Quatro recycling and waste trial

In May, we trialled the Quatro system, the first of its kind in the UK.

The Quatro system has been used in Scandinavia for about 20 years. It uses a specially designed wheelie bin with four compartments, three wheels and a brake for storing and collecting recycling and waste. 

A specialist collection lorry was transported from Sweden for the trial period. Its unique lift mechanism matches the bin’s four compartments to the lorry’s four collection chambers.

Testing it out fits with our vision of being a leading authority in minimising waste and tackling the climate emergency.

The trial

Over a four-week trial period we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of the Quatro system.

Trial participants were split into four groups to test variations of the system. Two sizes of the bin were trialled: a 240 litre and 370 litre size. 

We trialled a one-bin option and a two-bin option. Some participants also trialled a three-compartment addition that clipped onto the front of the bin to collect batteries, spectacles and lightbulbs.

All variations of the Quatro system trialled provided participants with the equivalent or more recycling capacity compared to existing kerbside box collections for:

  • paper and cardboard
  • plastic bottles
  • pots, tubs and trays
  • metal tins and cans
  • glass
  • food waste 

Variations were trialled in frequency of collections, size of the compartments and bins. There were also differences trialled in collections for textiles. 

Image
Image
Image

The results

Image

Participants responded positively to the trial overall. 

Feedback showed that the trial bin made it easier for them to sort their recycling and waste. It also stopped recycling from being blown away on collection day, so reduced litter.

However, participants using the 370 litre version of the bin found it too large and 40 per cent found it a struggle to move on collection day. That compared with 17 per cent who experienced the same issue with their normal bins and boxes.

As a result, we’ll look to test the 240 litre version in any subsequent trials.

Participant feedback

  • ‘I think many older and disabled people will really struggle to move these bins. Also many properties do not have sufficient space for storing these bins.’
  • ‘It did reduce the amount of space for pedestrians to pass but I don't think it created problems above the ones normally experienced.’
  • ‘We did have to cut our cardboard and paper a bit smaller than usual to fit it into the compartment. We do this anyway with the black box but found it needed to be even more compact.’ 
  • ‘Overall, we were very impressed with the trial, and would be happy for the service to be implemented at a later date.’
  • ‘The separate compartments work really well and I think this is the way forward for recycling. It encouraged me to recycle more and think about what I am putting out rather than in household waste. I would take part in a further trial if required.’
  • ‘Love the concept. Stops stuff blowing around in the wind all over the roads. Stops foxes and other vermin getting into the bins. Really tidy and useful. When can we start having them as normal?’

Crew feedback

Crews found the Quatro vehicle easier to manoeuvre, especially in narrow lanes and roads. The collection method also offered a significant improvement for health and safety reasons as crews didn’t have to pick up recycling boxes from the ground.

Next steps

A full analysis of the system is being carried out. Depending on the results, we’ll then decide whether to proceed with a more in-depth Quatro trial.

We’re also planning a campaign early next year to encourage and support more residents to separate their recycling by material. Well sorted recycling speeds up collections, improves the quality of recycling and helps tackle the climate emergency.