Time Studies as a Tool for Analyses and of Collection Economy

Abstract

During the 1970's collection of household waste in the City of Copenhagen was modernized by the introduction of plastic bins and 300- to 800-1 containers. In some areas an increase in crew-size from two to three men per collection vehicle took place in the same period.

Particularly, the increase in crew-size gave rise to disputes with the trade union and led to the execution of a comprehensive time study programme. As a result of the time studies a system of standard times was obtained, which, by simple formulae, enables the calculation of the nominal time necessary for any collection route. Collection of household waste in Copenhagen is done from the yard and the formulae take into account the distance from the kerb as well as stairs and other possible obstacles. The primary aim of the time studies has been to design a wage system that ensures a proportionality between wage and working hours, In addition to this, the time studies have formed a basis for comparisons between the total economy of collection schemes based on different types and sizes of receptacles and different frequencies of collection. Further, the time studies have yielded data for calculating the economic effect of increasing the crew-size from two to three men.