1. Conduct a waste strategy
Whether it is an existing or a new-to-build area you are considering for the underground waste system it is important to conduct a proper waste strategy for all waste types likely to be generated in the area.
The waste strategy should be done by an independent company with experience in the various alternative waste handling technologies considered. The waste strategy typically entails:
- An assessment of waste types and waste volumes split on the different types of waste generators (i.e. residential, commercial, retail etc.). Typically, the waste volumes (measured both as weight and volume) are allocated to surface (sqm or sqft) built area.
- Desired recycling or separation levels should be indicated.
- The expected future changes in waste generation and waste disposal should be looked into.
- Description of how the waste is handled in the area and future requirements on the waste handling, e.g. which waste streams are collected separately and which are collected co-mingled.
- What is the frequency of collection?
- Which bin sizes are used, today and in the future?
- How is the waste supposed to be stored in the building and what are the requirements for the internal management and transport of the waste in the buiding/estate?
- Cleaning and maintenance requirements as well as staff need are other factors of importance. It is also important to understand the accessibility requirements of the waste trucks (loading off the streets, clearance heights, turning radius and maximum permitted reversing distance, maximum driving speed).
- Listing of the possible waste management and waste collection techniques and their manegerial and spacial requirements (e.g. manouverability, maximum collection distance and occupational health and safety requirements, fire risks etc).
2. Get budget proposals for the alternative waste handling methods
- In the case of an underground waste collection system detailing investment costs and assessments for civil works (trenches, collection station etc).
- Operational costs, comprising energy need, staffing, operation and maintenance including long term wear & tear and repair.
3. Conduct a comparative analysis evaluating alternative waste handling and waste collection methods for all waste types and waste generators
- Economical comparison considering both investment costs and operational costs. Here it is important to consider both direct and indirect costs. The economical comparison should also consider possible gains with one technology over the other e.g. space release, reduction of manual labour etc.
- Environmental Impact Assessment of all alternatives. The EIA reports both consequences for the local and global environment during the installation and operation phasis of the waste management systems.
- Future proof of alternatives. How do the alternative methods cope with growing waste volumes, changes in waste composition, introduction of Pay-As-You-Throw schemes, changing waste collection frequencies, occupational health and safety requirements etc.
The result of this step should be a recommendation of which technology to be preferred for which waste type and which generator. The following applies if an underground waste collection system has been chosen.
4. Conduct a financing strategy
- Allocate the costs over the time of the built out process and a chosen operational period (typically 20-30 years).
- Allocate the costs to each building/plot.
- List alternatives for the ownership and financing of the general net, the collection station and the inlet net.
- Confirm with the municipal waste collection authority that they are supportive to the technology and possibly could contribute financially to its installation and operation.
5. Secure reliable reference information
- Ask supplier of reference installations comparable to yours. Go and see these installations and talk to the purchasers and users. This can be very important pieces of information to avoid costly mistakes later in the process.
- Ask suppliers for long term operation experience. Your investment should hold up for at least 30 years, so oit is important that you get an understanding of the risks and costs of the operation and maintenance of the system long term.
6. Identifying potential suppliers and setting up the tendering requirements
- Decide if you want to split the tender in an installation part and and O&M part. There are pros and cons for both.
- Decide on which parameters that are important for you. Price is an obviuos parameter, but price should always be coupled with quality and resulting costs if the required quality is not met. Technology novelty may be another parameter as well as previous experience.
7. Tendering process
- Establishing Qualification criteria
- Establishing Decision criteria and weighting of such
- Who should do the evaluation?
8. Implementation process
- Plan and instructions for coordinating with other construction work
- Information plan for information to end-users
9. Realisation of installation
- Plan well for an inauguration of the system. This is a good chance to get positive press recognition.
- Make sure that you have a continuous flow of information to all users of how they should dispose of their waste, why it is important to segregate the waste etc.
10. Follow-up of project