IoT is everywhere, including dumpsters. However, it’s not about devices you’re throwing away. