COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE
INTRODUCTION:
The collection of solid waste is a crucial part of waste
management systems in cities and towns across the world. The efficiency of
waste collection is largely dependent on the type of vehicle used. Different
vehicles are designed to handle specific types of waste (e.g., residential,
industrial, medical, hazardous) and work in varying environments (e.g., narrow
lanes, busy roads, rural areas).
This study aims to compare various types of vehicles used for waste collection
based on different parameters like efficiency, environmental impact, cost, and
suitability for different sources of waste.
[Link] OF THE STUDY
• To identify the most suitable vehicles for solid waste collection from different sources.
• To compare the vehicles based on operational efficiency, cost, capacity, and environmental
sustainability.
• To recommend appropriate vehicles for specific waste collection scenarios.
2. TYPES OF VEHICLES FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
1. MANUAL PUSHCARTS
• Suitable for narrow lanes and low-density areas.
• Commonly used for residential waste collection.
• Low cost but limited capacity.
2. TRICYCLES OR PEDAL-DRIVEN CARTS
• Ideal for short distances and urban neighborhoods.
• Eco-friendly but labor-intensive.
They are suitable for densely populated areas with narrow lanes, and
Squatter settlements, where there is relatively low volume of waste
Generated. Some drawbacks of these collection vehicles include limited
Travel range of the vehicles and weather exposure that affect humans .
[Link] TIPPERS AND PICKUPS
• Used in residential and commercial areas.
• Suitable for medium waste volumes.
• Flexible for narrow streets
[Link] TRUCKS
• Most efficient for urban areas with high waste generation.
• Compresses waste to optimize capacity.
• High operational cost but reduces transportation frequency.
• Containers are uniform, large, covered and relatively visually inoffensive;
• Waste is set out in containers so that the crew can pick them up quickly;
• Health risk to the collectors and odour on the streets are minimised;
• Waste is relatively inaccessible to the waste pickers.
A compactor truck allows waste containers to be emptied into the
Vehicle from the rear, front or sides and inhibits vectors (of disease) from
Reaching the waste during collection and transport. It works poorly when waste
stream is very dense, wet, collected materials are gritty or abrasive, or when the
roads are dusty.
The success of waste management depends on the level of segregation at
source. One of the examples for best collection method is illustrated in the figure
below
3. ROLL-OFF TRUCKS
• Suitable for industrial or construction waste collection.
• Can transport large containers.
• Requires significant space for operation.
Roll-off is a generic term for any truck that is responsible for loading/unloading and transporting
portable or removable containers from one location to another.
4. ELECTRIC AND HYBRID WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLES
Electric and hybrid waste collection vehicles are trucks designed to collect garbage
using electric motors, either solely powered by electricity (fully electric) or utilizing a
combination of electric power and a traditional combustion engine (hybrid),
significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution compared to conventional diesel-
powered waste trucks while still maintaining collection capabilities; they are becoming
increasingly popular as cities strive for more sustainable waste management
practices.
• Eco-friendly and suitable for urban settings.
• Reduces carbon emissions but involves high upfront costs.
[Link] STATION
As mentioned earlier in Section 3.1, transfer station is a centralised facility, where
waste is unloaded from smaller collection vehicles and re-loaded into large
vehicles for transport to a disposal or processing site. This transfer of waste is
frequently accompanied by removal, separation or handling of waste. In areas,
where wastes are not already dense, they may be compacted at a transfer
station.
The technical limitations of smaller collection vehicles and the low
hauling cost of solid waste, using larger vehicles, make a transfer station viable.
Also, the use of transfer station proves reasonable, when there is a need for
vehicles servicing a collection route to travel shorter distances, unload and return
quickly to their primary task of collecting the waste.
Limitations in hauling solid wastes are the main factors to be considered, while
evaluating the use of transfer stations. These include the additional capital costs
of purchasing trailers, building transfer stations and the extra time, labour and
energy required for transferring wastes from collection truck to transfer trailer.
Consider also the following factors that affect the selection of a transfer station:
The main problem in the establishment of a transfer station, however, is securing
a suitable site. Stored solid wastes and recyclable materials, if not properly
handled, will attract flies and other insect vectors. Odours from the transferred
solid wastes will also be a nuisance, if not properly controlled. In addition, the
traffic and noise due to small and large collection vehicles, collectors, drivers,
etc., invite the resentment of the communities living in the vicinity of transfer
stations (EPA, 1995).
• Processes required in recovering material from wastes.
• Required capacity and amount of waste storage desired.
• Types of collection vehicles using the facility.
• Types of transfer vehicles that can be accommodated at the disposal
facilities.
• Site topography and access.
• Types of waste received.
[Link] PARAMETERS
• Capacity:
The volume of waste the vehicle can handle at one time.
• Cost:
Initial purchase cost, maintenance, and operational expenses.
• Fuel Efficiency:
Important for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
• Ease of Operation:
Maneuverability in different terrains and crowded areas.
• Durability:
The ability to withstand wear and tear under continuous use.
• Environmental Impact:
Carbon emissions and other pollutants produced during operation.
• Special Features:
Presence of waste compression, GPS systems, or automated loading/unloading systems
[Link]
• Urban Areas: Use compactor trucks or hybrid vehicles for efficient collection and reduced
environmental impact.
• Industrial Waste: Opt for roll-off trucks due to their capacity and ability to handle heavy loads.
• Narrow Streets: Employ manual pushcarts or tricycles for effective waste collection.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones: Focus on electric or hybrid vehicles to minimize emissions.