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Contents Page

Aesthetic Waste and Recycling Containment Solutions A Guide

• Introduction page 3

• Legislation that applies to waste and recycling:

- The WEEE directive page 4 - The Green Flag award page 5 - The Blue Flag award page 6 - Section 106 page 6 - PPS10 page 7 - The Landfill Directive. page 8

• Carbon Footprint page 9

• Systems in use for waste and recycling: - Introduction page 11 - Envac page 11

- The Node page 12 - Underground system page 13 - 4-wheeled container. page 14

• Place Shaping page 17

• Aesthetics & Case Studies page 18 - Cowbin Pilot Report page 18 - Brit Oval Project page 19

• Local Infrastructure page 20

• Collection Vehicles page 20

• Design Considerations page 23

• Dimensions of Bin Stores page 24

• Volume and Quantity of bins compared to Headcount page 24

• Summary page 26

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• References page 27

• Appendix 1 - Contributors page 28

• Appendix 2 - Abbreviations page 28

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Introduction:

When a plan is constructed for a new development it is essential that provision is made for waste and that a waste management strategy is clearly defined. This guide looks at all elements for waste and recycling planning and refines the search for useful information specific to planners and developers. There are many factors to consider when planning a new development, such as:

• Legislation • Access requirements/dimensions of collection vehicles • Recycling streams: how many; what type? • Local Infrastructure • Waste and recycling systems on the market • Bin stores: location; dimensions; access issues • How aesthetics affect participation

The aim of this guide is to pool this information together to assist all the contributing parties in the completion of a new development.

Tel: +44 (0)1299 251333 Fax: +44 (0)1299 254142

E-mail: mat.lashford@taylor-ch.co.uk

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Legislation: This section looks at the legislation that applies to developers regarding waste containment, collection, and disposal. The legislative drivers that are covered are:

• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. • The Green Flag Award. • The Blue Flag Award. • Section 106. • Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS10). • Landfill Directive.

This guide will give an overview of each area of legislation and the impact they have on the planning and completion of a new development.

The WEEE directive: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the UK is the fastest growing waste stream with over 2 million tonnes sent to landfill last year. The aim of the new WEEE directive is to reduce the amount of WEEE going to landfill, recover and recycle more WEEE, ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous parts, and encourage producers to manufacture products that are easier to recycle. (6) The legislation dictates that:

• The financial responsibility for managing consumers’ electrical waste will rest with the producer but they will have the choice of what type of scheme they enter: collective or individual (7). An individual scheme is where an organisation can set up their own compliance scheme and be solely responsible for the running and financing of it. In a collective compliance scheme, the cost is shared between the members and the scheme will then arrange for the WEEE to be collected from designated collection facilities (DCFs) and processed through an accredited treatment facility. (23)

• Producers will delegate their responsibility to Producer Compliance Schemes (PCS) • Retailers will either take back the WEEE in store or they will join a distributor Take-back

Scheme (DTS) • The DTS are responsible for setting up DCFs so that the PCS have locations they can collect

from. • Once PCS’s collect the WEEE from the DCF it is then their role to arrange the treatment and

recycling of the WEEE. Documentation / evidence is essential to prove to the Enforcement Agency (EA) that appropriate treatment has taken place. (6)

Figure 1 – http://www.letsrecycle.com/legislation/weeefridge.jsp

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Funding of the DCF’s will originate from retailers because it is their responsibility to provide a take back scheme by either:

• Providing a take back scheme of like for like goods in-store. This means that when a new electronic item is bought in-store it is the retailer’s responsibility to take back the old item

• Joining a DTS that will provide funding for Local Authorities to register their Civil Amenity (CA) sites to be DCF’s.

• It is then at the cost of the PCS’s to collect and treat etc. from the DCF’s. (8)

New WEEE regulations took effect in January 2007 and full producer responsibility is predicted to begin on July 1st 2007. (23) Consequences for developers: The disposal of WEEE will be strictly controlled in the near future. Commercial developers such as retailers. are responsible for taking back WEEE therefore creating a need for a containment solution. Innovative containment solutions designed into a development at the planning stage would:

1. Create a development that is more attractive to potential purchasers/leasers because waste issues are already being addressed by the developer.

2. Allow the design of the development to cater for the receipt, transportation and containment of small and large WEEE in a development so the take back scheme could be run efficiently.

3. Positive Corporate Social Responsibility factors. 4. Create a more sustainable development for the future. 5. More likely to have a successful planning application due to a more comprehensive Waste

Management Strategy. 6. Ultimately increase the selling price because it would add ‘value’ to the development.

DCF’s will be scattered around the country to collect WEEE. For occupants of apartment developments it is time consuming and a hassle to travel to a DCF when a WEEE containment solution can be incorporated into the plan and be in close proximity to the occupants. The council, or whoever is responsible for WEEE in a particular area, can then collect directly from the development. This will alleviate traffic through the DCF and also meet points 3, 4, and 5 from the list above.

