Smart Recycling Bins - An innovative solution for waste collection
Every year, governments and companies spend thousands and thousands of dollars on waste management without achieving 100% efficiency. Sometimes the collection routes and frequency are poorly planned or the bins are in the wrong places.
To address this problem, smart bins have been created to incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, and environmentally-friendly technologies that help improve waste management systems in cities.
What is a smart waste bin?
They are containers created with an intelligent system that uses sensors, image recognition and artificial intelligence to obtain information on the amount of waste it receives, the types of waste and send this data.
The sensors are IoT-enabled and also report in real time whether the bins are full or not, which helps streamline the waste collection program.
Some of these containers can also work with renewable energy, provide internet and battery charging as in the case of Solar Wifi Eco Bin.
What are the main characteristics of a smart bin?
Some of the features are:
- A communication module that sends notifications when the container is full or if there is a problem.
- Compactor to store waste.
- A solar panel that works as a source of energy.
- A closed design that prevents pests from entering and slows down the decomposition of waste.
How does a smart bin work?
When placing garbage into the container, a sensor measures its capacity. Then the compactor compresses the waste and again takes a measurement. Finally, the smart bin sends a notification by mail or SMS when the container is ready to be emptied.
Benefits of Solar Wifi Eco Bin
- They are ecological, reduce collection visits, carbon dioxide emissions and help keep streets cleaner.
- Its compaction system helps to maximize the capacity of the container.
- Recycling rates increase.
- They provide information for better planning of waste collection routes.
- They can become an internet access point or battery charging point for citizens.