Underground waste containers are an essential step toward a more efficient,
economical and environmentally friendly waste management solution.
We have been conditioned to accept that traditional dumpsters are the one and only way to collect waste, especially at high-density sites. We have accepted that these dumpsters will be in various states of disrepair. We are resigned to paying large amounts for their maintenance and frequent pickups.
And we have given up on trying to save space, as their footprint requires ample
clearance and large enclosures.
Waste collection has been a stagnant industry for some time. Small changes in technology and scheduling have provided incremental improvements, but it
wasn’t until recently that we witnessed a true waste collection revolution. With
a history dating back to the 1980s in Europe, underground waste containers are
the future of waste collection. If you’re looking for a progressive, future-proof
method of collecting waste from high-density properties like parks, schools,
apartment buildings and more, this is it. There are many reasons why you should consider an alternative waste container, four of which are outlined below.
1- They Are More Efficient than Traditional Waste Containers :
A traditional dumpster can hold 4 cubic yards of waste at any given time. A
typical underground waste container, however, can hold up to 6 cubic yards—
significantly more than most of the current waste management solutions across
North America. This larger space is one of the most obvious reasons why
underground waste containers are more efficient than traditional methods of waste collection. Since end users can add more waste to the container at one
time, they need to be emptied less frequently. And fewer pickups means money
saved.
However, the larger capacity is not the only reason why underground waste
containers are changing the way we collect waste. Their simple, yet ingenious
design maximizes on the amount of waste that can be compacted into each
unit. As the natural pull of gravity compacts the waste downward, end users
can add significantly more waste to a single underground container than they
can to a traditional dumpster. Thus, storage is not only increased due to the
larger size of underground waste containers, but also because the waste itself is
compacted and efficiently stored.
2- They are Aesthetically Appealing a dumpster is a dumpster. There isn’t much they provide in the ways of looks. Typically green or black (or, in many cases, including rusty brown spots), they can become such eyesores that many end users simply try to ignore them. But that doesn’t have to be the case. An emerging trend in underground waste collection is to create not just a more efficient system, but a more eye-catching system as well.
Although designs vary, the typical underground waste container is cylindrical
and made from concrete, plastics and long-lasting metals. On their own, they are manufactured to look good, and many can be customized with wood,
metal or plastic exteriors based on the needs of the property owner. However,
some manufacturers go above-and-beyond to create an aesthetically appealing
experience.
Some underground waste containers enable their above-ground components to be clad in a variety of fully customizable wraps. This means that property owners can create waste systems that blend in with the landscaping, or display advertisements or messages to their users.
3- They Reduce Odor and Deter Pests storing waste underground has many added
benefits besides a larger capacity and a more visually appealing experience. With the majority of the waste underground, these systems create a naturally pest- and bacteria-resistant environment.
The fact that the waste is underground and inaccessible, combined with tightly locking lids, act as pest deterrence, helping to create a clean environment that discourages animals and insects from gathering.
By storing waste underground, the system not only prevents pests from accumulating, but also bacteria as well. The colder temperatures underground deter bacteria from forming and thriving. And, as an added bonus, this is achieved in a natural, environmentally friendly manner—no chemicals or other damaging solutions are necessary.
Ultimately, for the end user, underground waste solutions will emit lower odors and attract fewer pests, resulting in a positive experience.
4- They Can be Installed Practically Anywhere traditional dumpsters have a host of requirements when it comes to placement on a property. In many areas, it is also a requirement that they have a large enclosure—which can help a bit in masking their appearance, but doesn’t help when planning a property’s layout.
Underground waste containers eliminate nearly all of these placement restrictions, allowing for property owners to place them practically anywhere. Unlike traditional dumpsters, pickup is not limited to a straight-on approach. An underground system reduces the need for that 90 feet clearance in front for truck pickup. Some examples of ideal locations for these types of containers include: parks and trails, multifamily
complexes, hotels, recreational facilities, institutional, commercial properties and others.
When an underground waste container is full, it is serviced by a truck that can lift out the internal bag vertically, emptied and replaced by a trained operator in about three minutes. This zero-clearance requirement enables property owners to situate the system wherever it is most convenient for them and their users. The ability to be installed on tight sites and in hard-to-reach places can free up property space for other uses. By installing the system next to a building or interspersed within the landscaping, property owners can achieve more parking spaces or a better flow for users. If the container is placed in an area where there is a high water table, the precast units provide more than adequate ballast to prevent them from floating.
An Essential Step Underground waste containers offer many benefits to property owners, those who service them and their end users that it’s no wonder they’re growing in popularity.
They are a truly revolutionary approach to waste management—changing the face of an industry that has resisted significant change for years. And while change
always comes with growing pains, this is an essential step toward a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly waste management solution.