The Green Flag Award: Figure 2 http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/downloads/GreenFlagAwardWinnersBrochure.pdf

Since 1996, the Green Flag Award has set a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Its aim is to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country, as well as setting a benchmark of excellence for recreational green spaces that others can aspire to. (24). Winning a Green Flag Award brings excellent publicity. Both the media and the public are becoming increasingly aware that a site flying a Green Flag is a high quality green space. There has recently been much discussion about the declining quality of our city parks and lack of focus on rural green spaces, and Green Flag Award Status is the impetus to improve quality and environmental sustainability. For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons, issues of cleanliness and maintenance must be addressed, in particular:

• litter and other waste management issues must be adequately dealt with

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• grounds, buildings, equipment and other features must be well maintained

• A policy on litter, vandalism and maintenance should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed

Poor maintenance produces hazards for the public and staff, leading to an overall feeling that a site is uncared for. Neglect and misuse can devalue the site and deter genuine users. Lack of cleanliness can be the first sign of a failure in maintenance and a lack of care by authorities. (2)

Consequences for developers: Whether it is an old rundown park that is to be restored (regeneration) or a brand new green space that is to be designed, this award should be at the forefront of the developers mind. To be presented with this award would bring lots of publicity, highlighting the success of the development. The need for recycling is important, from both a Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability perspective. Which containers to use, where to position them, and how many recycling streams are needed, will influence the public’s behaviour and perceptions. Public willingness to segregate their waste will be key to a tidy park and reduce costs through less maintenance, staff and cost of disposal. A green public space flying the Green Flag adds value in several ways:

• The public will value the green space • Developments/properties near the green space will carry more value than others that aren’t • The development will be easier to sell, and potentially more valuable

The Blue Flag Award:

The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognised beach award. It is presented to resorts with top quality water, litter-free sands, health and safety provision, clean toilets, showers and other amenities. (3)

For full guidelines on the Blue Flag Criteria please refer to: http://www.blueflag.org.uk/beach_criteria_notes2007.pdf

With regard to waste, the criteria is that there must be adequate number of litter bins, properly secured, regularly emptied and maintained. Recycling facilities must be made available on or near the beach and its location made clear on the map. (4)

Consequences for developers: Although the Blue Flag Award criteria doesn’t identify the level of recycling that must occur, it does specify that the development has facilities for receiving recyclable waste materials, and that the area is ’litter-free’. Traditionally, general waste or litter bins have always been used but these containers aren’t aesthetically pleasing and they don’t encourage recycling, in fact they have a negative effect. Aesthetic recycling containers are better to use as they have been proven to increase public participation in recycling and therefore the amount of waste diverted from landfill. (See case studies.) Why is it beneficial to you to make an area a Blue Flag Award winner? The answer is simply to raise the profile of the development and hence the value of the property to be let or sold.

Section 106: Section 106 is a part of the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990. It allows a local planning authority (LPA) to enter into a legally binding agreement or planning obligation with a land developer over a related issue. The obligation is termed as a Section 106 Agreement.

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The aim of Section 106 is to minimise the impact that developers and consequently developments, have on the local community and also to benefit the community through specifying tasks that must be actioned e.g. the developer must create a nature reserve. Consequences for developers: Section 106 applies to waste and recycling because these issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. It is likely over the next few years that Section 106 Agreements will specify more Waste and Recycling stipulations to developers to grant planning permission. (10) For example:

• Building and maintaining a bring site for “x” amount of years for “y” number of recycling streams.

• The development must have “x” number of segregated recycling streams. • Only 50% of total waste from development may go to landfill etc.

There are two ways to approach this, either by planning such factors into a development plan before a Section 106 agreement stipulates they must be done, or by preparing plans in anticipation of what the Section 106 agreement will be.

Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS10): Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS10) plans for sustainable Waste Management and sets out the Government’s national policies on different “land-use” planning in England. The policies in this document should be taken into consideration by, among others, local planning authorities in preparation of local development documents. The protection of human health and the environment is the primary objective of the Government’s policy on waste. This is to be achieved by producing less waste and, wherever possible, using waste as a resource in its own right. The waste hierarchy is displayed below (refer to Figure 3) and the objectives of PPS10 will be achieved by moving the management of waste up the waste hierarchy. Figure 3: Waste Hierarchy (http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/836/PlanningPolicyStatement10PlanningforSustainableWasteManagement_id1143836.pdf) Developers should consider that a good design and layout in new developments can promote opportunities for sustainable waste management such as community recycling and kerbside

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collections. The planning authorities should ensure that the developers and consequently new developments, integrate waste management facilities into the overall design without compromising the street scene or local landscape. (9) Consequences for developers: PPS10 is an important factor in a developer’s success in obtaining planning permission. If PPS10 is understood it can be used as a powerful guide to what needs to be incorporated into a design plan to obtain planning permission. If it is ignored, however, it is highly likely the application will be unsuccessful. The two must underlying factors of PPS10 that must be taken into consideration by a developer are:

• The development has a waste management strategy that ensures sustainable waste management.

• Protecting human health and the environment by disposing of waste properly with as little impact on the environment as possible.

The two factors above go hand in hand with one another but are equally as important. The amount of waste sent to landfill needs to be minimised and therefore recycling rates at a development need to be as high as possible. This can be achieved by using aesthetic recycling solutions with as many recycling streams that is appropriate for that particular development (e.g. If co-mingled collection is available there will be less recycling streams that need to be catered for than if all recyclables are collected separately). Information regarding the infrastructure that is available in any given location can be obtained from the local council, examples of who to contact etc. is included in the ‘integrating waste solutions into design’ section.

