TU-Chemnitz: Model test for use with filter lids

TARGET:

As the odor nuisance caused by organic waste garbage cans is often cited by the population as a reason against separate collection, the existing organic waste garbage cans at selected locations within the city of Chemnitz were replaced with garbage cans of the same volume, the lids of which were fitted with an odor filter. The aim was to test whether these contributed to odor reduction in the vicinity of the organic waste garbage cans. This was carried out at 34 locations, including various settlement structures, with the focus on dense development, since experience has shown that this is where most problems occur with regard to odor nuisance.

** RESULT.

When surveyed at the end of the test period (August to November), a response rate of 30% was achieved.

Prior to the use of the filter lid, 83% of respondents perceived that nuisances were being created by the organics garbage can. In large apartment buildings (GWA), constant nuisances were more frequent (29%) than in apartment buildings (MFH - 18%). Similarly, in multi-family houses the statement that no nuisance at all emanates from the organic waste garbage can predominated.

Nuisances caused by the organic waste garbage can .

Prior to the use of the filter lid, odor was cited as the most common type of nuisance in both settlement structures studied - large apartment complexes and multi-family dwellings. 89.5% felt that this was reduced by the use of the filter lid.

Insects or maggots also represent a strong source of nuisance. Here, a reduction by the filter lid was noted by 81% of the respondents, with no differences between large apartment complexes and multi-family houses. A rather low nuisance potential is represented by molds and other nuisances, such as accumulating wetness in the organic waste garbage cans. Here also only a small decrease of these problems was determined by the use of the filter cover.

According to their statements, about 10% of the respondents now use the bio garbage can more frequently than before due to the filter lid. This applies to 14% of residents in apartment buildings in inner city areas and 7% of residents in large apartment complexes. The overall percentage of biowaste garbage can non-users decreased to 1%. In multi-family housing, the bio garbage can is now used by all, although prior to the test 4% of these households reported never using the bio garbage can. The use of this filter lid thus leads to an increase in acceptance of the organic waste garbage can to a certain extent.