An automated waste collection system (AWCS) in residential areas using differently coloured bags for efficient sorting of waste and less effort for the residents. The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents and increase recycling rates as well as resource efficiency.

Nine newly designed waste inlets were placed in the housing area Valla Torg in Stockholm with approximately 300 dwellings. The residents sign in at individual inlets before depositing their colour-coded waste. The waste is weighted when deposited and the system registers what kind of waste is being deposited using colour-coding. From the individual inlets the waste is transported to a central collection station by pressurized tubes, which allows collection of waste at a single location.

The control system is brand new and the installation of a fibre network instead of copper allows for increased data traffic. Waste sorting has increased to include food waste, and sorting rates are better than comparable areas.

Lessons learnt

Understanding judicial restrictions about who can collect and where the waste should go as well as the topic of tenant consent (GDPR) are essential. Energy consumption for operating the installation is higher than expected. However, a substantial reduction of the energy consumption is expected after preforming a minor upgrading of the technology. The upgrading will have a positive impact on the CO2 emissions as well and reduce them even further.

The solution reduces traffic related to garbage collection, which results in CO2 savings. Less space for waste handling also means more shared recreational spaces. Incentives for and feedback from tenants improves the outcome of the solution and patience is needed to encourage tenants. Technology is sophisticated and requires trained staff.

Upscaling & replication potential

As the technical installation of the system is straight forward, the most important factor is securing the infrastructure for the waste sorting once it has been collected. Judicial restrictions must be understood in order to build a database on waste deposited. Tenant information campaigns help with acceptance.