The Landfill Directive: The Landfill Directive was adopted by the European Union in 1999 and brought into force in the form of the Landfill Regulations in June 2002. The Landfill Regulations were introduced so that the Landfill directive could be “Drip-Fed” to the UK, giving the public and business sectors time to adapt. (11) The Landfill Directive’s primary aim is to prevent or reduce, as far as possible, the negative effects on the environment, specifically:

• Pollution of surface water • Groundwater • Soil and air • Global environment – Global Warming

The UK is one of the last countries in the European Union to adopt the Landfill Directive and therefore demanding targets have been set for the UK to ensure a timely recovery to the rest of Europe. The targets are set as follows in respect of biodegradable municipal waste: (BMW):

• By 2010 – reduce BMW land filled to 75% of that produced in 1995 • By 2013 – reduce BMW land filled to 50% of that produced in 1995 • By 2020 – reduce BMW land filled to 35% of that produced in 1995 (13)

The landfill Directive:

• Bans the land filling of wastes such as clinical and liquid wastes which may be infectious, explosive, corrosive, oxidising or flammable.

• Requires the pre-treatment/segregation of waste going to landfill, into one of three categories: inert waste, hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste.

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The ever increasing cost to send waste to landfill will result in the cost being passed on to the producers, incentivising them to minimise the amount of waste they produce or increase their levels of re-use and recycling. The price increase related to the implications of the Landfill Directive will be triple-fold; this is due to extra costs being absorbed in the following three areas:

1. The cost to landfill operators will rise in accordance with required standards. 2. Waste producers will have to be financially responsible for the pre-treatment of their waste

before land filling. 3. There will also be limited capacity for the land filling of hazardous waste and therefore the

demand will be greater to dispose of such waste and consequently the price will rise. (13) Consequences: Architects, developers, planners, and regeneration companies will have to take the Landfill Directive seriously because the producers of waste, their customers, will feel the cost. This will have a greater financial impact on commercial developments than residential due to the amount of waste produced. Segregation at source is essential to make the pre-treatment process as efficient as possible. To encourage segregation of recyclates, an appropriate waste and recycling solution must be incorporated into the design of the development so that it is aesthetically pleasing, encourages participation, and fit for purpose. Buyers or leaser’s of new developments will need to plan in the space and provide the facilities to a development, whether residential or commercial, resulting in less waste going to landfill and therefore a lower cost to the occupants.

Carbon Footprint (CF): Carbon Footprint is a representation of the effect human activities have on the climate in terms of the total amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of carbon dioxide). Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are gases present in the atmosphere, which trap heat from the sun, resulting in the Earth becoming warmer. Greenhouse Gases, include Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Water Vapour, Ozone, Halocarbons (15). This section will look at the effect waste has on carbon footprint, what can be done to reduce it and the advantages for developers to build developments with low carbon footprints. Waste impacts on Greenhouse Gas emissions in several ways:

1. A product that becomes “rubbish” generates a need for a replacement and so more materials are used. Fossil Fuels burnt to generate energy, and distribution of the product will also generate carbon dioxide emissions.

2. The collection and transport of waste to processing centres and the processing of waste itself also has a Carbon Footprint.

3. The biodegradable material sent to landfill will decompose aerobically and produce methane gas, which is 21 times more potent as a GHG than carbon dioxide.

4. The waste that is sent to the incinerator will produce carbon dioxide when it is combusted. The cheap disposal route of land filling most of our waste is rapidly changing and recycling is becoming more and more prevalent. This is due to the damaging effect that not recycling has on the environment, both from an availability of raw material and a greenhouse gas emission prospective, both interlinked and equally as important. Waste prevention and recycling has a big impact on minimising climate. They:

• Reduce methane emissions from landfills. Diverting organic waste from landfills reduces the methane released by decomposition.

• Reduce emissions from incinerators caused by the combustion of waste.

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• Reduce emissions from energy consumption. Recycling saves energy. Manufacturing goods from recycled materials typically requires less energy than producing goods from virgin materials. Waste prevention is even more effective at saving energy. When people reuse things or when products are made with less material, less energy is needed to extract, transport, and process raw materials and to manufacture new products. When energy demand decreases, fewer fossil fuels are burnt and less carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere.

• Increase storage of carbon in trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood, in a process called ʺcarbon sequestration.ʺ Waste prevention and recycling of paper products allow more trees to remain standing in the forest, where they can continue to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (16)

The difference recycling makes to reduce the Carbon Footprint of one person is quite astonishing. The table below shows the impact that just recycling has on the carbon emissions for a one person household over a one year period. Figure 4: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

The level of carbon dioxide from waste from a one person household has been reduced from 1,018 pounds to 595 pounds as a result of recycling 4 waste streams. The impact of each waste stream can be observed in figure 4. A 4 person household would have a total carbon footprint of 4,072 pounds of carbon dioxide as a result of waste (without recycling). Using the same 4 waste streams would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide to 2,384 pounds.

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Consequences for developers: In the future it will become necessary for all new developments to be built as, or as close to as possible, Carbon Neutral. The use of recycling solutions in new developments will reduce the Carbon Footprint of the occupants and the development itself, resulting in the higher probability of a successful planning application. It also enhances the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company designing the development. Developments being designed now with a low carbon footprint are likely to save the occupants money in the future with carbon offsetting becoming more popular, and may soon be enforced. These low costs will be much more attractive to potential buyers or leasers than the high carbon expenditure of traditional developments.

