Underground storage of recyclable waste - a viable alternative for the pleasant aspect of the urban environment [articol]

Abstract

Urban waste management is a particular issue, especially in big cities. One of the parameters that have a significant influence on urban waste management is the current or future urban environment, in the medium or long term. Due to the cities’ expansion, the problem of recyclable waste has become more and more important and noticeable. The amount of recyclable waste continues to grow daily and, for that reason, the space occupied by the recycling bins has been exponentially increasing. There are multiple options that can contribute to the reduction of waste. This paper aims to highlight the role and importance of waste composting by the population and the significant necessity of finding a viable way of storing this recyclable waste. Another important issue underlined through this study is the reduction of the number of trash cans by building underground storage. This reduction will lead to an improved look of the city. By using this method, a part of the traditional bins will disappear and the risk of throwing garbage on the ground will be reduced. The number of waste recycling bins is very small and indeed insufficient for the needs of the population. For that reason, finding a solution that can satisfy the majority of the population is necessary. The underground platforms are an innovative alternative for the traditional platforms represented by pens inside which containers/bins are placed. In addition to the urban and architectural comfort, which is at the highest possible point in underground platforms, other advantages of the underground platforms are the visual impact and the efficient usage of the space. Furthermore, under normal operating conditions the span of the plastic containers is 10 years, fact that leads to increased costs. It is also important to mention that investments in underground platforms are not very high and are recovered in a few years, and the change of environment is, in this case, undoubtedly essential.