ABK Kiel saves over 60 underground container emptyings per month

Our customer Abfallwirtschaftsbetrieb Kiel (ABK) shows what data-driven process optimisation can achieve: the adhoc smart waste fill-level solution delivers real value in managing underground systems and saves valuable resources.

The numbers

ABK has been testing fill-level-based collection since August 2025. After the first four months, the evaluation shows:

• 267 fewer emptyings for the same amount of waste – simply collected on a different rhythm
• That is almost 67 underground containers per month that don't need emptying because they aren't full yet
• Containers are currently collected from 50 % fill level – the next phase is set to raise the threshold to 70 %

Underground systems are growing in Kiel

According to ABK, 154 underground containers are currently emptied in Kiel – for organic waste, paper, residual waste and lightweight packaging – with more to come from two projects this year. Since the end of 2025, a state-of-the-art underground collection vehicle has also been in service.

Carsten Richly, head of department at ABK, describes the result as a success that could not have been expected at this stage. Rigid route planning could give way to actual demand – better for citizens, the environment and the crews. As a next step, ABK is examining whether and how this can be implemented in line with its statutes.

We are delighted with these results and our collaboration with ABK! Read more about the project launch in our post ABK relies on adhoc Smart Waste.