Waste and Recycling Systems: The range of waste and recycling systems available today is highly diverse and functionally versatile. All the containment solutions for waste and recycling can be classified into 3 categories: Complex systems; Underground systems; Free standing containers.

1. Complex systems use innovative designs such as a network of underground pipes that converge in a single collection station that draws all the waste to it via a vacuum system.

2. Underground systems are predominately designed for recycling but can be used for refuse

also. They are available in a range of sizes and consist of an underground vessel and an external inlet.

3. The Free standing containers are available in a range of shapes and sizes and are constructed

from either metal or plastic. The containers sit on castors so they can be moved around from location to location or from their point of use to the collection point etc.

The Envac System: The Envac System is an Underground Waste Transport Technology (UWT) through which waste is transported via an underground pipe system to a central collection station. The two primary functions of this system are to remove waste from the streets, improving the street scene and to reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the need for collection vehicles. The Envac system, in the new Wembley, cost £4,400,000 and has 287 inlets that serve 4500 flats as well as commercial premises. Without the Envac System: Figure 5: http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Envac%20-%20London%20Remade%2016%20Oct.%202006_low.ppt

Graphical representation of the Envac system: Figure 6: http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Envac%20-%20London%20Remade%2016%20Oct.%202006_low.ppt

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A fully enclosed vacuum system means no more foul-smelling, dirty refuse collection rooms and containers in the streets. No one needs to come into contact with refuse sacks or containers, they just post the waste into segregated inlets. Once deposited into an inlet, the refuse bag is temporarily stored in a chute on top of a discharge valve until it is automatically emptied at regular intervals. The control system switches on the fans and a vacuum is created in the pipes. The discharge valves below each of the chutes are opened and the refuse bags are sucked through the horizontal network of pipes via a cyclone that separates the refuse form the air, to the collection station. The refuse is then compacted in the sealed container. The transport air passes through dust and deodorant filters and a silencer. When the containers are full they are collected, then emptied for transportation to incineration facilities, composting plants or land fills. (19) A single collection station drastically reduces the amount of vehicle usage and therefore fuel consumption, resulting in a considerably lower carbon footprint. Figure 7: http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Envac%20-%20London%20Remade%2016%20Oct.%202006_low.ppt Node System: Figure 8 (2a)

Node is a modular system that securely locks each module to a central post. It can be used as a single unit or in combinations of 2, 3 or 4 modules. Each module can contain 800L of segregated (pre-treated) waste, and can be set up in a variety of combinations. Node is a versatile and modern piece of street furniture that encourages public participation – perfect to help meet demanding recycling targets set by recent or forthcoming legislation.

VS Figure 9 (2a):

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Emissions to air through waste trucks in area

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Local emissions of CO, HC, NOx andparticles

Global emissioner of carbon dioxide

UWT - Normalduty

UWT - High duty

Conventional -Normal duty

Conventional -High duty

Relative comparison

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Node stylishly combines high capacity with a relatively small footprint, 4.8m^2. Node is emptied using an existing comb lifting Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV), and is easily installed by the central post being bolted to a pre-prepared concrete base. Once installed, Node is secure to be left and each module can only be removed with a special key from the securel central post, refer to figure 10: Figure 10 (2a): Underground: Figure 11 (3a):

The Underground system encourages high levels of participation from the public because a low level inlet allows people to use the facility with ease. Research has shown that past installations have caused a noticeable improvement in the surrounding area, due to:

• Waste stored entirely underground, leaving the surrounding area odour free, neat and tidy. • Underground storage controls vermin. • Larger containers mean less frequent emptying, so vehicle movement is reduced, saving

money and impact to the environment. The Underground system is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3m3 to 5m3 cubed. The dimensions of the 3m3 version are shown below in Figure 12. Each 1m3 of vessal space will serve 5 people for 1 week (assuming there is only a refuse waste stream). The largest underground vessel, 5m3, will serve 25 people for 1 week.

Figure 12 (3a):

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A safety floor is included in the design because when the container is removed for servicing, it leaves a large hole in the ground. The safety floor is attached to counter weights so when the container is removed it rises to ground level and prevents any accidents (refer to figure 13).

Figure 13 (3a):

The waste units are available in a range of styles, designed to accommodate the type of waste they are intended for, for example:

• Domestic Waste • Glass • Paper and Cardboard • Cans • Plastics • Textiles Figure 15 (3a) • Organic Waste

Note: The underground system has to be emptied by a special collection vehicle that is only active in certain areas of the UK. Please refer to later sections for details on collection vehicles and how to find out if a specific vehicle is available for use in any particular area. 4-Wheeled Containers: The quality of the containers on the market is varied. A BS EN840 certificate ensures that a container comes up to the minimum standard recognised across Europe. 4-Wheeled containers come in a variety of sizes, see figure 16. Figure 16 (4a):

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The container body is manufactured with steel and is hot dip galvanised. This protects the container from corrosion, offers fire resistance (and will contain a fire unlike their plastic counterparts, see figure 17/18 below) and a lifespan of approximately 10 years.

Figure 17 (5a): Figure 18 (5a): Plastic container Metal container

A report by Warrington Fire Research group shows the difference in performance between Metal and Plastic containers, figures 19 and 20 show their findings: Figure 19 (5a):

Compared to…

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Figure 20 (5a):

Comparing the two tests it is clear that the metal container controls the fire much more effectively. 26 minutes into the test on the metal container, the lid collapses into the container. The contents are only smouldering and only re-ignite when the lid is opened to finally extinguish the fire. The plastic container’s performance in a fire is poor. After about 10 minutes the container fails and holes form in the container walls. The burning waste spills out and the container becomes part of the fire. After 21 minutes the container collapses and continues to worsen until the test is discontinued. The resulting states of the containers can be seen from figure 21 below, where the plastic container had to be extinguished because of the toxicity of the smoke but the fire in the metal container extinguished itself:

Figure 21 (5a):

Containers can be tailored with a range of specialist options. For example, if containers with standard handles are being used and manual handling injuries are frequent, Danish handles would be recommended. These are symmetrical and so two hands can be used instead of one, meaning an operator’s back remains straighter than when using standard handles.

Figure 22:

It is also possible to secure the containers to a single location, away from buildings, so that it doesn’t pose a security risk such as a bomb or fire threat. A container attached to a locking post will also reduce

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the risk of anything larger than a refuse sack being deposited into it, because the locking post prevents the lid being opened any more than half way.

Figure 23:

Place Shaping:

Local governments are becoming more strategic, and have been given increased power to shape the local area. This concept, termed place shaping, is essentially about creating an identity for an area, providing variation between areas, and making the buildings, streets, parks look nice. Therefore waste and recycling is a key consideration. This section looks at the importance of place shaping to architects, planners, developers and regeneration officers.

Figure 24:

http://www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk/docs/final-exec.pdf ‘Place-Shaping’ was coined by Sir Michael Lyons, meaning power to local governments. The Lyons Report is focused on the funding of local government, service delivery and decision making. What follows is a brief overview of the topics covered in this report relevant to waste and recycling containment solutions. The arguments for a local role in determining the actions of government and the provision of public services are becoming stronger, and it is clear that this empowerment has an influence on economic change and growth. Place shaping will work best if both a national standard and local variation work hand in hand so key services will have a minimum service level but local people will have the ability to influence the shape and delivery of services. Place shaping will enable local governments to promote the general wellbeing of a community by:

• Building and shaping local identity • Representing the community • Working to make the economy more successful while being sensitive to the pressures on the

environment. • Understanding local needs and preferences and ensuring the right services are provided to

local people. (20) Consequences for developers:

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Shaping a local environment to be distinctive in identity is the responsibility of developers, architects, regeneration officers and planners. Furthermore, Local Authorities (LA’s) have the power to grant or deny a planning application and thus shape the identity of the locale to how it sees fit. Therefore place shaping impacts upon developers because understanding what the local community and the local authority want for an area will ultimately impact on the success of a planning application. Once past the planning stage, and looking at the finished project it, becomes clear that the involvement of the place shaping concept will make a development much more admired, fitting, and more valuable.

Aesthetics of Waste and Recycling Solutions & Case Studies: Use of aesthetics in waste and recycling containment solutions has shown a positive response. Sites incur less vandalism, are used more frequently and recycling rates increase. There is still a long way to go however before the UK hits the target of recycling 25% of all waste by 2010. Public perception of recycling needs to be mush more positive. Provision for recycling is a must for a waste management strategy; waste and recycling solutions that have been proven to increase participation by the public is very positive for the environment and hence a step closer to obtaining planning permission. Furthermore, the value of a development increases when the recycling containment solution is provided as a package, thus removing this as an issue for the buyer/leaser. Two case studies -the Cowbins (TM) recycling promotion project in New Cross Gate, Lewisham and Waste Management at the Brit Oval – show how that the amount of public participation in receylign can be greatly increased by innovative ideas.

Case study 1 - A report on the Cowbins (TM) recycling promotion project in New Cross Gate, Lewisham

Figure 25 (6a):

This case study looks at a pilot partnership project over a four month period, located at a recycling bring site, in New Cross Gate, Lewisham. The project ran from December 2005 to March 2006 and was conducted with the aim of increasing the yield of waste recycled and to change the opinion and behaviour of the public. Visiting a bring site is not, usually, a pleasurable experience. Improving this experience results in more people visiting more often, thus higher recycling rates. Taylor worked with branding and advertising companies, specialists in social causes and creating art installations for urban environments. The objectives for the project were:

1. To raise the public profile of recycling 2. To increase yield of tonnage collected 3. To reduce vandalism and graffiti

Cowbins (TM) were created. Cows are seen as friendly animals and the production of milk is a positive example of recycling. Four bins were painted as Cows and installed at the New Cross Gate Site along with a large billboard behind them displaying the slogan “Feed the Cows” and a photograph of children feeding the Cowbins. The key findings of this study were the following:

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• The yield of rubbish collected on the site increased by 61% compared to the same month

period in the previous year. • Public interest rose due to 743 unique visitors to www.feedthecows.org.uk web site. • Attracted press coverage from local press, other publications, and websites. • Graffiti, fly-tipping, fly-posting and vandalism were non existent, where it was an inherent

problem prior to the introduction of the Cowbins. Figure 24 below shows the before and after pictures of the bring site at New Cross Gate, Lewisham, before and after the introduction of Cowbins: Figure 26 (6a):

