Problems with an underground bin system in Peterborough look set to be resolved soon with the original manufacturer, Contenur, to examine the bin site.
The issues with the underground bin system serving flats in Townsend Close, Peterborough have attracted strong local media coverage. Reports showed waste piling up with crews being unable to collect waste from the units.
Above: Rubbish built up next to the bins on Townsend Close (Picture: Terry Harris)
The underground bins, manufactured by waste container provider Contenur, are located at Townsend Close – which opened some 6 years ago – and are the property of housing Association, Accent Nene.
‘Mechanical fault’
Amey, the firm contracted to collect the waste on behalf of Peterborough council, claimed the bins developed a “mechanical fault” in May 2017.
The company said: “This exposed a large hole in the ground whilst the bins were being emptied. This presented a hazard not only to our staff but also to members of the public.”
The damage to the underground banks was causing a “health and safety issue” when attempting to empty the facility, making it unsafe for staff to use, Amey said.
“We deployed an additional operative on our waste collection vehicle to guide pedestrians away from the hole for several months however this is not a proper, long-term solution to a public hazard,” Amey Explained. “Health and safety is our top priority and we have therefore ceased to collect rubbish from this location since November.”
In a statement at the end of January, the company said, that at the time it advised the owners of the bins that they required repairs, however “no repairs have taken place since then”.
Council
In regards to the build-up of waste, Peterborough council said that Amey were waiting on Accent Nene to approve the cost to clear the “excess waste” caused by the mechanical fault with the bins.
The council explained: “Accent Nene paid for Amey to have the waste removed. Amey have also provided a number of large bins for the residents to use to dispose of their household waste while repairs to the underground banks take place.”
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, Marcus Machell, UK new product manager at Contenur, was unsure as to the specific cause of the problem but suggested that there had been a miscommunication with the owner of the bins, Accent Nene.
It is understood that the issue is soon to be resolved by manufacturer, Contenur (Picture: Terry Harris)
He explained that there is no “fundamental” problem with the system, but that the company had not been allowed to inspect it.
Repair
Mr Machell confirmed this week that the bins are not currently operational but the company will be working with Accent to repair the unit and ensure it is operational over the next 10-14 days.
He said it is likely to be a snapped cable that allows the safety platform to rise up with the main bin unit as it is emptied by the collection vehicle.
This is a consumable part that wears over time and is a quick fix, he said, and is a maintenance issue for the client to be aware of.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, Accent Nene was unavailable for comment.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
