Population growth and rapid urbanisation have led to a massive increase in waste generation, meaning that organisations and municipalities have larger waste loads to manage. In 2021/2022, the UK’s public expenditure on waste management reached 10.3 billion British pounds which is an increase of over one billion pounds when compared with the previous financial year. With the birth of new innovations and technology, more organisations are looking for smart solutions to waste management.
Challenges of traditional waste management systems
The increase in waste has led to an exponential increase in resources needed. Traditional waste management systems are simply not able to keep up with the demand for waste services.
Usually, waste collection trucks and their drivers follow a predefined route without examining the containers’ fullness level ahead of time and as a result, they would empty every waste container on their route, even if the container did not need emptying. This resulted in a waste of time, an increase in fuel consumption, and excessive use of resources.
This way of waste collection is also unsustainable as there are an unnecessary amount of vehicles on the road for collection, increasing carbon emissions and damaging the planet.
Introducing Smart Waste Management
To address these issues faced by waste management companies REEN has introduced its smart waste management solutions. Smart waste management is a system that uses technology to optimise and streamline the collection, processing, and disposal of waste. It involves the use of sensors, data analytics, and other digital tools to make waste management more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
The traditional waste management systems, where waste is collected on a fixed schedule and a predetermined route is eliminated. In contrast, smart waste management systems use real-time data to determine when and where waste is generated and adjust collection schedules accordingly – saving time and resources.
With the birth of IoT technology and new innovations becoming commercially available, waste operations are increasingly looking for smart solutions as a way of addressing budget cuts and sustainability targets.
The following are some of the technologies used in smart waste management:
Smart bin sensors are one of the key components of a smart waste management system. The bins are equipped with sensors that can detect the fill level of the bin. When the bin reaches a certain level, it sends a signal to the waste collection truck, which then dispatches a team to empty the bin. This system helps to optimise waste collection routes and reduces the need for manual monitoring of the bins.
Data analytics is a critical component of smart waste management. A reliable smart waste management platform can use analytics to translate the data gathered in your bins into actionable insights to help you improve your waste management services. By analysing the data collected by the various sensors, waste management companies can identify patterns and trends in waste production and disposal.
REEN CMS gives you what you need to measure, predict, and streamline the management of your containerised waste and recycling streams. This information can then be used to optimise waste collection and disposal processes, reduce waste production, and identify areas where recycling and composting programs can be implemented.
GPS tracking is used to monitor the location of waste collection trucks in real time. This helps to optimise routes and ensure that trucks are dispatched to the areas where they are most needed. It also helps to reduce the time taken to collect and dispose of waste, which in turn reduces the impact of waste on the environment.
REEN Drive gives you more control and visibility over your fleet. You can experience up to 16% reduction in fuel costs through better driving styles and route optimisation by streamlining your waste operations.
With state-of-the-art technology, REEN Control helps you facilitate less waste and increase recycling for a cleaner and more sustainable world. You can have more visibility and control over waste sorting, ensuring lower emissions and increased efficiency and sustainability.
Smart waste management is an innovative approach to waste collection and disposal that leverages the power of technology to make the process more efficient and sustainable. By using a combination of sensors, data analytics, GPS tracking, and artificial intelligence, waste management companies can optimise waste collection routes, reduce waste production, and identify areas where recycling and composting programs can be implemented. By working with REEN, you have the potential to revolutionise your waste management and help build more sustainable cities for the future.
Why is smart waste management important?
Smart waste management helps to optimise waste collection and reduce unnecessary trips, which can save time, and money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits are limitless from better sorting and recycling to minimising environmental impact.
Benefits of Smart Waste Management
Cost savings: With the need for local authorities to reduce costs, smart waste management is a solution that can reduce operational costs by optimising collection schedules and routes, reducing the need for manual labour, and improving the efficiency of waste processing and disposal.
Environmental sustainability: By reducing waste and optimising disposal methods, smart waste management systems can help to minimise the environmental impact of waste disposal. This can include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimising the use of landfill space.
Improved public health: Traditional waste management systems can pose health hazards, particularly in densely populated areas where waste can pile up and attract pests. Smart waste management systems can help to reduce these hazards by keeping waste under control and minimising littering.
Increased efficiency: Smart waste management systems use real-time data to optimise collection schedules, reduce labour costs, and improve the efficiency of waste processing and disposal. This can lead to faster and more effective waste management, as well as improved overall productivity.
Better quality of life: By reducing littering, improving public health, and minimising the environmental impact of waste disposal, smart waste management systems can help to improve the overall quality of life for residents of a city or town.
Smart waste management is an important tool for improving the efficiency and sustainability of waste management. Using a data-driven approach to the way we handle waste is key to optimising your resources and ingraining more sustainable processes. REEN offers you the technology and platform to access the data that can help you join the smart waste revolution.
Stay ahead of the curve with our cutting-edge waste management technology that leads the industry in innovation and efficiency. Get in touch with our team today!