Before After Case study 2 - Waste Management at the Brit Oval

Figure 27 (7a):

Home to One Day International and Test Cricket, the Brit Oval, London, can generate 69.31 Tonnes of waste during a 5 day Test Match.This waste was then sent to landfill. An initiative was created to tackle the levels of recycling at the Brit Oval and three objectives were set:

1. Reduction of waste into landfill 2. Simple cost effective operational processes 3. Consistent display of best practice

A Dual bin system was setup so that there were two waste streams in operation at the oval. The two waste streams were a Mixed Recycling Stream of plastic bottles and cups, clean paper, cardboard, drinks cans, glass and a second stream: general waste. The two streams were collected in 240 L wheelie bins. The results were astounding and an example of how a real difference can be made with an innovative thought behind recycling. Figure 28 (7a):

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Before the initiative, all 69.31 Tonnes. of waste went to landfill. Subsequently, 34.96 Tonnes of waste was recycled- over 50 % of the total deflected from landfill. (7a) Consequences for developers: It is clear to see that the aesthetics of waste and recycling containers is very important to the level of public participation in recycling. The aesthetically pleasing containers capture the attention of the public and encourage people to participate. Impending laws will bind both industrial and residential developments to recycle in the near future and those not doing so will be faced with additional costs; e.g. a pay by weight scheme for refuse collection versus free collection of segregated recyclables. It is therefore reasonable to say that businesses will be willing to pay more for a development with built in waste and recycling containment solutions because it will save them money in the long run.

Local Infrastructure: The local infrastructure for new developments is varied depending on the type of development, its location and when the development will be completed. A Waste Management Strategy is required for all planning applications, so needs to be put in place at the design stage. To make this waste strategy comprehensive it is imperative that the developer asks the right questions to the relevant people so that the right solutions can be made for the local infrastructure. For example:

• How often is the refuse collection and on what day? • How often is the recyclate collection? • What type of recyclables do you collect and how do you collect them (co-mingled, segregated,

mixture of the two)? • Which collection vehicles do you use? • Is there an MRF in the vicinity? • How do you calculate the number of containers for each waste stream, compared to

headcount? • What are the access requirements of your collection vehicles (turning circles, height, width,

weight etc.)?

Research by Taylor has indicated that all councils deal with waste management enquiries/planning in different ways. In all cases, developers should contact their local city council at an early stage and ask to be put through to the relevant department.

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Collection Vehicles:

Refuse collection vehicles (RCV) are large and have relatively large turning circles and dimensions, hence the need for a developer to know these details so that a plan can accommodate such vehicles. In particular the access, height, width and turning circle will be addressed. The range of vehicles on the market is extensive, so it is very difficult to provide one set of dimensions and characteristics for collection vehicles. In order to exemplify a range of representative vehicles, detail is provided on two different council vehicles. LB of Tower Hamlets: The London Borough of Tower Hamlets use a vehicle that is a combination of a PDE Geesink Combitrade hoist, a Palfinger PK19000 crane, a Vulture 1122 Body, and a Dennis Elite Cassis. The council use this vehicle to empty and transfer waste from underground systems. Figure 29: L B of Tower Hamlets, using the Geesink collection vehicle (1a).

The figures taken from the Dennis Eagle spec sheet of the Elite chassis are presented below. For a full specification of an Elite Chassis from Dennis Eagle please follow the link below: http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/datasheets/elite/e4/6x2WmL-e4-3.pdf

Important information:

• Turning Circle (largest value) - 20.2m • Total unladen weight - 6685Kg • Estimated vehicle body height (unladen)

With the crane in the down position - 3834mm • Vehicle length - 9628mm • Vehicle width - 2200mm • Vehicle height with crane up - 9514mm • Crane capacity - 2486Kg

The two most important data values to extract from Figure 2 are the total unladen weight (6685Kg) and the turning circle (20.2m), largest chassis value taken in both cases. Figure 30, dimensions of the Geesink vehicle (1a):

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Figure 30, above, is the schematic of the Dennis Eagle Elite Chassis taken from the Dennis Eagle website. Manchester City Council: The document released by Manchester City Council called Waste Storage and Collection guidance for New Developments contains the dimensions etc. for the collection vehicles that are in operation in Manchester City Council, please refer to the following link: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/opservices/rubbish/documents/Waste%20Storage%20and%20Collection%20Guidance.pdf. This guide states that “sufficient room should be allowed to manoeuvre and load a vehicle of the following dimensions”:

• Total Length - 11m • Length when loading - 13.1m • Width - 2.4m • Width when loading - 4.1m • Height (including top loader arms) - 6m • Turning Circle, between kerbs - 17.88m • Turning Circle, between walls - 19.39m

NOTE: The turning circle distance for ‘between kerbs’ and ‘between walls’ differ because the body of the vehicle is above a kerb but is not above a wall The guide also provides an approximate weight for a fully laden vehicle, which is 32 tonnes. (14) L B of Enfield: The L B of Enfield operates using a co-mingled recycling stream and a refuse waste stream. These two waste streams are collected on a Dennis Eagle Twin Pack collection vehicle. This machine incorporates two completely segregated compartments within one vehicle and therefore reduces fuel consumption, man power usage, time taken, and wear and tear on vehicles etc. To accommodate such a large compactor (or compactors within one unit) this vehicle is extremely large and one of the biggest on the market: Figure 31, Twin Pack collection vehicle

