Rigid plastic covers are the next step to preventing waste material from causing problems during transportation.
Dave Ireland
In today’s waste industry, many trash containers do not have a standard cover or use a tarp or bib to cover bulges from overflow. The problem with this is that compacted trash bulges from the container opening interfaces with the compactor when the receiving container is removed from the compactor. Ratchet straps or rubber bungees are used to hold a tarp or bib in place and keep trash from leaking and sifting on the road in transit. However, this method is not as safe or effective as one might think since there is still a chance of leakage and falling trash. An alternative option to this type of covering is using a rigid plastic cover that wraps around the bulging trash and fits tight to the receiving container.
Features of a Durable Container Cover
Easy Installation and Storage
Lifting and installing a plastic cover is easy and fast. Instead of wrestling to place a tarp just right on the container opening, a cover can be set on the opening and held in place by two adjustable ratchet straps, allowing for someone to decide how tight it should be to the receiving container—this is especially important if you are dealing with hazardous waste, sharp objects or other trash that can be harmful. In addition, not only are the covers interchangeable with multiple containers, but they can also be easily stored on the side of them.
Increased Productivity and Decreased Downtime
Once the plastic covers are installed on a container, no further action is needed until it is time to remove it. This makes the covers very cost-effective since you don’t have to waste time wrestling with tarps or bibs or changing them if something leaks while in transit. Tarps have the possibility of tearing during transit, causing the material to fall out on the road. In turn, the driver is forced to take the time to get out and fix the problem as well as pick up the fallen material, resulting in increased transportation time and possible injuries. However, since plastic covers are durable and cannot easily tear, the driver is able to complete his task without incident. They are also maintenance free, meaning that the lifespan of these tools far exceed that of other options.
Positive Impact on the Environment
By keeping larger or hazardous items under plastic cover, you can control the leaking or premature discharge as well as shifting loads that happen while waste is being moved. This keeps the roadways clean and eliminates fines and citations from the State or federal regulators who may be at the transfer station looking for the trucks who may have these problems. Since everything will be tightly sealed, drivers with plastic covers can pass through without incident/
Safety and Reducing Injuries
Safety is the most important part of the waste process and how one covers bulging trash is no exception. In transit, load shifting loosens the straps or bungees cords being used allowing trash to leak and fall onto the roadway. Larger items sometimes escape and cause damage to surrounding traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians. If a tarp is used to hold trash in place, generally it is difficult to fit a flat tarp effectively around bulging trash and hold it in place with straps or bungees. Because of the tight stretch, eye or bodily injuries may occur when if tarp bungees break.
Not only can having plastic covers on containers reduce injuries to the waste professional, but it can also keep traffic, bicyclists and people around the truck when it’s on the road safe as well. Hazardous waste or large items run the risk of shifting and coming loose during transport and having a plastic cover in place instead of a tarp can prevent material from coming loose and injuring those around them. In addition, when your employee has to pull over to the side of the road to check the load, he is at risk of coming in contact with something that may cause eye or bodily injury. Having an effective container cover can reduce your insurance rates since there is lower risk of injuries happening to your employees and other around the container or truck.
A Safe and Effective Tool
In the waste industry, everyone is constantly looking for ways to increase productivity as well as keep workers safe and efficient. Rigid plastic covers are the next step to preventing waste material from causing problems during transportation, including injuries, leakage, downtime and possible fines. Rather than investing in tarps that may tear or wear out over a short period of time, consider using a cover is durable and maintenance-free to cover that opening in your container. Now that is something worth thinking about.
Dave Ireland is Owner of Dnaleri Industries (West Newton, PA). He has been in the waste industry for more than 30 years, from helper on the back of a truck to driver, mechanic and all other positions, to the current owner of this business. Dave can be reached at (724) 640-4257, via e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.midatlantic150.com.