The method of sorted waste collection by deep containers
About this good practice
The owner of this practice - ZAAO Ltd. is a municipal waste management company of the Northern Vidzeme region involving 8 neighbouring municipalities. It offers a high quality waste management services by organizing the collection of sorted waste in deep containers. This waste management method ensures modern waste management infrastructure that helps to create more attractive and esthetical surrounding environment.
By the end of 2021 there were 48 deep waste sorting container placements in the region and some more are planned for the future.
Deep waste sorting containers can be made available for the use of inhabitants of apartment buildings if they all agree to this waste management method. People can benefit from this waste collection method by having an extra place in their yards, paying less and cleaner environment.
Deep containers are partly burred in the land (1.5 m depth) and can store five times more waste than in regular 1.1 m3 containers. Every placement has several deep waste sorting containers to ensure waste sorting.
Waste collection in deep containers is more efficient as the waste transportation isn’t necessary as often as in the case of regular containers. The waste is being collected 1 times per week, which is less than in the case of regular containers that require waste collection 2-3 times per week. The waste can still be collected with a regular waste collection track with the lifting equipment.
Resources needed
The establishment of one deep waste sorting container placement requires EUR 10 000 – 15 000 per site. By saving money on transportation services the ZAAO can be invested in new containers and modernization.
Evidence of success
The usage of deep containers reduces resources for collecting waste and saves money for both, ZAAO and inhabitants by at least 5% compared to regular waste collection methods. In addition, the biowaste can be kept longer without smelling in deep containers, it doesn't freeze in winter and worm up in summer. Also, it’s easy to use these containers with an electronic detection of waste producer. Every year more and more placements of deep waste collection containers are being established.
Potential for learning or transfer
The method of sorted waste collection by deep containers presents modern and efficient solution for waste management and sorting in residential areas with large multi-story apartment buildings, which is beneficial for both – inhabitants and the waste management company. This practice can serves as a role model for other regions and municipalities for Latvia, and also internationally. For adapting this method the willingness of a local municipality, as well as the agreement among local inhabitants are reguired. Also, this should be easy to transfer this practice to other EU regions looking for modern and more environment friendly waste collection and sorting methods.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
ZAAO Ltd., Waste management organization of the Northern Vidzeme