What is UWS?


An underground system with many advantages

A UWS underground system means that waste container is buried underground, which has several advantages. Earth keeps cool and cool temperatures, regardless of season, which minimizes the risk of bad odors. The UWS system is space-saving, as the container is stored underground and holds large amounts of waste (3m3, 4m3 or 5m3). The waste is compressed by its own weight when the container is filled. UWS is also available in split containers for eg colored and uncoloured glass.

The running costs are advantageous as there is no need for heated waste rooms and disposable bags. The system’s protective concrete enclosure and corrosion-resistant steel construction minimize fire risk and maintenance and contribute to long durability. The UWS system can be locked or roofed for the area’s renters.

Effective

UWS is available in several colors and has user-friendly input for different types of waste and optimum height for wheelchair users. The container is designed for large amounts of waste that is effectively compressed by its own weight. Liquid is collected at the bottom of the container. The organic material container can be adapted with increased fluid retention. Emptying is completely mechanically. The container is raised, the safety floor rises to ground level and the operator can empty in a way that minimizes noise.

Economically

UWS is a modern, efficient and easy-to-use waste system. It offers advantageous fixed and running costs without the need for heated storage rooms or handling disposable bags.

Discreet

The UWS design opens up opportunities for integrating waste management to blend into the housing environment. The system offers the opportunity to create pleasant outdoor environments, where the UWS waste system can melt in a discreet way.

The UWS is user-friendly and the height of the incline is optimized for wheelchair users. The system is available in different sizes. Incubation is available in various designs; with different ground coatings and different colors and in Hammarlack, which provides a durable and painted surface that has a long service life and effectively hides pollen and dust.

Smooth and persistent

Installation is smooth. UWS consists of a corrosion-resistant steel container and a protective concrete box, which minimizes the risk of fire. Containers and caisson are delivered together and easily lifted into place. The system has a stable construction, made for large amounts of waste, without the need for additional reinforcement. The UWS system has a very long service life with minimal maintenance and low maintenance costs.

Why underground?


Space-efficient design

With an underground container, which can receive large amounts of waste, the waste is completely hidden underground. Only the well-designed inserts above ground are visible.

Easy to install

UWS is easy to install; Containers and caisson are delivered together and lifted easily into place. Installation requires no additional reinforcement.

Low operating costs – long-lasting

UWS underground systems have long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, resulting in low maintenance costs. The running costs are advantageous as there is no need for heated waste rooms.

Reduces the risk of bad odor

When the waste is stored underground, the temperature of the waste is kept cool and even, all year round and the risk of unpleasant odors is minimized.

Can accommodate large amounts of waste

As the waste is thrown into the insert, it is compressed into the container by its own weight. This means that the UWS system is made for large amounts of waste.

Collects liquid at the bottom of the container

Liquid is collected at the bottom of the container. The organic material container can be adapted with increased fluid retention.

Minimizes risk of fire and maintenance

The system’s protective concrete enclosure and corrosion-resistant steel construction minimize risk of fire and maintenance and contribute to long durability. The UWS system can be locked or using a tag/blip for the area’s renters.

Enjoyable outdoor environment

The system offers the opportunity to create pleasant outdoor environments, where the UWS waste system can be integrated in a discreet manner.

User-friendly inserts

UWS is available in several colors and has user-friendly input for different types of waste and optimum height for wheelchair users. 

Easy to empty, by a single person

The emptying is done entirely by a single person with a crane truck. The container is lifted out of the caisson, the safety floor rises to ground level and the driver empties the container in the truck. The driver can empty in a way that minimizes noise.

How UWS works


Insert above ground and interim storage below ground

The image below shows the UWS system in its entirety. Only the inserts are above ground. The concrete caisson with the container is both underground, except during emptying. Here, large quantities of waste can fit and compress under their own weight. Underground, the temperature is cooler, minimizing the risk of bad odors. The inserts becomes part of the outdoor environment and can be integrated in a discreet and tasteful way in residential areas. Different inserts exist for different fractions. There are different types of coverings around the inserts and can be customized with own coating (max. 30 mm thick), non-slip rubber pulp or floor plate.

Large volume with simple emptying

The UWS system has different solutions for emptying the container, depending on the type of truck / crane to empty the waste – there is a solution for all types of crane trucks. The emptying (see pictures below) is done entirely by a single person with a crane truck. The container is lifted out of the caisson, the safety floor rises to ground level and the driver empties the container in the truck. The driver can dose the emptying to minimize the risk of noise.

