North Somerset to trial bins with four compartments

North Somerset council has today (15 May) launched what it described as a “UK first” trial where some households will receive a larger bin with four compartments to be collected by a specialist vehicle. 

The bins in a “selected sample” of households will have a compartment for residual waste and three separate compartments within the bin for dry recyclables.

North Somerset said that the system, called ‘Quatro’, has been used in Scandinavia for around 20 years. It has been “identified as a potential advancement” the council’s company North Somerset Environment Company which provides collection services, in partnership NTM.

Residents taking part in the trial will use the trial bin instead of their current recycling and waste containers.

The bins will be collected by a specialist recycling vehicle which features a unique lift mechanism that matches the bin’s four compartments to the lorry’s four collection chambers. It is shorter than the council’s current standard waste lorries.

Benefits

The council hopes  the new system can provide “a range of benefits to households” including increased recycling capacity and ease of sorting, an easier to move bin and reduction of litter.

Lucy Shomali, North Somerset council’s director of place, said: “It’s exciting to see North Somerset trialling this innovative technology, a first in the UK. Despite our existing excellent track record for recycling, we’re striving to improve even further by trailblazing more efficient and effective collection methods. This project fits squarely with our vision to be a leading authority in minimising waste and tackling the climate emergency.

“It’s important for residents to be aware that this is purely a trial at this stage. We haven’t made a commitment beyond this initial trial. Depending on the feedback and outcomes we see, further trials will be needed before councillors can review the results and decide how best to proceed. Residents not taking part in the trial will not see any changes to their current collection arrangements.”

Journeys

If the trial is successful and the new system implemented, the council said it would reduce the number of journeys needed to collect household recycling and waste – “reducing pollution, congestion on the roads and saving the council money”.