Door-to-door waste collection: Analysis and recommendations for improving ergonomics in an Italian case study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Services
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Door-to-door waste collection is increasingly used in Italian municipalities to boost sorted waste rates.
• This method requires waste collectors to handle numerous containers, particularly in dense urban and historic areas.
• Potential ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are associated with this collection strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ergonomic impact of door-to-door waste collection on worker health and safety.
• To analyze the specific challenges in collecting organic municipal solid waste, green waste, and residual waste.
• To identify factors contributing to poor ergonomic conditions in urban waste collection.

Main Methods:

• A detailed investigation of door-to-door waste collection strategies in an Italian city center.
• Analysis of waste container characteristics, collection equipment, work organization, and citizen behavior.
• Assessment of ergonomic risk factors and their impact on waste collectors' health.

Main Results:

• Inadequate waste collection equipment leads to poor ergonomics during green waste collection.
• Suboptimal operational and technological design causes ergonomic issues in collecting organic and residual waste.
• Work organization significantly affects the health and safety of all involved waste collectors.

Conclusions:

• Door-to-door waste collection presents significant ergonomic risks if not properly planned and managed.
• Recommendations are provided for managers, workers, and citizens to enhance safety and sustainability.
• Optimizing equipment, operations, and work organization can mitigate risks and improve worker well-being.