Different inserts for different fractions

The UWS system can be discreetly integrated into the environment in which it is placed. Inserts is available for different fractions and can be obtained in different colors as well as in “Hammarlack”, with a mix of painted surface that effectively conceals dust and pollen.

Underground there is the concrete container and the caisson. The above ground is the insert.

The UWS system is emptied by lifting the container from the underground concrete box. A safety floor closes and the container is emptied in a truck.

Reference photos UWS


You can find more environmental and reference images in our image bank.

References underground container, UWS


From chaos to control with UWS

We are a housing cooperative located in Malmö, known as Malmöhus 25. With 27 buildings and 282 households, we are a well-established part of the community. Before we introduced our new waste sorting system, we had an inefficient method where our bins, which had no sorting function, were taken to the turning zone for emptying by the municipality. The waste, regardless of type, was thrown there without any form of differentiation. At that time, I was the chairman of the association and worked concurrently at Anticimex as a moisture investigator and dehumidification technician.

Choosing to implement UWS as our waste management solution was an easy decision. With my experience from Anticimex, I often encountered problems related to waste sorting and saw the many disadvantages of traditional methods. Building environmental houses was never an option for us considering the maintenance requirements and rat problems they entail. UWS emerged as the most reliable option with its robust products and aesthetically pleasing design.

The introduction of UWS has significantly improved our operations and daily life. Our caretaker now has more time for other tasks, and the area remains clean and odor-free.

We particularly appreciate the excellent service from PWS and their responsiveness to our requests. Additionally, the user experience has been positive, especially considering the efficient tag function system that works smoothly even during winter.

UWS has truly positively impacted waste sorting and recycling in our area. Despite the initial transition, the residents have been very satisfied with the new system.

We can see clear results and improvements since we started using UWS. Our caretaker has significantly less work with the waste stations, and the rat problems have completely disappeared. Everyone in the association is very satisfied with the results.

The cooperation and communication with PWS have been excellent. Despite the significant change for our residents and the association, everything went smoothly thanks to the close contact and effective collaboration with PWS.

During the implementation, we encountered challenges related to the ground conditions and infrastructure of our area. However, these problems were solved through close cooperation with the municipality and by adapting our infrastructure to meet the requirements of the UWS system.

To other associations and property owners considering using UWS as their waste management solution, we would say: Come and visit us to see the positive effect of the system with your own eyes. We are extremely satisfied and would without hesitation choose the same solution again. UWS works excellently for us and frees up time for our employees while providing us with a clean and well-maintained area without troublesome waste issues.

Underground Containers at the Housing Cooperative Malmöhus 2

Marcus Grahn
Housing cooperative Malmöhus 25, Malmö

The UWS experience: clean, neat, and worry-free

As the project manager at SGS Studentbostäder, I have had the privilege of leading the implementation of the PWS UWS solution in one of our projects, located at Mejerigatan 2 in Gothenburg.

We chose UWS as our waste management solution because we did not have space for indoor solutions and needed to explore outdoor alternatives. After considering various options like waste houses and Molok containers, we found that the PWS UWS solution was superior. It was not only the best fit for our needs but also significantly cheaper than the only other option, a vacuum waste system. Additionally, a vacuum waste system involves higher future management costs.

UWS has clearly improved our operations by making it easier to keep our properties clean and neat. It works smoothly, unlike vacuum waste systems, which, besides being considerably more expensive, also require costly service agreements and often suffer from blockages.

We particularly appreciate the sturdy cast shafts and robust underground steel containers that make the system discreet and aesthetically pleasing. It is significantly more attractive than other options, especially compared to Molok containers.

The user experience with UWS has been simple, worry-free, clean, and neat.

The cooperation and communication with PWS have been excellent. Our salesperson, Mikael Andersson, has been exemplary and available to answer questions and follow up on how the system is working for us.

During the implementation, we encountered challenges related to building permits and emptying over the sidewalk in our area. We also had issues with underground utilities that were not shown on the plans. These obstacles were resolved by collaborating with the municipality and making adjustments to our infrastructure.

To other associations and property owners considering using UWS as their waste management solution, we would say that we are very satisfied and welcome them to visit us to see how it works.

Claes Jonasson

Project manager at SGS Studentbostäder