Office waste segregation

In the lead up to RWM 2013, Materials Recycling World posed some questions to Alpha Waste Solutions on the launch of the new Alpha Centauri

What is your product?

A new mid-range 100 litre recycling bin, purposefully designed to satisfy a previously unfilled market gap. It has the quality of a more premium commercial recycling product, without the price tag.

The Alpha Centauri is suitable for virtually every recycling stream, including mixed recycling, mixed plastics, cans, metals and paper – it simply comes equipped with an interchangeable, WRAP colour-coded aperture, suited to the material type.

How does it work?

The product has been cleverly designed so that it is ergonomically simple to operate. We have introduced a number of seemingly small features that will make a big difference to the customer.

The curved back of the bin means it does not touch the wall when in-situ. This, and the unique fold-down signage, ensures ease of waste removal – the Centauri lid simply lifts up and the bag can be removed. If the bag is too heavy, the door-like front can also be opened so that less lifting is involved.

Liners or paper bags can also be supplied to suit the material type and customer requirements.

Where would it ideally be used?

This bin has been manufactured specifically for universities, colleges and facilities management companies. It has also already been sold into a number of white collar industries such as banking, insurance and accountancy firms.

What benefits does it offer?

It is an attractive and cost-effective commercial product designed to make recycling as straightforward as possible. There is no ambiguity as to what ‘wastes’ go where. The products are well stickered and the messaging is clear, ensuring a good quality, well-priced source segregation tool. Because we are committed to resource efficiency, the Centauri is 100% recyclable too.

Our stocking levels are high, so we can satisfy even the tightest of installation requirements.

Cost?

The Centauri bin is one of our mid-range recycling solutions, therefore customers will be impressed with the functionality and quality they receive for a competitive price. We will offer discounts for bulk orders, meaning many customers will benefit from further savings.

Any savings?

If an organisation’s ‘rubbish’ is currently going into the general waste stream, this is a costly, inefficient and non-environmentally friendly waste management approach. Source segregation saves money and in some instances allows companies to actually generate revenue from a new recycling stream.

The bin’s signage encourages people to recycle rather than deterring them. Recycling is made quick and easy.

What about maintenance?

Maintenance is very straightforward. This is a self-contained unit that has been designed to consider the people who have to empty and clean it. The bin can simply be wiped down if dirty, and the front opening means every last centimetre can be accessed and cleaned.

The product is hard-wearing, so is not an item that regularly requires refurbishment or the replacement of new parts. It is built to last.

How is it future-proofed?

Our close working customer relationships enabled us to better understand organisations’ current recycling needs and the future challenges they feel they may face. Our findings influenced this bin’s design and ensured we manufactured a flexible product that suits different waste streams, can be fitted with interchangeable apertures, and can be connected to other Centauris as customer requirements evolve. We can even adapt the bin if the customer has a specific need, for example we can fit a liquid holder onto the side for leftover drinks. We have lots more ideas for the Centauri too.

We want to protect clients’ investment so that they have a product they can continue to use as their business changes and that will encourage compliance as waste targets and legislation become ever-more stringent.

www.awsltduk.com

Published in Materials Recycling World – 7th September 2013