quality of solid waste management significantly impacts the urban poor, affecting their:

  • Health: Poor waste management leads to the spread of diseases and infections.

  • Housing quality: Accumulation of waste degrades living conditions.

  • Service access: Inadequate waste collection hampers access to essential services.

  • Livelihoods: Waste mismanagement affects economic opportunities.

• In urban low-income areas, up to two-thirds of solid waste is not collected, leading to environmental and health hazards.

• Areas with poor waste collection services experience:

  • Twice as high incidence of diarrhea due to unsanitary conditions.

  • Six times higher incidence of acute respiratory infections compared to areas with frequent collection due to air pollution from burning waste.

• Waste is often dumped or burned, releasing:

  • Toxic airborne chemicals such as dioxins and furans.

  • Liquid runoff contaminating water sources, leading to waterborne diseases.

Waste Characteristics

• Waste is a general term describing non-homogeneous material, encompassing diverse substances with varying properties.

• Waste management involves various factors:

  • Producers: Entities generating waste.

  • Responsibilities: Allocation of duties for waste handling.

  • Treatment methods: Techniques for processing waste.

  • Legislation: Laws and regulations governing waste management.

  • Costs and revenues: Financial aspects of waste management.

Categories of Solid Waste

• Municipal waste: Waste from households, commercial establishments, and institutions.

• Hazardous waste: Waste that poses substantial threats to health or the environment.

• Industrial waste: Waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes.

• Medical waste: Waste from healthcare facilities that may be infectious or biohazardous.

• Construction and demolition waste: Waste materials from construction or demolition projects.

• Radioactive/nuclear waste: Waste containing radioactive materials.

• Mining waste: Waste generated by mining activities.

• Agricultural waste: Waste from farming and agricultural operations.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Sources

• Residential: Food scraps, packaging, cans, bottles, newspapers, clothing, yard waste, appliances.

• Commercial: Office paper, corrugated boxes, food wastes, disposable tableware, paper napkins, yard waste, wood pallets.

• Institutional: Office paper, corrugated boxes, cafeteria waste, restroom wastes, classroom wastes, yard waste.

• Industrial: (packaging and administrative, not process wastes): Office paper, corrugated boxes, wood pallets, cafeteria wastes.

• Municipal: Litter, street sweepings, abandoned automobiles, some construction and demolition debris.

Waste Management System

• Waste management includes waste disposal, collection, and transportation.

• Waste disposal: The process of filling containers by users, ensuring proper containment.

• Waste collection: Receiving and collecting waste at its source, optimizing efficiency.

• Waste transportation: Transferring waste to disposal or recycling plants, minimizing environmental impact.

Waste Management Process

• Waste generation from households leads to different capture and collection systems, ensuring effective management.

• Appropriate collection vehicles are vital, enhancing transportation efficiency.

• Waste is transported to treatment facilities, reducing environmental pollution.

• Direct transport versus transfer and long-distance transport options exist, ensuring logistical flexibility.

• Process:

  • Collection: Gathering waste from various sources efficiently.

  • Transportation: Moving waste to processing centers effectively.

  • Unloading: Removing waste from vehicles safely.

  • Removal: Clearing waste from unloading areas promptly.

Waste Collection and Transportation Tasks

• Acquisition and collection of household, industrial, and commercial wastes, ensuring thorough coverage.

• Transport of collected wastes to treatment and disposal facilities, minimizing environmental impact.

• Separate collection and transport of valuable materials, enhancing recycling efforts.

Collection Rate Statistics

Collection rates vary by:

• Income level: Affluent areas typically have higher collection rates.

• Region: Collection practices vary geographically.

• Urban vs. rural areas: Urban regions usually have more advanced systems.

Collection Costs and Informal Sector

• The informal sector plays a significant role in solid waste management, especially in low and middle-income countries.

• Approximately 1% of the urban population (over 15 million people) work informally in the waste sector, supporting resource recovery.

• They often face:

  • Unhealthy working conditions, increasing health risks.

  • Lack of social security or health insurance, causing economic vulnerability.

