Study of underground waste containers: 'Flying core becomes a challenge'

The previous disadvantages relate only to the system entry. Once the network was established, illegal dumping next to containers appeared to be a recurring problem, a phenomenon called “extra mode” in the Netherlands. Each of the six cities had to deal with it at least in some places, and Antwerp even closed some “sorting streets” for this reason.

Neighborhoods that were already experiencing tip-overs before the underground containers arrived are still experiencing this even with the containers. Camera surveillance (in Rotterdam, illegal garbage dumps are automatically detected) and good lighting of the containers could be part of the solution, as could a comprehensive analysis of the reasons why people dump waste illegally there.

In addition, waste in underground containers usually appears to be of poorer quality of sorting in places where individual bags are used, as is the case today in Brussels.

The second phase of the study is now examining the consequences for Brussels of a potential shift to a container system.

Do it well

Marrone is already cautiously positive about the container system. I believe that we will move towards such a system in the future. The decision is up to the next government. However, it is a matter of continuing to observe the basic objectives of our hygiene policy: we want to produce less waste, the sorting should be better, and we strive for a cleaner public space. impact. “For this reason, Barcelona has just moved away from containers in some neighborhoods,” says Marrone.

For Maron, the results of the first study show that a lot depends on the way this container network is handled. “Politicians from MR, PTB or Vooruit use simplistic rhetoric about this (“You just have to…”). But practice in other cities shows that you have to do it right. Residents need guidance when switching, perhaps through supervisors physical on the containers. The containers must be in the right place and it will be necessary to carry out proper control of illegal dumping.