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BookmarkScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2004) — A new type of compact garbage truck has been developed in Finland that empties biodegradable waste containers – and then washes them out, minimising potential odour or hygiene problems.
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Called Bioneuvo, the lorry was designed at the auto lab of the Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia. The three-year project was realised with funding from Tekes’s STREAMS Technology Programme - Recycling Technologies and Waste Management and cooperation with the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV).
Negotiations are underway to begin serial production of this patented vehicle. Bioneuvo meets a growing need. A 2003 European Union directive requires that waste collection containers that include animal by-products be washed on a weekly basis.
After a test period, the Bioneuvo will begin daily operations as part of YTV’s waste processing system in downtown Helsinki. The Bioneuvo’s compact size makes it ideally suited to working in city centres, as it causes minimal traffic disruption.
Each bio-waste bin is dumped into an easily-washable stainless steel cargo space. A specially-developed washing device then cleans out each bin immediately after it is emptied. The waste washing water is collected in separate tanks, as the bio-waste composting process requires careful control of moisture levels.
"There is now a lively debate about waste technology in Finland and throughout the EU,” notes senior instructor Matti Parpola of Helsinki Polytechnic. “Bioneuvo is a buzzword at the moment, as there is a clear need for the technology that it represents.”
The Stadia Auto Lab has already earned an international reputation for creating prototypes such as the Ibana city vehicle and the RaceAbout sports car.