  • Price fluctuations in recyclable materials, destabilizing income.

  • Limited educational and training opportunities, hindering professional development.

  • Social stigma, marginalizing their contributions.

Informal Sector Contributions

• UN-Habitat found waste pickers collect 50-100% of waste in cities in low-income countries at no cost to municipalities, delivering essential services.

• Waste pickers in Mumbai, Jakarta, and Buenos Aires contribute over $US\$880$ million annually to the economy, highlighting their economic impact.

• Improvements include:

  • Formalizing and integrating waste pickers, providing recognition and stability.

  • Strengthening the recycling value chain, enhancing resource recovery.

  • Considering alternative employment opportunities, promoting economic diversity.

Regional Snapshots of Waste Collection

East Asia and Pacific

• 77% collection rate in urban areas, reflecting development disparities.

• 45% collection rate in rural areas, highlighting challenges in remote regions.

• Source separation of recyclables, promoting efficient resource recovery.

• Approximate 100% collection rate in high-income economies, indicating advanced waste management.

• Significant numbers of waste pickers in cities like Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting the informal sector's role.

Europe and Central Asia

• 96% collection rate in urban areas, demonstrating robust systems.

• 55% collection rate in rural areas, showing disparities within the region.

• Modernized collection systems with door-to-door and centralized bins, optimizing convenience and efficiency.

Latin America and Caribbean

• 85% collection rate in urban areas, reflecting regional progress.

• 30% collection rate in rural areas, indicating significant challenges.

• High variation among countries, demonstrating diverse developmental stages.

• Large cities average 4000 active waste pickers, supporting waste management and resource recovery.

Middle East and North Africa

• 90% collection rate in urban areas, showcasing effective management in urban centers.

• 5-15% collection rate in rural areas, pointing to significant gaps.

• Door-to-door pickup in urban areas, no source separation, reducing consumer responsibilities.

• Significant informal waste picker population in Cairo, playing a crucial role in waste recovery.

North America

• 98% collection rate, reflecting comprehensive coverage.

• Curbside collection in urban areas, door-to-door or drop-off in rural areas, adapting to population density.

• Waste transported to transfer facilities after collection, optimizing logistical efficiency.

South Asia

• 77% collection rate in urban areas, demonstrating progress amid challenges.

• 40% collection rate in rural areas, indicating disparities.

• Large waste picker population in cities like Dhaka, substantially contributing to waste management.

Sub-Saharan Africa

• Less than half of generated waste is collected, highlighting a significant challenge.

• Waste collection systems primarily in more developed cities, often led by private sector and NGOs, supporting sustainable solutions.

• Informal settlements often lack collection services due to social stigma, creating inequities.

Waste Collection Systems Overview

• Different collection systems exist, offering varied approaches.

• Main systems:

  • Pick-up systems: Collecting waste directly from producers.

  • Bring systems: Requiring producers to transport waste to collection points.

Waste Collection System Types

• Pick-up Systems:

  • Street collection

  • Waste bins for mixed waste, bio-waste, light packaging

• Bring Systems:

  • Centralized collection points

  • Bundle collection for paper, sack collection for textiles

  • Decentralized collection points

  • Depot containers for metal, glass, paper; cans, light packaging

  • Recycling yards

  • For WEEE, garden waste

Emptying Systems

• Emptying the bins on sites (pick-up principle)

  • Emptying systems

• Exchange of containers (bring principle)

  • Interchangeable systems

• Disposable containers (refuse sacks)

*Disposable systems

Waste Collection System Details

• Pick-up Systems: Waste is collected directly from producers (households).

  • Waste containers are placed at the roadside and emptied into collection trucks, optimizing convenience.

• Bring Systems: Waste producers take waste to centralized collection points, promoting responsibility.

Waste Types Handled by Systems

• Pick-up Systems: Residual waste, biowaste, packaging waste, paper, cardboard, bulky waste, electrical waste.

• Bring Systems: Bulky waste, old wood, hazardous waste to recycling yards; paper, cardboard, glass, old clothes to sites of valuables; cans, bottles, PET bottles via single-use and multi-use systems.

