Abu Dhabi: The second phase of the electro-hydraulic underground waste collection system was launched by the Centre of Waste Management — Abu Dhabi in Al Khalidiya on Sunday.
Replacing the existing bins, the system will eliminate odours, scavengers and litter around collection points, thus improving the aesthetics and ensuring a cleaner environment for residents, said Majid Al Mansouri, the centre's Managing Director.
The new 20 cubic metre containers have a larger capacity which will reduce the number of truck movements. Al Mansouri added that the new underground system will be installed at 115 locations across Abu Dhabi by July. The sites have been chosen on several bases such as the volume of generated waste and population densities.
Eight large containers, which are encased within a metal frame and then sunk inside a concrete sleeve in the ground, were built in Al Khalidiya. The only visible element of the system at ground level is a steel receiver unit through which the waste is deposited. Pedestrians, street cleaners and small shops will be able to deposit their waste at street level. Al Mansouri said the containers are fitted with censors sending alerts when 75 per cent full, enabling more efficient waste collection by reducing unnecessary traffic. Specially adapted waste trucks will lift the containers out of the ground, empty and replace them.
The system provides centralised and strictly regulated waste collection facilities for approved users and prevents unauthorised dumping of waste. The new system will reduce the number of daily trips, which will reduce cost, fuel consumption and reduce the carbon footprint according to Kyoto Protocol.
Do you have such a problem in your neighbourhood? Have you blocked your nose every time you passed a bin? Do you know of other systems that have helped clean the environment?
