Each year, the UK fire and rescue services attend around 300 significant fires at waste sites. These fires cause huge environmental and financial damage not to mention the potential loss of life. Recently, several European manufacturers along with earthmoving company, Oosterveld, based in the Netherlands, collaborated to develop a unique waste compaction solution to help prevent these fires igniting.
Collaboration of Experts
Oosterveld approached the Avermann Group (Netherlands) to find a solution that would improve fire safety and space at their customer’s landfill site in Hengelo, Netherlands. They joined forces with waste compaction experts, CK International and Finnish-based, Cross Wrap to develop a unique mobile baling system and conveyor – offering the customer greater flexibility. CK International used their automatic twin ram as the base for this new product and in order to have an integrated plastic wrapping system, Cross Wrap customised their unit, also making it mobile.
With such a highly experienced team of manufacturers collaborating together, the end result was a mobile turnkey solution for on-site baling and wrapping which can be dismantled and set up on-site within a day.
Improving Fire Safety
Frank Oosterveld, Owner of Oosterveld explains, “One of our clients requested a baling solution that would improve fire safety and save space at their landfill site. Along with Avermann and CK International, we developed a mobile solution which would not only solve these problems but would also give them the flexibility to move the machine around the landfill site. Having the ability to bale on-site helps them reduce environmental and odour nuisance and gives them a neater environment.”
The most common cause of waste fires is an increase in the oxygen content of the waste. This oxygen increases bacterial activity and in turn raises the temperatures. Waste compaction and wrapping significantly reduces the oxygen in the waste as the bales are fully enclosed and tight. When investing in equipment such as this mobile baler, the financial benefits soon outweigh the potential costs of trying to control a fire and the extortionate insurance costs which ultimately follow should a fire occur.
A Turnkey Solution
Wouter van der Pool, Sales & Application Manager at Avermann Netherlands explains, “In the last few years we have become an expert in baling and wrapping RDF type materials. During our discussions with many interested customers, we became aware of the issues of waste fires and have found a unique way to combat these problems. We have a direct wrapping system, twin ram balers and big conveyors which we have integrated into one turnkey, off the shelf solution. With the help of our partners at CK International and Cross Wrap we adapted this into a mobile unit for Oosterfeld who currently bale 200-300 tonnes of landfilled RDF waste per day. They are very happy with the final outcome.”
Gareth McCullagh, Engineering Manager at, Northern Irish-based, CK International says, “This mobile version certainly has the end-user in mind. Automation and simplicity were key factors when developing the machine. It is fully integrated with a mobile conveyor and Cross Wrap direct wrapper and also has options for wire tying or plastic strapping systems. It is fully kitted out with access ladders, walkways and handrails. Essentially it’s a full turnkey solution for any customer. Transport is made much easier with the mounted ejector ram on the rear of the main body.”
Ville-Pekka Parkkinen, Sales Manager of Cross Wrap says, “We are happy to be part of this project with our CW Direct Wrapper. It is a great example of a fine and helpful business idea that helps to create difficult waste material handling more simple, effective and safe. Especially as it is a mobile unit that broadens the usage and possibilities even more.”
