ISO 24160:2022 - Overview
ISO 24160:2022 specifies methods to prevent and control waste odour and leachate emissions from refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). It applies when odour and leachate control is required to protect the surrounding environment and is intended for vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners, waste service providers, maintenance teams and regulators. The standard gives practical structural and operational guidance for RCV bodies, hoppers, leachate tanks and openings to minimize environmental impact and nuisance complaints.
Key topics and technical requirements
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Structural design for leachate management
- Body bottoms shall be sloped or shaped so leachate flows to drainage holes and into leachate tank(s).
- Drainage hole diameter: minimum 8 mm to reduce clogging.
- Leachate tank capacity and location must prevent overflow during collection while meeting constraints such as ground clearance, vehicle width and axle loads.
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Leakage and scattering prevention
- Discharge openings on leachate tanks and bodies should remain closed and be sealed with covers or valves during operation to avoid leaks.
- Use leachate-scattering prevention devices (examples: rubber sheets at hopper tips) to stop splashing when waste is pushed from hopper to body.
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Odour control
- Openings for body maintenance and load openings must include sealing materials (doors, covers, sheets) to minimize odour escape.
- Load openings can be fitted with flaps/doors or a ventilation system that maintains an air pressure lower than ambient in the loading area. Exhaust air from ventilation systems must be filtered to eliminate waste odour.
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Maintenance and documentation
- Instruction manuals shall specify recommended timing for replacement of sealants and other maintenance measures to prevent odour and leachate escape as materials deteriorate.
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Supporting illustrations
- Annex A provides example figures and names of parts (doors, covers, leachate tank placements, hopper rubber sheets).
Practical applications and users
- Vehicle manufacturers use ISO 24160:2022 to design RCV bodies, hoppers and integrated leachate tanks that meet odour and leakage prevention expectations.
- Municipal and private waste service providers apply the standard to reduce public complaints, protect water quality and meet local environmental requirements.
- Maintenance providers and fleet managers follow the standard’s maintenance and documentation guidance to prevent seal failures and leaks.
- Regulators and consultants reference the standard when setting procurement criteria, compliance checks and environmental mitigation plans.
Related standards
- ISO 24161 (vocabulary for waste collection and transportation)
- ISO/TS 24159 (safety of manual and rear-loaded RCVs)
Keywords: ISO 24160:2022, refuse collection vehicles, RCV, leachate control, odour control, waste management, leachate tank, hopper, ventilation system.
