Smart waste technology installed at landmark development
Dorset developer AJC Group has brought high-tech bins to the South West with eight state-of-the-art underground bins now installed in a landmark development
The Sloop, located in Poole has one of the first major domestic schemes of subterranean smart bins, working with Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.
Commonplace across many European cities, the bins can each hold up to 5,000 litres of waste in huge steel containers, all concealed below street level.
The high-tech underground refuse system reduces ‘bin blight’ where multiple four-wheeled bins are normally on display. Other advantages include the elimination of smells, flies and excessive or overflowing litter.
The Sloop features four general waste and four recycling bins. The first residents of the scheme have been given access cards to operate the bins, adding another layer of security and to prevent fly-tipping from non-residents.
Smart technology within each bin enables BCP Council to monitor fill levels, improving efficiencies and unnecessary travel.
When full to capacity, the bins are then emptied with a specialist service truck with crane lift.
David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “This is a first for AJC Group and we are thrilled with the result. The bins look smart, contain innovative smart technology and create a cleaner and tidier waste solution for everyone.”
Laura Neil, commercial waste manager at BCP Council, said: “BCP Council has successfully utilised underground bin technology for commercial customers since 2017, but this is one of the first major domestic schemes in operation in our area.
“Whilst we all need to try to reduce what we waste, these bins promote sustainability by reducing the environmental footprint as the bins are only emptied when full, helping reduce vehicle emissions. They also eliminate any manual handling required by our staff.”
The Sloop is the largest project to date for AJC Group, which is based less than a mile away in offices on Sandbanks Road in Poole.
Due for full completion this summer the scheme is a redevelopment of a former pub in a prominent site on Commercial Road to deliver 86 much-needed studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments for open market sale and rent.
Located in the heart of Poole, opposite Poole Park and walking distance of popular Ashley Cross and Lilliput, prices start from £180,000 for a studio to £500,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with private roof terrace.