Recycling Yards in Bring Systems

• Recycling yards are a major component of bring systems, facilitating resource recovery.

Pick-up vs. Bring Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages

Pick-up Systems

• Advantages:

  • User-friendly, providing convenience.

• Disadvantages:

  • More expensive, increasing operational costs.

  • Lower quality of collected material, reducing recycling efficiency.

  • Lower collection rates, impacting waste management.

• Bring Systems:

  • Higher collection rates for resources, maximizing recovery.

  • Lower costs for collection and containers, optimizing financial efficiency.

  • Better sorting and higher quality of collected material due to user motivation, enhancing recycling.

  • Requirement of larger spaces for containers and limited collection points, posing logistical challenges.

Influencing Factors for Collection Systems

• Technical aspects

• General fee system

• Ease of use for citizens

• Hygiene

• Economics

• Positioning and distances

• Size/structure of disposal areas

• Work safety

• Sufficient container volume/size

Mixed vs. Source Separated Waste Collection

Collection of Mixed Waste

• Lower demands in terms of separation at households, decreasing user responsibilities.

• Lower demands in terms of collection, streamlining processes.

• Centralized sorting required with heavier demands in terms of sorting, increasing facility workload.

• Results in lower material quality and sorting residues, reducing efficiency.

Collection of Source Separated Waste

• Heavier demands in terms of separation at households, increasing user responsibility.

• Results in high material quality and fewer sorting residues, promoting efficient recycling.

• Material Recycling for both approaches, underscoring their importance.

Waste Sorting Methods

• Sorting at central plants after mixed collection.

• Source separation or collection as mixed recyclables, sorted at Material Recovery Facilities (MRF).

• From drop-off centers or curbside collection.

Source Segregation Benefits

• Facilitates further processing of waste, enhancing efficiency.

• Simplifies the sorting process, reducing complexity.

• Increases the overall efficiency of the material recovery facility (MRF), optimizing operations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Separate Collection

Advantages

• Easy and fast to realize, facilitating implementation.

• Low investments in further separation processes, minimizing costs.

• High quality of recovered material via "two stages" sorting/separation, promoting efficient resource recovery.

Disadvantages

• High demands on logistics (bins, collection) and space, creating operational challenges.

• High demand in consumer involvement, requiring public participation.

• High amount of work at households for separation, increasing user responsibilities.

Collection Example Calculation

• Assumptions:

  • Multi-family house with 150 housing units and 260 residents

  • Collection frequency for residual waste: twice a week

  • Reference values for waste fractions (kg/resident*year) categorized as bad, middle, good, very good.

  • Residual waste ranges from 255 (bad) to 70 (very good).

  • Biowaste ranges from 50 (bad) to 125 (very good).

  • Paper ranges from 40 (bad) to 100 (very good).

  • Average density of waste depending on the bin size (kg/liter):

  • Residual Waste: 120 L (0.115), 240 L (0.110), 1,100 L (0.095)

  • Biowaste: 120 L (0.200), 240 L (0.200)

  • Paper: 120 L (0.100), 240 L (0.100), 1,100 L (0.080)

Types of Collection Systems

• Disposable: one way, unsystematic, lifting and tipping, exchange, special systems.

Unsystematic Collection

• Collection without containers or non-uniform containers.

• Examples:

  • Waste pits

  • Feces removal

  • Bulky goods

  • E-waste

  • Mobile hazardous waste collection

  • Sack removal

Unsystematic Collection with Waste Bags

• Bags are used instead of containers.

• Capacity is usually 50 or 70 liters.

• Common in some regions for lightweight packaging collection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Unsystematic Collection

Advantages

• No investment in containers

• No special vehicles necessary

Disadvantages

• Often insufficient hygienic conditions

• High physical stress on removal staff

• Small collection points

• Difficult practical handling of loose waste

• Long intervals decrease willingness to store waste at home

Criteria for Selection of Collection Containers

• Materials

• Volume

• Sound insulation

• Color

• Fire resistance

• Maintenance

• Emptying system

• Anti-poster properties

• Standards

• Possibility of personalization

• Container arrangement

• Shock resistance to thermal fluctuations

• Delivery

• Technical value

• Aesthetics

• Fire resistance

• Maintenance costs

• Purchase price

• Guarantees and deadlines

Systematic Collection

• Developed to address the disadvantages of unsystematic collection.

