Municipalities and waste management companies can use IoT-enabled waste management solutions to reduce costs, improve customer service, and boost operational efficiency. Indeed, IoT technology is becoming more pervasive and assists in the cost and efficiency reduction of waste management.
FREMONT, CA: Sustainable solid waste management has become a significant challenge for municipalities throughout the world as cities experience tremendous population growth. According to a recent World Bank research, around 2.01 billion tons of solid waste are generated each year, with 33 percent disposed of in environmentally harmful ways.
According to the same World Bank report, the figures are expected to increase by another billion tons of waste produced over the next four decades.
Municipalities and private waste management businesses have attempted to solve this issue by optimizing their internal operating processes to maximize their return on investment.
However, this strategy has failed because dumping trucks are required to physically pass each trash bin to check the level of trash. When trucks pass to check dumpsters that do not require emptying, this manual procedure results in time and cost inefficiencies.
IoT to the Rescue
Climate change resulting from global warming has encouraged nations to limit their carbon emissions following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. A rallying cry for improved climate change management has been launched.
This has compelled municipalities and the commercial sector to embrace intelligent waste management technology to increase recycling and waste collection.
A smart waste management system kit is comprised of the following components:
• A system of interconnected devices
• A means of communication
• Instruments of detection (endpoints)
• Apps for smartphones and the web
How Waste Management Solutions Enabled by the IoT Operate
Platforms for the Internet of IoT transform raw data into actionable information. Modern dumpsters include sensors that monitor fill levels and application gateways that connect IoT platforms. Additionally, they include sensors that connect dumpsters to cloud-based systems. These sensors may be GPS, motion, light, or vibration sensors that monitor physical properties, temperature, and location changes.
These networked dumpsters provide real-time data to waste collectors, who access it via mobile or web platforms. Additionally, waste management companies can use this data to optimize truck routes in areas that require immediate attention.
The Waste Management Advantages of Smart Bin Technology
Reduced operational costs: The real-time data collected from intelligent dumpsters enables vehicles' routes to be optimized, saving both human resources and fuel.
No unattended garbage bins: The sensors monitor the fill level in garbage bins and alert authorities via cellular signals when bins are approaching capacity. Following that, an immediate pickup is scheduled.
Analyses of waste generation: Smart waste management solutions include a data analytics platform that educates authorities about current and prospective waste generation patterns.
Reduced carbon footprint: The IoT enables route optimization, which results in decreased fuel consumption and carbon footprint reduction.
Efficient recycling: IoT technology enables businesses to utilize digital signature sanitation systems to recycle waste to conserve finite and valuable resources.
