Striking colored Constructo 102 litter bins in Aalsmeer
After years of loyal service, the old bins in the center of Aalsmeer were ready to be replaced. Dozens of new ones have taken their place. The new bins have several features you would not immediately think about.
- Client
- Municipality of Aalsmeer
- Location
- Aalsmeer
High-quality appearance
Aalsmeer wanted to give an extra boost to the recognisability and appearance of litter bins, particularly in the shopping centers. The municipality opted for a litter bin that stands out more due to its different colors and design. The litter subsidy provided the opportunity to purchase new bins in the center.
“We were looking for a slightly larger container that, in terms of appearance, fits in with the A-quality that we want to see in this part of Aalsmeer", explain Anthony Reijersen van Buuren and Bart Molleman of Aalsmeer Municipality. The Constructo 2 of Grijsen park & street design was chosen. This made Aalsmeer the first place in the Netherlands where this new bin has been installed. "We were looking for a litter bin with a high-quality, luxurious appearance. This bin has that, among other things because of the studs on the front and back panel. Moreover, we could have the bins executed in the colors of the municipality.”
Crows and magpies
The Constructo 2 has a number of advantages, says Reijersen van Buuren. "Compared with the standard bins in the borough, this one allows us to throw waste into the bin from two sides. The bin is closed at the top so crows and magpies cannot reach it. That saves a lot of rubbish on the streets. The managers who empty the bins have also been thought of. "Emptying is very easy. When the door is opened, the insertion opening turns with it, as the insertion edge is integrated into the door panel. This makes it easy to empty the chosen option, inner bag, or bin."
One of the innovations of the Constructo 2 compared to its predecessor is the fireworks cover plate with which the waste bin can be closed. This is handy at the turn of the year when dustbins traditionally have to be disposed of. "Especially against the heavier, illegal fireworks, most bins are not resistant. But thanks to this cover plate we did not have to replace a single bin last year. And that saves a lot of money," he says with satisfaction.
The cover plate has been added to the Constructo 2 at the request of many customers, says Maikel te Nijenhuis of Grijsen. "With the old model, you could order the cover plate as an optional extra. Now the base plate also functions as a cover plate. When you need it, you slide the bottom plate out and attach it to the insertion opening of the bin."
"All waste bins have survived the New Years Eve. And that saves a lot of money."
Anthony Reijersen van Buuren, Municipality of Aallsmeer
Larger throw-in opening
The Constructo 2 is the result of a successful Constructo that has been around for over twenty years, supplemented by the wishes of many customers. The firework protection cover is one of them, but other adjustments have been made. "At the request of many, we have improved the accessibility of the waste bin. This means that we have made the opening bigger. The round shape of the bin also allows for 10 percent more waste to be placed in it. In any case, this design fits in better with the times." The new Constructo has front and back panels of marquise plates and can be powder coated in any RAL color. Te Nijenhuis: "Municipalities that have the old Constructo can also opt for the familiar knobs on the panels, as with the old model. This makes the transition from the old to the new bin less drastic." Besides an aesthetic aspect, both the studs and marquise also have a practical advantage. The bins are less suitable for displaying posters.
Waste bin in the smart city
The Constructo II as it stands in Aalsmeer is indeed equipped with several practical gadgets, but it still lacks the innovations associated with the smart city. The bins do not have a sensor that tells the manager whether the bin needs to be emptied. In this case, that is not necessary. In the center of Aalsmeer, the bins are used a lot and need to be emptied almost daily anyway.
Supplier Grijsen park & street design is busy introducing smart techniques. It won't be long before a compact litter bin comes onto the market. The waste in this bin is compressed so that much more fits in than in a regular litter bin.
Sensors for fill levels that determine the ideal emptying frequency will also be available shortly and can be easily applied in existing bins. Maikel te Nijenhuis: "Instead of managers always making the same round, from A to B and then to C, it may be that they go from A to D in one go. This may not be necessary for central areas. In the inner city of Amsterdam, waste bins have to be emptied six times a day. But in the suburbs, a sensor gives a clear picture of how the bins are being used. These techniques sometimes really open the eyes of administrators."
Grijsen is also developing its management system for the sensors. "We find it very important that this system can be linked to other management systems."
