New “smart” waste sensors on public bins will be rolled out across Casey City to alert council of fill levels and other real-time data.
Council announced it had signed a commercial contract on 2 June with sustainability technology company Matter which will supply the smart waste sensors.
The contract will give council access to innovative real-time data and software that will help improve waste collection efficiencies, lower costs and reduce litter across key public spaces.
Matter managing director Martin McGinty said the company was thrilled to be selected to rollout the technology across the municipality, signifying a crucial first step in using waste sensing to address the waste crisis.
“The City of Casey is already leading the way in community waste management and we are thrilled to be able to support them to further innovate in this space,” Mr McGinty said.
He said the company’s existing projects showed “clear benefits in terms of reduced traffic, public safety and litter reduction”.
“In one case, our data found that up to 80 per cent of bin attendances were unnecessary. This data is only the start of what waste sensing is capable of when you have access to the right technology and user apps,” he said.
Data collected – including bin volumes, collection times and days, fill levels, estimated CO2, and bin visits – will initially be used to improve waste collection.
Casey sustainability and waste manager, Michael Jansen said the data would help their collection contractor, Haulaway with “greater insights into what is happening in the community”.
“This will allow us to plan more efficient collection schedules, respond more effectively and be proactive to ensure delivery of a high quality and cost- effective service,” he said.
Mr Jansen said council had used remote sensing technology to achieve efficiencies in environmental monitoring on closed landfills for some time.
“Casey is excited about partnering with the team at Matter. Their technology will further support our innovative practices and enhance our litter bin service within the community,” said Mr Jansen.
