Underground bell-shaped containers

Sotkon · APTO

Sotkon’s APTO system, distributed in Italy by Bunder Company SRL under Bunder Waste, holds 3 to 5 m³ below grade with a monolithic shell, hot-dip galvanised steel bell and deposit chutes. Platform, chutes and container move as one unit lifted by the collection vehicle crane.

Line: Sotkon APTO
Capacity: 3 / 4 / 5 m³
Emptying: Kinshöfer FLEX mushroom · twin hook · single hook (Palpeur) · F90
Shell: Monolithic C30/37 concrete, watertight
Certification: EN 13071-1/2 · 2006/42/EC (TÜV Rheinland)

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Performance and benefits

Island capacity
3–5 m³
less visible footprint, comparable aggregated volume
vs four above-ground 1.1 m³ bins
Three nominal sizes in the APTO system.
- Hot-dip galvanised steel bell in a precast shell
- FLEX mushroom, twin hook, Palpeur or F90 coupling
- EN 13071 certification with TÜV supervision
Streetscape
Stainless chutes
−70%visible surface in the square
vs islands with exposed bins
Diamond, Konik, Kynetik and bespoke models.
- Only chutes visible in squares or promenades
- Signage and openings per waste stream
- Sotkis for access, fill level and PAYT (optional)
Operations
1 operator only
one driver, top loading without entering the island
vs two operators on the ground
Top loading without entering the island.
- Truck crane with FLEX mushroom or F90 coupling
- Safety platform over the shell during lifting
- Leachate retained in the bell base

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Description

SystemTop loading via truck crane; container, platform and chutes move together; coupling options include Kinshöfer FLEX mushroom, twin hook, single hook (Palpeur) and F90.
CapacityThree nominal sizes from 3 to 5 m³ in hot-dip galvanised steel with robot welding and bottom doors with leachate sumps.
ShellMonolithic reinforced concrete, plated frame, designed watertight even with a high water table.
PlatformHot-dip galvanised deck with anti-slip resin, zinc, limestone or granite finishes (on request).
ChutesStainless steel deposit towers (Diamond, Konik, Orion, Kynetik, Qubus F and more); custom signage and openings per stream.
SafetyAutomatic counterweight or gas-spring platform covers the shell opening while the unit is lifted.
Smart (optional)Sotkis integration: RFID access, fill sensors and PAYT billing linked to deposits.
StandardsComponents tested with TÜV Rheinland to EN 13071-1/2 and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Emptying and operations

The process is designed for a single operator and top-loading trucks: the crane couples to the chute, lifts the assembly, opens the container base and discharges waste and leachate into the body.
The FLEX system uses internal cables to centre the Kinshöfer mushroom on the platform for faster coupling.
The F90 option supports bilateral emptying with cab-controlled cranes on vehicles already in service.

Models and configurations (P2)

See the dedicated Kynetik and Qubus F chute pages, and F90 emptying for bilateral collection.

Maintenance

Sotkon documentation covers periodic checks on platform gaskets, lifting hardware, bottom doors and the safety platform, plus chute seals.
Pressure washing should target the walking platform, not the shell drains.

Applications and contexts

High-capacity neighbourhood eco-islands
Historic centres, squares and promenades
Residential districts and pedestrian areas

For project context and on-site requirements, see the guide Waste collection in historic centres: designing underground collection systems and the solution page Waste collection in historic centres without losing capacity or streetscape quality.

Frequently asked questions

What volumes does the APTO system offer?

APTO is available in three nominal sizes from 3 to 5 m³. The monolithic shell and setup are defined per project: email info@bunder.it for dimensions and specification data.

Which lift couplings are supported?

Sotkon APTO fits top-loading cranes with Kinshöfer FLEX mushroom (internal cables for centring), twin hook, single hook with Palpeur device and F90 for cab-controlled bilateral emptying.

How does the safety platform work?

When the container leaves the shell, the platform rises to close the opening (counterweight and cable or gas spring). It stays stable until the container is lowered back in.

Can we add access control or PAYT?

Optional Sotkis hardware links chutes and back-office tools for RFID, smart tags, fill sensors and pay-as-you-throw logic aligned with local service rules.

How can I get the technical datasheet or brochure?

Up-to-date datasheets, brochures and design data are not available for download on this site. Contact Bunder Company via the contact page or email info@bunder.it; the Bunder Waste team will send the documentation for this product and your specification.