The initial situation

In Melbourne’s Central Business District, large quantities of general waste are generated daily by numerous shops and catering establishments. Waste disposal must be integrated into the daily life of a bustling city centre – with short distances for businesses and minimal disruption to public spaces.

The challenge

The aim was to find a solution that could be shared by different businesses whilst also enabling the quantities of waste disposed of to be clearly attributed. It should be possible to bill each shop and restaurant according to its actual usage.

At the same time, the aim was to reduce litter and odour nuisance on the streets and to make waste disposal in the city centre more efficient.

The solution

Six PÖTTINGER MP ECO 10 – 1.0 waste compactors are in operation at various locations across Melbourne’s Central Business District. They serve as shared collection points for residual waste for the surrounding shops and restaurants.

Together, the units collect and compact almost 300 tonnes of residual waste per month. Their decentralised placement ensures short disposal routes, whilst the compaction process enables space-saving collection even of large volumes of waste. Individual units process up to 90 tonnes per month – impressive proof of their performance in day-to-day use.

Allocated on an individual basis, billed transparently

The system operates via a card scheme: more than 800 cards are in use across over 400 customer sites. The volumes of waste disposed of are clearly attributed to the respective business – even if that business uses multiple cards.

This forms the basis for transparent, volume-based monthly billing. Businesses benefit from a shared waste disposal infrastructure and pay according to their actual usage.

Centralised card management also makes it easy to block cards if necessary or to assign them to a new business in the event of a change of operator. This allows machine operators to retain control over access authorisations and billing – which simplifies administration and helps ensure the business’s financial security.

A boon for the cityscape

The centralised collection in enclosed compactor containers significantly reduces litter and odour nuisance in public spaces. As a result, this solution combines efficient waste disposal for retail and catering businesses with a cleaner and more pleasant city centre.