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http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/prodtwin.asp?section=products

The dimensions for this vehicle quoted by Dennis Eagle are as follows, Figure 32 displays all the dimensions of the Twin Pack collection vehicle: Figure 32, dimensions of Twin Pack collection vehicle: http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/datasheets/e4/2/HCTP-e4-3.pdf

The important information to extract from the specification of the Dennis Eagle Twin Pack is as follows:

• Turning Circle (largest value) - 20.6m • Total unladen weight - 15120Kg • Vehicle height - 5300mm • Vehicle length - 10170mm • Vehicle width

Please follow this link for full details of the specification http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/datasheets/e4/2/HCTP-e4-3.pdf.

Design Considerations: Designing a new development is an intricate procedure that involves a lot of input from different sources and combining these to produce a final design. Design considerations regarding waste storage, segregation, and collection are not as well covered than other areas. Highlighted here are waste considerations that should be discussed before finalising a plan:

• Weather The weather is highly unpredictable and so the design of the bin store needs to accommodate this by providing shelter to all the elements:

• Direct sunlight due to the waste becoming more pungent in hotter conditions.

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• The rain would put people off using the bins and encourage littering if the bins weren’t sheltered or, even better, had access via an internal doorway.

• Wind can be a nuisance for collection crews and users of bins for obvious reasons: blowing bins around a site, blowing them over, blowing lids open, spreading rubbish around etc.

• Location The location of a bin store is a vital decision because:

• It must be less than 8m away from an access point for a collection vehicle.

• No more than 30m away from any resident • It must be equally positioned and convenient for both occupants

and the collection crew. • Design of the bin store must allow for easy, horizontal removal of

the containers over smooth continuous surfaces (no steps). • The clearance requirements of the doors are 1.3m wide. • Where there are separate recycling and refuse bin stores the

recycling will have the easiest access. • The gradient of a slope must be equal to or less than 1:12.

The plans should include a collection route around the site for collection vehicles. (14) • Size of Bin Store • How many bins are required • Number of recycling streams • Access for Collection Vehicles • Access to bins within the bin store

Dimensions of Bin Stores: Developments such as apartment blocks, commercial buildings and mixed-use developments must all meet specific requirements for the design and use of bin stores. The areas that are allocated for container storage should be clearly identified on development plans and assigned storage areas, containers should be convenient for both occupants and collection crews. Collection of containers can occur in one of two ways:

1. Containers directly collected from the bin store. 2. Containers collected from a designated collection point.

The options for these two methods of collections are dependant on the following:

• The caretaker/manager is responsible for ensuring collection crews can access the bin stores/ collection point on collection day.

• The bin store/collection point must be no more than 8m from the access point of the collection vehicle.

• Any steps within an access route must contain drop kerbs. • The containers must be returned to storage areas as soon as possible after collection. • A route for the collection vehicle to follow around the site must be assigned.

Mixed-use Developments follow the same criteria as above except that commercial and residential waste should never be mixed and therefore separate stores should be allocated and clearly labelled. A collection vehicle must not have to reverse into a development from a major road or reverse out of a development onto a major road. (14)

Volume and Quantity of Bins compared to Headcount: To calculate the size and quantity of containers used in a commercial development is much more complex than for a residential apartment development because the amount of waste produced is very

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much dependant on the activity of the occupier. The best course of action would be to discuss the situation with a Waste Management officer at the local council office or planning authority to find a solution. It is recommended that the council is involved with the allocation of Eurobins to an apartment block; however this type of development follows more of a trend and so an educated guess can be formulated. For a rough estimate of the quantity of Eurobins (1100 L containers) compared to the number of apartments please refer to figure 33: Figure 33, Eurobins required for Apartment Developments (14):

Using the example above, 96 apartments would require 13 Eurobins. The calculation above assumes that all the waste produced will be refuse and no recycling will take place. This isn’t the case in modern society and the recycling targets are getting higher in the foreseeable future so a conscientious effort needs to be made by all. Hence the formula put together to calculate the number of containers required for different waste and recycling streams: Figure 34, No. of containers compared to number of recycling streams (14):

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Figure 35, example of containers required for a complex of 112 apartments.

Summary:

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It is clear to see from the multitude of legislation and regulations, that recycling is the way of the future. Targets will increase and it is likely the cost of not recycling will rise in line with the targets. But not only will recycling become cost effective, we all have a corporate and social responsibility to help protect our planet, as the issue of global warming grows higher on the world stage. The public needs to be engaged and encouraged to recycle if we are to hit targets, and the case studies included in this guide are a perfect example of how aesthetic waste and recycling solutions can be effective in increasing recycling participation. Choosing the waste and recycling solution that is right for any particular area is very much dependant on the identity of that area. In London for example, the use of Underground recycling containment may prevail over other systems because of the restricted amount of space. Alternatively Node may be a more appropriate system in an area because of its value as an item of street furniture. Furthermore, ‘Place Shaping’, the voice of the local people, will provide a further consideration for developers when planning the future of a specific local area. It is essential therefore, that when planning new developments, clear provision is made for recycling. This will mean that developments won’t have to be retro-fitted with facilities to accommodate the increased need for segregated recycling solutions in the future. It will save money, save the environment and help build a more beautiful urban landscape. Taylor is happy to work with you to find the best waste and recycling containment solutions for a development. If you have any further questions or feel we can assist you further, please contact Mat Lashford on +44 (0)1299 251333 or alternatively e-mail mat.lashford@taylor-ch.co.uk. About Taylor Taylor is the UK’s market leader in waste and recycling containment solutions. Founded some 45 years ago, the business designs, manufactures, supplies and rents a wide range of containers for the public and private sectors. Taylor has a £25 million turnover and houses the UK’s only test house for assessing containers to EN 840 and UN standards. The company is also a member of The Health and Safety Executive’s ‘Waste Industry Safety and Health’ (WISH) working group, and represents the UK on the European standards committees for waste and recycling containment.

