The First Phase of Paderborn's Recycling Center Modernization: A Covered Drop-Off Elevated Platform by Modulo Wertstoffhöfe GmbH

Thanks to the elevated drop-off platform, this facility remained operational throughout the construction work and the remaining construction phases in the rear section of the site could proceed without major disruptions.

Modulo Wertstoffhöfe GmbH

The recycling center at An der Talle in Paderborn, operated by the Waste Management and Municipal Cleaning Department of Paderborn (ASP (Abfallentsorgungs- und Stadtreinigungsbetrieb Paderborn)), was originally constructed in 2008. The facility featured a simple layout consisting of a ground-level paved area of approximately 3,700 m², where containers could be accessed either from the front or from above via stairways.

Within a few years, steadily increasing visitor numbers demonstrated that the facility would soon require expansion. Annual usage grew from 217,000 visitors in 2009 to more than 268,000 by 2018 and later exceeded 300,000 vehicle entries per year. According to user surveys, the recycling center's popularity was primarily due to its fast service with minimal waiting times, the largely free disposal of recyclable materials, and its generous opening hours. However, the growing visitor numbers also created significant operational challenges, particularly during peak periods on Saturdays when more than 200 deliveries per hour could occur.

Another major drawback of the original design was the requirement for customers to carry heavy materials, particularly green waste and wood, up stairways to reach the containers. This proved especially difficult for elderly users and reduced overall customer convenience. Consequently, ASP decided not only to enlarge the facility but also to fundamentally improve its accessibility and operational efficiency.

ASP secured a long-term lease on an adjacent plot of land of similar size and acquired additional neighboring property. This made it possible to expand the existing facility at the same location rather than relocating to a new site. The recycling center ultimately increased in size to approximately 9,500 m² and was redeveloped in three construction phases.

Modulo Wertstoffhöfe GmbH (Modulo Recycling Centers) was responsible for the design, planning, and construction of the first phase. The ModuloSystem was selected as it would provide the greatest benefits: a modular precast concrete solution of a ramp system and an elevated and covered drop-off platform with additional storage space. The modular and reusable elements in the design offers long-term flexibility, allowing the facility to be expanded further or even relocated in the future if necessary, while fully supporting sustainability and circularity objectives.This solution allowed the facility to remain fully operational during construction, which was essential due to the high number of annual visitors. By completing the first phase, the construction on the remaining sections of the site could continue with minimal disruption to daily operations. 

The new elevated drop-off platform enables customers to drive directly onto the structure via an entrance ramp, unload their waste into containers positioned below, and exit the site using a second ramp. This eliminated the need to climb stairs and makes the disposal of bulky waste, green waste, wood, scrap metal, tires, rigid plastics, and other materials significantly more convenient. The ramps are equipped with underfloor heating, allowing safe operation during winter while reducing the maintenance required to manage snow and ice.

The facility contains ten container bays, four of which are equipped with specially designed chutes that make the disposal of green waste particularly easy. Other waste streams—including residual waste, paper, and recyclable materials—continue to be collected either in compactor containers or in front-loaded ground-level containers located within the original section of the recycling center.

A key feature of the new design is the complete separation of customer traffic from operational vehicle traffic, with only a few controlled crossing points. Multiple traffic routes were incorporated to accommodate increasing visitor numbers while minimizing waiting times and improving overall site safety for both customers and staff.

The redesigned facility can accommodate approximately 13 vehicles at the same time, and with an average unloading time of five minutes, the platform is capable of serving around 150 vehicles per hour.

The elevated platform makes more efficient use of the available land by creating extensive covered storage space beneath the structure. This area is used for storing recyclable materials and equipment and for receiving reusable goods that are later sold through a second-hand store operated by the Red Cross.

In addition, to improve environmental performance, the roof of the elevated platform was equipped with a photovoltaic system combined with battery storage. The installation was designed to generate electricity for the operation of compactors, roll packers, lighting, electric forklifts, and other electrically powered vehicles and equipment while providing on-site energy storage to support the facility's own power supply. The covered drop-off area also encourages a more even distribution of visitor numbers throughout the year, as customers no longer need to avoid the facility during periods of rain.

     

Modulo Recycling Centers supported the project from the earliest planning stages through construction. According to Technical Director Mr. van Niekerk, the consultation and planning process was completed in approximately three months, considerably faster than typical projects, and the elevated platform itself was constructed in just six weeks. The use of modular precast concrete elements allowed the main structure to be assembled within one week, after which subcontractors completed the remaining work. Close collaboration between Modulo, ASP, and the project architect, supported by rapid concept development using sketches and preliminary designs, contributed to the project's accelerated schedule.

Despite the challenges of carrying out construction while the facility remained in operation, user feedback following completion were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting significant improvements in accessibility, traffic management, safety, sustainability, and overall customer experience.