Society Magazine

Intelligent Bins

Posted on the 16 May 2016 by Rtswaste @Rtswaste

Smarter Waste Solutions

Rather than “Skipping” over your waste, RTS Waste Management highlights the speed of technological advancement in the waste sector. Waste Management companies such as RTS  have a continuous highway of improvement ahead. The majority of the public are aware of  renewable energy and the importance of  recycling. Unfortunately too few businesses are aware  of their Duty Of Care as a waste producer, being responsible for the correct regulations being followed . But the actual collection methods are sometimes still called “Dust Bins” dating back to the early 1900’s where ash made up almost all household waste . It is seriously time to get to grips with embracing smarter technology on the collection of waste.

Robots are not quite the answer YET! Automation of data using the cloud is definitely working to make the collections a more cost efficient. Access to the emerging market of  intelligent waste containers is  the key to a business  wanting to save time and not spend more time on their rubbish/waste recycling. Most people that contact the waste industry, begins and ends with their now called wheelie bin. RTS supply professional waste audits and experience to encourage customers to put some time towards planning  their waste containers up front  and to think and train their staff about getting the “Right Waste in the Right Place“. Here is more about our Duty Of Care. To arrange a waste audit of your bins then

Please contact our dedicated Business Development for commercial waste;

Amme Lloyd on her email: [email protected] or call her mobile on 07943864837

“Intelligent” Bins Have Landed

Intelligent bins have landed in the UK, various types are already in circulation for some councils and some waste management companies. Th smart box ( various brands are on the market)  is a robust small wireless device located on the lids of containers, this uses cloud connectivity to smart software  to measure fill levels using advanced algorythms and measurements are performed at configurable intervals, usually once per hour.

  • This allows a pay by weight concept based on average density and weight by waste type.
  • Thermal gauges allow temperatures of waste to be monitored, reducing risks of fire hazards.
  • The benefits to customers are; no overfills, no liter or excess; a better environmental solution
  • Less transportation resource which results in cost savings.

Unfortunately, this is only widening the technology gap between developing countries.  Smart intelligent bins are modestly being introduced into urban developments in; USA, Finland, England and of course some of the top environmental performers; Germany and the Netherlands. Where as the low General National Income (LGNI) countries are still struggling with managing millions of tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) which now have rivers of waste in landfill which are full. Stricter government legislation and huge quantities of financial assistance is needed to play catch up to put the best practice infrastructure in place.  At  least these countries can use the clear thinking and experience of waste managers through such organisations as ISWA (International Solid Waste Association) , CIWM (Chartered Institute of Waste Management) and WasteAid . Financial advisers are often requested to provide cost analysis of implementing new infrastructure for solid waste management, these tend to be viable on paper, but the technological solutions of the future need to be considered where possible.

Although “Intelligent” bins is not on all our door steps yet there is a definite market with the pay by weight coming in and reducing the transportation of collections. Watch this space, and lift the odd lids of your bins to see if they are intelligent? 

Lets work towards Today’s Waste is  Tomorrow’s Future

This article was written by Jan Lloyd MCIWM MCIM

Opinions are her own and compiled from various sources.


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