• Three main types:

  1. Lifting and tipping

  2. Container exchange

  3. Special procedures (container-less)

• These are road-bound systems; transport can also occur by rail and water.

Systematic Collection - Lifting and Tipping

• Contents of the waste container are emptied via lifting and tipping devices into the collection vehicle.

• The empty container is set back in place.

Lifting and Tipping - Partial Service

• Waste producer puts waste bins on the curbside (partial service).

• Waste workers take waste bins from properties to the collection truck and back.

Systematic Collection - Exchange System

• The full container is replaced with an empty one (useful volume $5 - 40 m^3$).

• Useful from about $12 m^3$ volume or a weight from about $3.5 Mg$.

• Vehicles with dropping, unrolling, and sliding systems are used.

Systematic Collection - Vertical Waste Logistics

• Vertical waste logistic is important in high-rise buildings.

• Population in these buildings equals small cities.

• High-rise office buildings offer recyclables with high value.

• Existing shaft systems are critical in safety and health.

Systematic Collection - Special System

• In this system, the full container is replaced with an empty one (useful volume between $5$ and $40 m^3$​).

• The use is useful from about $12 m^3$​. volume or a weight from about $3.5 Mg$​.

• Vehicles with dropping, unrolling and sliding systems are used.

Types of Collection Systems - Service on Demand

• Web platforms and App technologies enable individual on-demand services.

• Tailored solutions for singles and older people due to aging societies.

• Individualizing services and "bin equipment" creates new business opportunities for the waste industry.

Requirements for a Collection System

• Quality of collected materials must be sufficient for recovery.

• Complete capture of materials, balancing coverage and purity.

• User-friendliness for motivation:

  • Understandable separation systems

  • Easy to use

  • Avoids odor and vermin

  • Visually appealing

  • Clear discharge plan

Container Systems

• Include waste bins, large waste containers, and other container options.

Press Container Systems

• Operate as an exchange system.

• Especially suited for paper, commercial wastes, bulky waste, wood.

Multi-Chamber Containers

• Divided containers hold two different waste types and are emptied into a vertically divided collecting vehicle.

Underfloor Containers

• Containers placed underground to save space and improve aesthetics.

Waste Locks

• Create incentives for waste prevention and recycling in multi-family houses.

• Lock technology ensures fairness in billing of waste.

Waste Identifying Systems

• Enable individual waste accounting and increased waste separation.

Alternative Collection Systems at Home

• Macerator in the kitchen:

  • Kitchen waste is processed in the sink with running water.

  • The mashed waste is transported in the sewage system.

  • Separate wastewater streams allow combination with black water.

• Small manual press:

  • Kitchen waste is compressed manually or with a small electric press.

  • The fluid fraction enters the blackwater system for co-digestion.

  • Reduces the volume of residual waste.

Innovative Trash Bins

• Intelligent waste bins:

  • Compress garbage with electricity generated by built-in solar panels.

  • Inform operators when they are full.

  • May require manual opening (can be impractical and unhygienic).

Bigbelly Trash and Recycling Containers

• 30,000 containers worldwide

• Use solar power to compact garbage

• Cloud-based software controls capacity of bins

• Installs Wi-Fi hotspots in containers in New York City

Enevo Waste Collection Technology

• Volume-based sensor sends information on container fullness using sonar.

• Dashboard suggests routes for trash carriers to optimize efficiency.

• Technology can be installed in any container type.

• Data can be used by other platforms for flexibility.

• Results in 20-40% savings in waste collection costs.

Container Systems – Social Aspects

• Municipal initiatives use language and humor to change public perception of waste and contribute to environmental awareness.

Waste Transport Overview

• Transfer of solid waste from the production point to disposal or treatment.

