The circular economy, and our obligation to recycle and reuse is very familiar to us all in the waste industry, with organisations now choosing to refurbish their containers and thereby improving their carbon footprint.
However, the refurbishment process also affords us an opportunity to make up to the minute improvements, delivering enhancements in areas such as health and safety, security, labour costs and asset longevity.
Mark Roberts, Technical Director at UK Container Maintenance, who has been advising the waste industry for over 30 years, shares his insights into how these benefits can be achieved whilst still delivering a refurbished bin at a fraction of the cost of a new one, with specific reference to floor repair, body container reinforcement and enhanced locking mechanisms.
Floor Repair & Modification
When we visit premises, we sometimes see a forlorn looking collection of abandoned bins, with damaged floors. A damaged lid is one of the most common repairs needed, however further modifications whilst undergoing repair will certainly benefit its longevity for the future.
As well as replacing the floor, and painting with lead-free anti-corrosive paint, an opportunity is also offered to improve durability by fitting corner enforcers within the container to strengthen the floor.
Container Body Reinforcements
Over a period of time due to the way that containers are used on the RCV lifting devices, damage can occur (sometimes known as ‘knee capping’) to the front panel of the container which can be reinforced with ‘bash plates’. This will give a stronger front panel to the container as well as making the container look in better condition.
Enhanced Locking Mechanisms
Health and safety precautions are put in place by operators to ensure no harm comes to anyone or anything should they be using them; However, rough sleepers are regularly found inside containers as they take shelter from the weather or for safety.
Container lids which don’t require domestic access need to have secure locks in place to tackle this nationwide issue. A popular option is the ‘New Forest Lock’ which uses a padlock to prevent unauthorised entry. New Forest Locks are cost effective and straightforward to fit, and by using these it also means operators will have to get out of the vehicle to take off the lock and visually check that there is no one inside the container.
Used with a combination padlock, New Forest Locks mean there are no fiddly keys required. Also, the Press2Lock, the easy-to-operate lock aids drivers and waste vehicles. It has been cleverly created not to lock unintentionally when the lid shuts by mistake, reducing the risk of people or animals getting trapped and preventing the cross contamination of recyclables. Press2Lock also incorporates an instruction plate that glows in the dark to help users at night.
For more information on UK Container Maintenance visit: www.ukcontainers.co.uk
