Designing a functioning recycling point

A functional and safe recycling point is designed to offer its users ease of use, efficiency and safety, and to blend in with its surroundings. Here are some key factors to consider when designing a functional recycling point;

1. Clear and easy to use design The recycling point should be clearly marked and easy to use. Collection equipment and different waste fractions should be easily visible and accessible to users.
2. Accessibility In addition to the accessibility of the collection point, the collection equipment itself should also take into account users with reduced mobility and visual impairments. The filling height should be low enough to accommodate wheelchair users and the waste labels should also enable visually impaired people to recycle.
3. Aesthetics The recycling point has been designed with aesthetics in mind so that it blends in with its surroundings and creates a pleasant overall experience for all users.
4. Enable sorting The recycling point should have clear instructions on how to sort and recycle different types of waste. Users should be able to identify where waste belongs and how it should be sorted correctly.
5. Optimised space and operating capacity The recycling point should be optimised in terms of operating costs and space requirements. The recycling point should allow for the longest possible emptying intervals, without taking up unnecessary space in the yard.
6. Safety aspects The recycling point must be designed to be safe to use and to empty. Collection equipment must fully comply with standards.
7. Emptying The location of the recycling point on the site has taken into account the space required by the waste collection vehicle so that emptying does not cause unnecessary inconvenience or safety risks to other traffic.

In summary, a functional and safe recycling point provides its users with clear instructions and opportunities to manage their waste properly, while minimising risks and providing them a pleasant experience.

A functioning recycling point

The recycling point will be located along the route of both residents and waste collection vehicles. A functional recycling point will blend in with the overall appearance of the building and make it easier for users to sort their waste. A well-designed and constructed recycling point maintains a pleasant and safe yard environment. A functional location also takes into account the ventilation of the building.

Safe recycling point

Safety is taken into account by locating the recycling point as close as possible to the roadway and site access. Distance from the playground and other recreational areas will be maximised and the driveway will not pass through the play area. The location of the recycling point should also be such that the waste collection truck does not have to reverse in the yard or the journey is as short as possible.

Working of the waste collection vehicle

The driveway of a waste collection vehicle must be load-bearing and have a width of at least 4 metres and a clearance height of 4.5 metres. If the driveway is smaller than this, the waste containers must be manually movable. The emptying area for lifting bins shall have a minimum width of 5 m and a minimum clearance of 10 m above the emptying area to enable the bins to be emptied.

Checklist:

• A recycling point as close as possible to the driveway and site access.
• Recycling point along the access route for residents and waste trucks.
• Where appropriate, signage indicating the location of the recycling point and a no parking sign.
• Distance to an opening window or vent in a living or working room of at least 8 metres.
• Distance to a play and recreation area of approximately 15 metres. The driveway of a garbage truck must not pass through the play area.
• Freezing runoff will not cause slipperiness at the recycling point.
• Distance from buildings is in accordance with fire regulations.
• Distance from fences and electric poles at least 50cm.
• Waste disposal lane is load-bearing, at least 4 metres wide and at least 4.5 metres high.
• In the emptying area, a minimum width of 5 metres and a minimum free height of 10 metres.