• Varies based on:

  • Origin (domestic, commercial, residential, institutional)

  • Content (organic, glass, metal, plastic, paper)

  • Hazardousness (toxic, non-toxic, flammable, radioactive, infectious)

• Municipal solid waste is collected in several ways:

  • House to house

  • Community Bins

  • Curbside pickup

  • Self-delivered

  • Contracted or delegated service

Collection Vehicle Factors

• Loading capacity

• Distance to treatment/disposal plant or transship station

• Container system

• Topography

• Traffic obstructions

• Road width

• Amount of waste workers

Collection Vehicle Specifications

Parameters of collection vehicles:

• Number of axes, Admissible total weight (tons), Load capacity (tons), Usable volume (m³).

• For collection: Vehicles with lower load capacity are sufficient (not economical for long distances, optimized for collection, limited loading capacities and press, additional personnel onboard etc.)

• For transport: More efficient to use vehicles with high load capacity

Collection Vehicle Types

• Front loader

• Side loader

• Rear-end loader

• Each vehicle is suited for specific waste collection areas and system.

Front Loader

• Automated forks on the front.

• Mechanically lifts and empties waste containers or dumpsters.

• Services commercial and industrial businesses with large dumpsters.

Rear Loader

• Large opening at the rear.

• Container is inverted, and waste falls into the hopper.

• Some models include container washing systems.

Side Loader

• Loaded manually or automatically from the side.

• Mechanical arm lifts residential garbage containers.

• Suitable for certain street types and containers.

Waste Press Truck

• Often used in Germany.

• Applicable for almost all waste types.

• Compaction factor: 3.

• Low mixing effects

• Emptying time approximately 1 minute.

Rotary Drum Truck

• Approximately 4 rounds/min

• Especially for bio and mixed waste

• Compaction factor: 2-4

• Crushing and mixing effects

• Emptying time approximately 5 minutes.

• Advantage: low vehicle weight and length

• Disadvantage: low press efficiency

Collection Vehicles - Exchange systems

• roll-off tipper

• roll-off tipper with trailer

• sliding tipper

• skip loader

Lifting and Tipping System

• Employs lifting and tipping devices.

Technology in Collection Vehicles

Are constantly evolving in the waste management system

Underground Systems

• Vacuum systems

• Waste treatment at the place of production

Trans-shipment Station

• Long-distance transport from large-scale disposal regions to treatment facility.

• Cheaper long-distance transport with transfer station replaces direct transport.

• Functionally composed of:

  • Delivery

  • Compaction and transshipment

  • Possibly bunkers as a buffer and interim storage

• Unloading bay, Bridge crane, Scale, Hydraulic press, Container Wagon

Economy of Trans-shipment Station

• Analyzed based on:

  • Specific Cost [Euro/Mg]

  • Waste Amount [Mg/a]

  • costs for direct transport

  • costs for transport in large capacity vehicle

  • costs for transshipment station

  • total costs for transport and transshipment

Tour and Area Planning

• Planning the waste collection process.

• Optimizes resource use and minimizes costs.

• Advantages:

  • Optimal use of available resources

  • Minimize costs

  • Equal allocation → tours from Monday to Friday

  • Compact collecting areas

  • Utilization of employees working time and vehicles

  • Flexibility if circumstances changed / service

• Employees for tours:

  • One driver up to several loaders (1:0, 1:2; 1:3)

  • Tours can be periodic (residual waste collection) or non-periodic (e.g. bulky waste collection on demand)

Tour and Area Planning Conditions

• Complex logistical task requiring IT support.

• Input data:

  • Number of containers per tour

  • Defaults of waste management statute

  • Collection intervals

  • Changes in team strength and container sizes

  • Reduction of intermediate trips

  • Improved utilization of vehicle payload

Tour and Area Planning Goals (Hamburg Example)

• Optimal work capacity and fair power allocation (personal)

• Workload for all teams to 100% in week

• This corresponds to $487$ min. of work per day

• $16$ tons moved per day by every waste truck

• Compact areas for collectors

• Minimize driving distances without collection

• Customer requirements and local circumstance

• Rush hour

• No obstacle for busses

• Emptying of the