Waste collection in low-density areas and air pollutants formed in the process

Abstract

The particular problems waste collection in low-density areas include the long travel distances required together with the small amount of waste that can be collected during a long journey. The current research investigates the amount of air pollutants (CO2, CO, HC, NOx and PM) formed in low-density areas when the current waste collection system is applied, and it proposes options for the minimisation of pollutant emissions. The calculation of air pollutants was carried out according to the amount of burnt fuel. There are no requirements for waste truck emission levels in low-density areas. Emissions could be reduced if there were requirements to use at least EURO III trucks or trucks that comply with higher standards. The optimisation of discharge frequency needs to be dealt with. Emptying containers should be carried out at the same time and in the same collecting area. If different waste types are collected according to the door-to-door system, trucks that can collect different waste types simultaneously should be used. The quantity of emissions could be reduced by replacing the door-to-door system by a waste collection point in a village or a waste station in a municipality centre.