Engels has been dedicated to waste separation for four decades. Over the years, we have supplied millions of recycling boxes, waste paper bins, and mini containers to countries across Europe. Building on this expertise, Engels introduced its range of underground and semi-underground waste containers in 2005.
Advantages of Underground waste containers
Underground containers offer several significant advantages compared to waste collection using the familiar 2- and 4-wheel containers:
• Available in capacities of up to 5000 litres, minimising emptying costs.
• The underground container Apyra is modular in design, allowing it to be fully customised.
• Key components are easily accessible, making the container low-maintenance.
• The container is installed in a concrete pit, simplifying the placement process.
Safety of underground waste containers
During emptying, underground waste containers are lifted out of the concrete pit. To ensure bystanders do not fall into the opening, Engels offers various safety features:
• The hinged floor is a two-part floor hatch that automatically closes and locks when the container is removed. When the container is replaced, four tabs on the container depress the floor sections, unlocking and folding them away. The floor has a load capacity of up to 250 kg.
• The safety barrier creates a 1-metre-high barrier, more than sufficient to prevent accidents. The risk of injuries from contact with the barrier is also minimised, as it has no sharp edges.
• The safety floor locks into place when raised, offering exceptional load-bearing capacity. Instead of the required 150 kg, the floor can easily support three or four adults.
All safety features have successfully passed the EN-13071 standard tests.
Engels is a manufacturer and supplier
You are working directly with a manufacturer. We utilise CADCAM technology, meaning that whatever we design for you on the computer can be laser-cut and further processed by our production team. This ensures that your ideas become reality at minimal additional cost.
Tailored to the environment, our (semi-) underground waste collection systems can be fully customised according to customer requirements.
Engels can also provide a fully automated system for managing above-ground and underground container parks. The Container Management System (CMS) is modular in design and based on “best practice.” You can find more information about this system here.
Further details about our production methods can be found in our delivery programme.
In-depth information about the underground container Apyra.
Underground containers are modular in construction, consisting of a wide range of basic components such as:
• Concrete pits
• Safety systems
• Lifting systems
• Deposit columns
• Waste fractions
• Container bodies with different volumes
• Software/registration systems
• Customer-specific options
The containers for the Apyra system are available in various sizes: 3m³, 4m³, and 5m³. A 5m³ pit is typically chosen. With the use of a container support, it is possible to place a 3m³ or 4m³ container in a 5m³ concrete pit. The concrete pit meets the required traffic class 45 and is made from C45/55 concrete. Statistical calculations show that the concrete pit cannot float. Due to its construction, the concrete pit can be cleaned, and a drainage basin is provided at the bottom.
The construction of the underground container Logipers
The Logipers largely shares the same modular design as the Apyra, with the key difference being the additional compactor unit.
This unit integrates both the compaction function and the control system. Waste is compacted inside the metal container using a pressure flap. The compactor operates on low voltage, enhancing both safety and ease of use. To supply sufficient power for the compaction movement, built-in batteries are used, which can be charged via solar energy. Connection to the mains is also an option.
Compactor Section:
• Waste, packaging, or plastic that fits into the drum can never block the compactor section, thanks to the patented “pie slice” construction.
• There is no waiting time between registering and depositing waste. The compactor can be activated by opening the drum, using a chip card (for differentiated tariffs), or by pressing a button. A coin slot is also available.
• The drive motor and motor control relays are easily accessible via the hinged pedestrian platform, which locks inside the compactor section (similar to a car bonnet). This allows maintenance to be carried out even if mud or snow is covering the platform, as there are no visible screws.
• Maintenance is minimal: checking chain tension, tightening if necessary, and lubricating. Batteries may need to be replaced after five to seven years.
• In the event of a service, a compactor can be swapped within an hour.
The insertion columns of the Apyra underground collection containers are made from 3 mm thick aluminium or steel, with an epoxy coating in a colour of choice. If desired, the columns can also be manufactured in stainless steel.
The insertion units (glass/paper and residual waste) are also coated in different colours. The drum for residual waste is made of stainless steel and can be equipped with electronic access control if required. Columns, collection systems, and pedestrian platforms are easily interchangeable. In case of damage, a replacement part is available from stock and simple to install (only a few bolts need to be loosened and re-tightened).
The insertion units are modular, allowing a drum to be easily replaced by a paper unit later on. The lids are made of plastic or "bondal sheet," making them particularly quiet. A noise-reducing glass inlet is also an option.
The Apyra can be supplied with the common collection systems: single, double, or triple hook, or Kinshofer. It is always possible to convert triple hook systems to Kinshofer or double hook, and vice versa.
With double, triple hook, or Kinshofer systems, the bottom flaps are controlled by a chain and steel cable system during emptying, ensuring they open and close properly.
The waste collection system can be easily dismantled by removing the back panel.
Features of our collection system:
• Modularity/interchangeability
• Service-friendly
• Robust
• Very low susceptibility to malfunction
• Specially developed Kinshofer head (prevents pipe curling)
• Kinshofer and double hook collection systems use a chain instead of a pipe, eliminating the risk of inner pipe deformation.
Three bottom flap variations are available to support the collection of different waste fractions.
Below is an overview of the corresponding bottom flap, collection system, and waste collection fraction:
Our Apyra systems are easy to install. They are delivered fully assembled and are immediately ready for use once placed in the concrete wells.
A 5000-litre well is always used (4000-litre available on request). The container support is integrated into the base, and any water is drained through the recessed opening.
Steps:
The concrete well is placed in the prepared construction pit.
Post-installation inspection.
Sufficient space is left between the tubs to allow for compacting the soil.
Special note: Four of our wells fit onto one truck.
References
Municipality Brussel
WZC Hasselt
