2023-12-14 16:25:00
The Brussels Propreté agency (ABP) launched a study last September on the performance of buried containers for waste management. “It will then be a question of specifying in more detail the operational feasibility of such a conversion and of questioning the modalities of its possible implementation, announced the agency at the time. First results expected for spring 2024.” Buried containers have often been brandished as the miracle solution for public cleanliness, especially since the collection reform which saw certain streets switch to only one collection of household waste per week and introduced the obligation to sort food waste (orange bag ).
On paper, the containers would only have advantages: everyone can put their waste there whenever they want and there would be an end to trash bags on the sidewalk. In fact, around thirty of these underground collection points (each made up of four containers: white, yellow, blue and orange trash) already exist in Brussels. And on the operational side, we are still far from the long, quiet river.
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The system, costing around 60,000 euros per collection space, has so far only been implemented within 80 meters of new constructions with more than 150 occupants. “Since we only authorize it for new buildings, we can also think in advance regarding accessibility for trucks or placement to avoid applicants,” explains Alexis Choteau, of the ABP. In already densified places like the hyper center, this will be almost impossible. We don’t know how to dig without coming across gas or water pipes.” And you have to allow three meters of depth for these containers.
Privatize public space
Other problems may arise. On the Citydox site in Anderlecht, already equipped, it is the co-ownership which provides the badges which allow the containers to be opened. But how can we manage this system if we implement it in an existing neighborhood that affects several properties? “We cannot leave the container open to everyone either. At the Model City, we did it at the beginning and then we saw that there were many residents of Wemmel who benefited from it. We had to put on badges.”
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Another example, under the mandate of Rachid Madrane Minister of Cleanliness, wheeled containers were installed in Matonge. “It only lasted a few months. They were filling up too quickly. Everyone, even from outside the neighborhood, came to dump their trash here without sorting. It was necessary to carry out 18 collections per week.” Installing containers in certain already dense neighborhoods would therefore require a badge system to limit access, which would amount to privatizing a public space for the benefit of only a few residents.
The question of sorting efficiency is also essential. With the sorting and collection reform, Brussels hopes to limit the number of tonnes of waste sent to the incinerator. “At the beginning, it was very little respected. Now things are a little better but the sorting rate remains significantly lower than that for bags collected on the street.” And ABP spokesperson, Adel Lassouli, added: “door-to-door bag collection remains an excellent service for residents, they do not need to move to deposit their waste. With buried containers, the question of distance would be crucial, particularly for SMRs. And while many want underground containers, no one wants them in front of their house.”
Furthermore, in summer, the device can allow odors to pass through and, as with glass bubbles, it is very attractive as a place for clandestine deposits. “People see some kind of trash can, so he puts all kinds of things next to it.” On sites already equipped, a small truck must come and remove all illegal deposits before each passage of the truck emptying the containers.
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Already a good experience
However, improvements have already been made thanks to the first experiences in Brussels. “Since we are installing this on new projects, we quickly realized that in the first months, we had to be careful with cardboard containers because of all the moving.” Initially, estimators came to check the buried sorting spaces to see if they would soon need to be emptied. Now the containers are equipped with sensors. The size of the slots for the boxes should also be enlarged.
As we will have understood, many barriers remain to be lifted to see buried containers develop in Brussels. This is also the whole purpose of the study which will also compare existing systems in cities of comparable size to the Brussels region. An operational transition would also be necessary at the ABP since currently, only two trucks are equipped with the grab to lift the containers and empty them. Management must also be clarified. Who cleans devices that need to be serviced at least twice a year? Who pays for the installation? For the moment, the implementation is at the expense of the developers of new buildings. But it would be the responsibility of the ABP and therefore of the Region if we implemented it in already built areas.
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