Self-Emptying Litterbin System Given Green Light for Global Launch

Envac (UK) have recently launched their new self-emptying litterbin system. Envac are the manufacturers of the only UK underground vacuum waste management system.

This vacuum technology connects all public litterbins to a waste collection system via a network of underground pipes. This is done using a level sensor that, once the bin is full, will open a valve underneath the bin sucking rubbish into the underground network and transports the rubbish by air to the central collection station.

Mike Merriman, Envac UK’s Managing Director, comments: “Waste management is now an urban planning priority and if cities throughout the world are to remain globally competitive they need to be clean, attractive and sustainable. The self-emptying litterbin system tackles the pervasive issue of overfull litterbins and addresses the social consequences associated with litter within the public realm. Not only that but it handles in minutes what manual collection methods take all day to do and reduces the costs and disruption associated with conventional litterbin collection.”

The recent decision to launch globally follows the system’s success in Sweden, when it was unveiled in Stockholm’s city centre in June 2011. The six-litterbin system handled over two tonnes of waste throughout summer and processed and average of 170kg of public waste each week.

The system will reduce on-going waste collection costs for towns, cities and entire regions and provide a contemporary solution for developers and municipalities looking to improve the sustainability credentials of their project or area. Ideal for city parks and major sporting and entertainment venues, the global launch of the self-emptying litterbin system places greater prominence on the social aspects of waste management and sustainability.

Envac will now hold a series of consultations with local authorities UK-wide to discuss how the system can support their long-term infrastructure plans and waste management targets.

Envac UK launched in the UK in 2007 and has since increased Brent Council’s recycling rates by 50 per cent and reduced waste collection vehicle movements by 90 per cent.