References: To produce the guide of “Aesthetic Waste and Recycling Solutions” I have used the following references: Web links:

• Green Flag Award – (1) - http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/downloads/GreenFlagAwardWinnersBrochure.pdf

• Green Flag Award – (2) - http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk • Blue Flag Award – (3) - http://www.blueflag.org.uk/bf_list.asp • Blue Flag Award – (4) - http://www.blueflag.org.uk/news01.asp • Blue Flag Award – (5) - http://www.blueflag.org.uk/beach_criteria_notes2007.pdf • WEEE legislation – (6) -

http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Jeanne%20Grey%27s%20presentation.pdf • WEEE legislation – (7) - http://www.letsrecycle.com/legislation/weeefridge.jsp

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• WEEE legislation – (8) - http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Paul%20James%27%20presentation.pdf

• PPS10 – (9) - http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/836/PlanningPolicyStatement10PlanningforSustainableWasteManagement_id1143836.pdf

• Section 106 – (10) - http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=71631 • Landfill Directive – (11) - http://www.letsrecycle.com/legislation/landfill_directive.jsp • Landfill Directive – (12) - http://www.letsrecycle.com/legislation/landfillallowances.jsp • Landfill Directive – (13) - http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/landfill-

dir/index.htm • Manchester Council guide for developers – (14) -

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/opservices/rubbish/documents/Waste%20Storage%20and%20Collection%20Guidance.pdf

• Carbon Footprint – (15) – http://www.clevel.co.uk/calc_reduce.html • Carbon Footprint – (16) -

http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/ActionsWasteBasicInfoGeneral.html • Carbon Footprint – (17) - http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html • Envac System – (18) - http://www.londonremade.com/download_files/Envac%20-

%20London%20Remade%2016%20Oct.%202006_low.ppt • Envac System – (19) - http://www.envac.net/frameset.asp • Place Shaping – (20) - http://www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk/docs/final-exec.pdf • Collection Vehicles – (21) - http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/datasheets/elite/e4/6x2WmL-e4-

3.pdf • Collection Vehicles – (22) - http://www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/prodtwin.asp?section=products

Other Material used:

• Collection vehicles – (1a) - Geesink Newsletter N4. • Node – (2a) – Taylor Node Customer Presentation 14.2.07. • Underground – (3a) - Taylor Underground Presenter. • 4-Wheeled Containers – (4a) – Taylor Snapshot Cards, Continental Clearance Dimensions, the

range. • 4-Wheeled Containers – (5a) – Warrington Fire Research group report. • Cow Bin Case Study – (6a) – Taylor Cowbins Pilot Report. • Brit Oval Case Study – (7a) – Waste Management at the Brit Oval by Peter Watts. • Place Shaping – (8a) – Place Shaping – a new role for local government by Barry Quirk

Appendix 1: I would like to thank the following people for their time and assistance while I was gathering information to enable me to complete this project:

• Mrs. Gaynor Longworth, Bywaters Ltd.

• Professor David Uzzell, University of Surrey.

• Mr. Mark Middleton, Worcestershire County Council (planning).

• Mr. Donald Gillies, Edinburgh C. C.

• Mrs. Annette Fernee, L B of Enfield.

• Mr. Isup Nadat, Greater Manchester Waste Ltd.

• Mrs. Sue Daynes, North Lincolnshire Council.

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• Mr. Dave Thomas, Rushcliffe B. C. (Nottinghamshire)

• Mr. Richard Johnston, Shrewsbury and Atcham B.C.

• Mrs. Rebecca Jones, PWJ Architects.

• Mr. Paul Mercer, Bucknall Austin.

Appendix 2: This guide has used a substantial amount of abbreviations and acronyms. The following is a comprehensive list of all the abbreviations that have been used:

• WISH – Health and Safety Executives’ Waste Industry Safety and Health. • WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. • PPS10 - Planning Policy Statement 10. • DCF – Designated Collection Facility. • PCS – Producer Compliance Scheme. • DTS – Designated Take-back Scheme. • EA – Enforcement Agency. • CA – Civil Amenity Site • CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility. • LPA – Local Planning Authority. • UN – United Nations. • EU – European Union. • BMW – Biodegradable Municipal Waste. • GHG – Greenhouse Gas. • UWT – Underground Waste Transport Technology. • CF – Carbon Footprint. • RCV – Refuse Collection Vehicles. • LA – Local Authority. • TM – Trademark. • L B – London Borough. • WMO – Waste Management Officer.