Waste Management

THE BEST INNOVATIONS ARE OFTEN THE MOST SIMPLE

Innovation is driven by consumer demand. Throughout Europe, governments have imposed taxes to dispose landfill waste. The result? Innovative equipment has been designed to increase recyclables, reduce rate to landfill, and reduce the costs associate with the collection of recyclable materials.

While Kiwis are top innovators across many sectors, we have a long way to go in the waste industry. Looking to Europe we have to learn and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Sitting edge technology already exists that not only has a significant impact on cost savings, it can also help New Zealand move towards a more sustainable future.

Scandinavian countries set the bar high, they have been trailblazers with hate management innovation for decades. Since the Swedes discovered the value of recyclable materials they have focused their innovation on equipment to bale and harvest used paper, plastic, and cardboard. Acknowledging theses materials as a commodity generate revenue for organisations rather than accusing costs to remove their waste products.

Waste bins themselves have also gone through significant innovation. Traditionally waste receptacles are often stowed away in dark corners. Bins are known to be grimy things that hide the waste we throw away. Then comes the bin liners (bags) that have been used by millions. Plastic bags that collect waste rarely fit the bin correctly and half the liner is folded back on itself to hold the bag in place. To empty the waste bin, the heavy liner would beed to be lifted out, and knot ties in the neck of the plastic bag. Anyone assigned to this mucky job would need to wash their hands immediately afterwards and the germs on the inside of the bad are soon exposed to everybody who handles the bag for its onward journey.

It was Stef Gustaf Thulin, a Swedish engineer who invented the modern-day plastic bag in 1965. Thulin officially introduced the bag to the world after a packaging company he worked for made it available to the marketplace.

The real innovation took place 15 years later when another Swedish company, PAXXO, invented the Longopac waste bag. This clever bin lier is a cassette up to 160 metres long, it is not places inside a grimy bin but rather is it cradles on a modern, ergonomic stand. The liner is always in place, it is never overfilled, it is always exactly the right size, and always 100 percent full when discarded.

Such a simple concept, but the best innovations always are.

When Longopac is implemented throughout an organisation or education facility, the impact is significant. Savings are gained in several areas. When air is squeezes from each bag, volumes can reduce by 50 percent, making a significant reduction on disposal costs. Segregation of waste and recyclables becomes easier, less waste is sent to landfill, less time is required to manage waste, and waste management becomes more hygienic.

To learn more about using innovative waste management please contact Easi Recycling NZ on 0800 342 3177 or email info@ easirecycling.co.nz H