Collection of waste from residents is an important issue, especially in densely populated regions. But it is also important to collect waste from low-density areas, otherwise waste could end up in the forest, or residents could burn it in places not intended for this.

The waste collection problems in low-density areas are long distances together with a small amount of waste that can be collected during a long transportation journey. Large waste collecting trucks damage roads, pollute air and the environment.

The current research investigates the amount of air pollutants (CO2, CO, HC, NOx and PM) formed in the low-density areas when the current waste collection system (door-to-door) is applied, and how the amount of pollutants could be reduced.

The calculation of air pollutants was carried out according to the amount of the burnt fuel. First, the amount of energy released in the process of burning diesel fuel was found. Proceeding from the amount of energy released and according to the target numbers of European emission standards the quantities of air pollutants formed in the process of burning diesel oil were calculated.

There are no requirements for waste truck emission levels in the low-density areas. Emissions could be reduced if there were requirements to use at least EURO III trucks or the trucks which comply with higher standards.

Optimization of discharge frequency needs to be dealt with. Emptying containers should be carried out at the same time in the same collecting area. In case different waste types besides municipal waste are collected applying the door-to-door system, the trucks, enabling to collect different waste types simultaneously, should be used.

The quantity of emissions could be reduced by replacing the door-to-door system by a waste collection point in a village or a waste station in a municipality centre.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017.058