- The waste management industry is in a state of change
- Stricter directives governing the collection and disposal of special wastes
- New challenge for infrastructure and logistics
- Transportable forklifts as an indispensable link in the transport chain

The waste management industry throughout Europe is currently undergoing a series of massive changes. The enactment of stricter directives governing the collection of potentially recyclable materials and equipment, together with proper and environmentally acceptable disposal of the same, are challenging both manufacturers and waste management companies alike.

Under the new Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Directive, end-of-life electrical equipment may be deposited free of charge at municipal collection points and, under certain circumstances, may also be deposited at the dealer’s. The new directive applies to refrigerators, TV sets, computers, mobile phones, light fixtures, electrical and electronic tools and toys, i.e. to all equipment in private households which is connected to the mains supply or is operated by batteries. It is anticipated that there will be a veritable boom in returned goods when this directive comes into force. According to the consortium of Austrian waste management associations, the return rates to date have far exceeded expectations.

Approximately 40,000 tons of electrical scrap is generated in Austria each year and it is estimated that this figure will probably rise by 3 to 5 percent annually. In Great Britain, 5 million TV sets and computer monitors are disposed of annually. Current figures from Sweden back up the explosive development in this market. Even if the figure in 2002 had only been 4.1 kg per person, the amount of special waste per person disposed in 2006 would have risen to 15.8 kg (!).

In most cases the collection and return depots run by the municipal authorities are the central contact points for consumers. The equipment is collected from there by specialised waste management companies and transported for professional recovery and return to the recycling process. This means that there is a huge demand for efficient solutions in matters of waste management infrastructure and logistics. Modern collection, transport and loading systems are increasingly gaining in significance. Efficient solutions and intelligent loading aids are required, e.g. transportable forklifts from PALFINGER CRAYLER, which become an important link in the waste management transport chain due to their flexibility.

With the help of CRAYLER transportable forklifts, it is possible to unload and manoeuvre disposal goods quickly and smoothly, so that they are exactly where they should be. The forklifts are characterised by their excellent weight to performance ratio, their safe and ergonomic construction, their ruggedness and durability (keyword: cathodic dip painted finish), their ease of operation and last but not least by the excellent service and spare parts network.

Low in cost and high in benefit, transportable forklifts from Palfinger will win you customer loyalty thanks to a higher level of service and additional income. An opportunity which every modern waste management company should make use of so that it is well equipped to meet future requirements!