Underground systems

Underground waste systems

Underground containers are now a common sight in Nordic cities, residential areas and densely built-up districts. Instead of traditional bins and containers at ground level, waste is collected in large subterranean containers – typically 3 to 5 cubic metres – where only the insert is visible above ground. The system reduces visual clutter in the surrounding area, limits odour and provides higher capacity per collection point compared with conventional solutions.

Emptying underground containers requires specially adapted vehicles. The containers are lifted from below using a crane, emptied into the vehicle’s compaction body and then lowered back down. This operation demands crane lifting capacity, reach and precision, as well as sufficient volume in the body.

Two variants – same base platform

Both solutions Steco supplies for underground systems are built on the Terberg Olympus body with crane and crane chute. The difference lies in the lifter at the rear:

The standard variant has a rear crane chute and is optimised for bottom emptying of underground containers. The combined variant additionally has a standard lifter with comb lift, allowing the vehicle to empty conventional bins and containers on the same route – without switching vehicles. This is a rare configuration that suits routes mixing underground systems and conventional collection.

Wash system as an option

Underground containers can become dirty inside over time, leading to odour problems and hygiene challenges. Both variants can be equipped with an integrated wash system that enables the containers to be washed in the same operation as emptying. The container is lifted up, emptied, washed with high-pressure water and lowered back down – all in a single sequence.

A growing solution in Nordic municipalities

An increasing number of municipalities and housing associations are choosing underground systems for new builds and refurbishment of outdoor areas. The systems are well suited to densely built-up areas where space considerations and aesthetics play a role, and where capacity requirements are high. The combination of large storage capacity, reduced emptying frequency and improved hygiene makes underground containers an attractive alternative to traditional waste management.