The City of Hull in England has partnered with Connexin on a pilot project using sensors in smart bins (trash-cans) across the city. The sensors will collect data on waste in real time, which is expected to make waste management more efficient across the city in a number of ways:
- knowing when the receptacles are full can facilitate the design of time-efficient collection routes and most optimal times for waste collection;
- bins will be prevented from overflowing and less time and cost will be spent emptying bins unnecessarily; and,
- sensors will also be able to detect any unexpected motion – which could indicate vandalism – and alert authorities. They can also monitor bin temperature, with sudden increases in temperature also triggering fire alerts.
“Tackling waste issues is a top priority… and we are always keen to explore ways in which we can make our services much more effective. Smart city technologies are just one way in which we can provide an improved service for our city, and achieve our aim to create a litter-free environment that residents are proud to live in,” said Hull City Councillor Anita Harrison.
Furqan Alamgir, CEO of Connexin, stated: “This technology will enable teams on the ground to make more informed choices by emptying bins based on fill level, traffic conditions and much more, reducing unnecessary travel time related to waste collection around the city, in turn saving time, fuel and CO2 emissions. I believe that these smart and connected bins will become a great example of technology making a real improvement to the quality of living for residents.”
