Internet of Things technologies promise to transform a wide range of industries. Recycling and Waste Management sectors will not be left out. More specifically, the collection of real-time data from devices, tools and machinery is changing business strategies. Experts predict increased productivity, as well as more efficient and sustainable practices.
How is IoT changing waste management in smart cities?
First, let’s think about the basic operational processes of recycling and waste management. The Internet of Things makes it possible to place sensors to collect data from all processes. At the same time, they automate many of them. A typical example of the application of the capabilities of these technologies is the city of Songdo in South Korea.
Thanks to IoT, there is a connection between the city and a waste management system, without the need for garbage trucks. More specifically, pipes suck waste directly from the facilities into an underground network of tunnels. The network is then connected to a central waste treatment facility, where the waste is either automatically sorted and recycled, or buried or burned to produce energy. Some of the main benefits of this system are greater energy efficiency and reduced landfill and energy costs.
Technology can help where people make mistakes
The next step for “digital bins” is to automate waste sorting, a task where most workers make mistakes. For this reason, Polish company Bin-e is creating “Smart Waste Bins” that can separate and classify waste into four categories: glass, paper, plastic and metal.
Specifically, the bins compress waste and alert workers to empty them. Therefore, smart categorization and separation is an upcoming trend that needs to be improved to be implemented on a larger scale.
Consumer awareness
“Smart” objects, such as smart bins, are raising consumer awareness of both recycling and IoT technologies. Thanks to this technology, consumers have the ability to identify and better manage their energy footprint. Data from household waste is constantly available. This allows consumers to improve their consumption habits and make more sustainable choices.
When looking at the advantages of such technologies holistically, it is clear that the benefits are multifaceted. Specifically, recycling companies improve the quality of their services due to the automation of their processes. Thanks to this, employees work more easily and consumers gain access to data that helps them change behavior.
