Utilizing recycled glass saves up to 30% of the energy and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to new glass production. The collection of glass containers, unfortunately, generates a great deal of noise that is particularly annoying in residential areas of cities. AMSA, a part of the A2A Group, and the Seeker for this Challenge, is responsible for waste collection and treatment for the city of Milan, Italy and fourteen surrounding municipalities and is seeking innovative solutions to reduce the noise generated during its glass collection operations.
The process of emptying glass containers from recycling bins into waste trucks generates noise that is particularly annoying when happening in residential areas of cities. Adding to the annoyance is that the waste collection service is operated early in the morning to minimize its impact on traffic. In fact AMSA’s trucks shall be out from the city center by 8 a.m. For this reason, AMSA is looking for solutions that can contribute directly to the reduction of the noise emitted by the impact of glass bottles and jars during the process of unloading the containers in the waste truck. Solutions may include innovative design proposals, new materials or systems for collecting glass, or add-ons to be used alongside the current equipment. With this proposal, AMSA is looking for innovative solutions that will sensibly reduce the noise related to the glass waste collection service in urban areas for the benefit of the residents. Moreover the solution shall be sustainable from an economic and environmental stand point.
The submission to the Challenge should include the following:
- The detailed description of the proposed Solution addressing specific Technical Requirements presented in the Detailed Description of the Challenge. This description should be accompanied by a well-articulated rationale supported by literature/patent precedents.
- Experimental proof-of-concept data obtained as outlined in the Detailed Description of the Challenge.
The Challenge award is contingent upon theoretical evaluation and experimental validation of the submitted Solutions by the Seeker.
To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer to the Seeker their exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) rights to the solution.
Awards:- $35,000
Deadline:- 07-09-2021
