Sandra Wärenhed | 2025-05-21
High-traffic, multi-use spaces like airports, stadiums, shopping centers, and transportation hubs experience a constant flow of people—and with that, a significant amount of waste. Managing this waste efficiently is essential for maintaining cleanliness, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability goals. Without a strategic approach, these environments can quickly become overwhelmed with waste, leading to safety issues, labor inefficiencies, and negative public perception.
This blog explores best practices and smart waste management solutions, drawing from current industry insights and connecting to Orwak’s expertise in compacting and baling technologies.
The Challenge of Waste in High-Traffic Areas
Public spaces that accommodate thousands of people daily generate vast volumes of mixed waste—ranging from food packaging and beverage containers to cardboard and plastic. When bins overflow or waste is mismanaged, it compromises hygiene, creates hazards, and increases maintenance costs.
According to ScienceDirect, the growing number of multi-use public spaces has amplified the need for integrated waste management solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible. This includes planning for high-volume periods, streamlining collection logistics, and deploying equipment that maximizes space efficiency.
Best Practices for Efficient Waste Management
Here are key practices that support smarter waste management in busy public environments:
- Source Separation and Streamlined Collection
Clear, color-coded bin systems and effective signage help encourage users to dispose of waste correctly—whether it’s recyclables, compostables, or general trash. This minimizes contamination and boosts recycling rates.
Installing centralized waste stations instead of numerous small bins allows cleaning crews to manage fewer locations with higher efficiency. Compacting bins, such as Orwak’s TOM, automatically compress waste to extend capacity and reduce emptying frequency, which is particularly useful in food courts, terminals, and event venues.
- Smart Waste Monitoring
Modern waste bins equipped with sensors can detect fill levels and send alerts when it’s time to empty, this IoT-based approach reduces unnecessary labor hours, lowers fuel consumption from collection vehicles, and ensures waste isn’t left to overflow.
This data-driven strategy allows facility managers to optimize collection schedules, allocate staff more effectively, and identify trends over time.
- Use of Compacting and Baling Equipment
Large quantities of cardboard, plastic, and other recyclable materials are a common byproduct of retail and food operations in multi-use spaces. Using equipment like vertical and horizontal balers helps compress recyclables into dense, manageable bales that are easier to store and transport.
Orwak offers both compact vertical balers for space-constrained areas and high-capacity horizontal balers for facilities with more extensive recycling needs. These solutions not only improve storage logistics but also increase revenue potential from recyclable materials and reduce hauling costs.
Compactors also improve sanitation by keeping waste enclosed, reducing odors and pest risks. For food waste and general trash, indoor or outdoor compactors are essential tools for improving overall facility hygiene and operational efficiency.
Benefits for Facility Managers and Stakeholders
Implementing effective waste strategies delivers wide-reaching benefits:
- Cost Savings: Less frequent hauling, reduced labor needs, and revenue from recyclables all contribute to leaner operations.
- Improved Public Perception: Clean, well-managed spaces enhance visitor satisfaction and support brand image.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing landfill contributions and supporting circular economy principles aligns with broader sustainability goals.
Public spaces are under increasing pressure to operate sustainably. Recycling and compacting are tangible steps managers can take to demonstrate environmental responsibility—something that’s increasingly important to stakeholders and consumers alike.
Orwak’s Role in Smarter Waste Solutions
With over 50 years of experience in waste compaction and recycling solutions, Orwak understands the complex needs of high-traffic spaces. Our products, like the TOM compacting bin and our range of vertical and horizontal balers, are designed with efficiency, durability, and sustainability in mind.
Orwak’s systems are already at work in airports, malls, and large institutions across North America and globally. These environments trust Orwak to help them:
- Reduce waste volume by up to 90%
- Streamline logistics and storage
- Create cleaner, safer environments
- Support long-term sustainability goals
Our compactors and balers are available in various sizes and capacities, including single-phase units ideal for space-constrained installations. With options for leasing or direct purchase, businesses can choose a solution that fits their operational needs and budget.
Managing waste in busy public spaces isn’t just about dealing with trash—it’s about optimizing space, protecting the environment, and making operations more efficient. By adopting smart practices like waste source separation, monitoring technologies, and compacting equipment, property managers can stay ahead of the curve.
Orwak is proud to support facilities in creating cleaner, more sustainable spaces—one bale, compaction, and innovation at a time.