Product News in Brief

Kier unveils in-cab technology

The KierWay system has been introduced following trials with four councils during which Kier said it helped to reduce fuel usage, mileage and overtime payments by as much as 20% through better route planning and analysis of operational data. The system is set to be rolled out across Kiers fleet and will be rolled out to other councils in the next few years.

Commenting on KierWay Mark Hogan, development director at Kier, said: KierWay is pioneering technology which has transformed environmental services to give customers a much higher level of service provision which goes above and beyond the usual expectations for waste collection and street cleaning. Not only can we provide front-line staff with critical information to prevent service failures, but our customers can request special circumstances for their bin collection or report issues such as fly-tipping directly to our street cleansing teams via mobile in-cab technology and the issue can therefore be processed immediately. The technology has allowed us to deliver a much cleaner, greener service, which is driving continuous improvements and making significant efficiency savings, which can then be passed onto our customers

Council uses Elite Precast Concrete to aid expansion

Oadby and Wigston borough council has contracted Telford-based Elite Precast Concrete to replace and upgrade the waste segregation and storage units at its recycling depot in Oadby.

The Leicestershire council has used 250 of the manufacturers V interlocking blocks, which link together along the base, sides and top to form a stable structure, to create two storage bays for the waste. At present, approximately 3,000 tonnes of waste is processed at the site however the council said it is looking to expand further over the coming months with the help of Elite Precast Concrete.

Commenting on the blocks Karen Parkes, acting waste management officer at Oadby and Wigston borough council, said: The V blocks can be stacked higher to give us additional storage capacity, and because of the interlocking aspect, offer an extremely robust and sturdy solution. As the blocks are incredibly simple to slot together using only a forklift, we were able to carry out the entire installation in under a week, eliminating the need for us to bring in external contractors at additional cost.

Manufacturer launches pre-press twin ram baler

Baler and recycling equipment manufacturer Middleton Engineers has developed a pre-press, twin-ram baler, which it believes is the first of its kind in the UK market.

The machine has a press force of 150 tonnes and is capable of producing very dense bales of waste material suitable for transportation and storage. Middleton said the design of the machine allows the operator to achieve high compaction rates with fewer cycles. The baler also harbours both wire and plastic tie capabilities meaning users can switch from different waste streams such as cardboard or refuse-derived fuel (RDF), more easily.

Commenting on the machine Mark Smith, from Middleton Engineering, said: Previously the loading and unloading of baled RDF waste in road containers has been difficult and time consuming to achieve, without damaging the wrapping materials and rupturing the bales, simply because bale sizes have not been optimised. The new square section bale, measuring 1050 x 1050 x 1400mm, is the optimal size to load easily without damaging the wrapping and provides operators with a cleaner more hygienic solution, at the same time maximising the available container space.

Axion launch MRF training programme

Axion Consultancy has launched a staff training package designed specifically for operators working at materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in a bid to help employers increase productivity and profitability.

The training includes a MRF operator training service (MOT) which focuses on training employees in safe and effective materials recovery, including how to identify valuable waste products. Axion said the MOT offers a range of hands-on training and assessments including NVQ level 2 in sustainable waste management.

Commenting on the MOT, Maxine Brown, Axions business development manager, said: MRF operators are acknowledging that their pickers are key people and correctly sorting waste to extract maximum value is imperative. With more complex waste streams coming through, MRFs are being forced to up their game. Our cost-effective and independent service can help them to meet these new challenges and make the most of all their resources.

Viridor purchases 14 FARID collection vehicles

Viridor has invested in 14 FARID T1 Series refuse and recycling bodies to support its activities in south west England. The refuse and recycling bodies are mounted to Volvo FM 330 6×4 rigid B ride, short 3900mm wheelbase chassis complete with 12-speed “I-shift” automated gearbox. Chassis were supplied by Wales & West Truck & Bus.

Gary Elms, south west vehicle and plant engineering manager for Viridor said: We chose Farid RCVs for their performance record. This investment will help us continue to improve and expand our services to businesses across the south west by ensuring the infrastructure and facilities behind our recycling and waste collections are robust and reliable.

Mr Elms added: Some of the new features of the FARID T1 Series, such as the in-cab 3 compacting pressure level selector and weighing system with in-cab display, will also help us provide accurate weighing information to our customers.

The FARID T1SM 22m3 smooth sided bodies contain a fully sealed ejector plate, which travels along premium high quality anti wear resistant steel rails. When unloading and ejection of waste is taking place, the ejector plate moves laterally rearwards to protrude beyond the rear of the body ensuring all material is cleared from the main container assembly.