Magnets to prevent rain from washing away containers in Murcia

Murcia Council is introducing a new technology in the region: a magnetic container fastening system at strategic spots, particularly near boulevards, to prevent undesired movements and assure the continuity of waste collection service in poor weather conditions.

Murcia Council, in collaboration with concessionaire PreZero, has started a region-wide pioneering project to improve the safety and effectiveness of the garbage collection system in the face of harsh weather conditions.

Rebeca Pérez, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Development and Heritage, introduced the plan, which calls for the installation of an anti-tipping and anti-slip magnetic anchoring device for side-loading municipal recycling containers. This device will keep the containers secured in place even during torrential rains, flooding, and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h.

The device substitutes typical plastic legs with steel parts encased in magnets that are attached to a metal plate embedded in the pavement. This ensures that the containers remain stable in adverse weather conditions and avoids their evacuation in the event of a yellow-level weather warning, thereby optimising municipal resources. This ensures the protection of individuals and urban areas even in extreme weather or unforeseen unfavourable events such as bursts or downpours.

This initial phase of testing is being conducted in containers located in important regions, particularly near gullies and areas with a history of water collection. Once its efficiency has been demonstrated, the Council intends to expand it to other parts of the municipality with a higher risk of floods and uneven terrain.

Key benefits of the new system:

• Wind resistance : stability in gusts of up to 100 km/h.
• Flood protection: Keeps containers secure during heavy rains and flooding.
• Urban safety: Prevents unwanted movements that could endanger pedestrians, vehicles, or street furniture.
• Resource optimization: Municipal teams can focus on priority interventions without having to preemptively remove or relocate containers.
• Environmental sustainability: Reducing truck trips translates into lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions.
• Vandalism prevention: makes unauthorized manipulation or misuse difficult.
• Efficient operation: the system allows for quick and easy anchoring and unanchoring, without interfering with daily collection tasks.

Innovation and adaptation to climate change

Murcia’s pilot project is making progress in modernising public services and pursuing creative technological solutions that contribute to inhabitants’ well-being and the city’s adaption to climate change.

The goal is to eliminate repeating pictures of containers being washed away by the water during heavy rain, putting people’s and the environment’s safety at risk.

Author: Derek Appleton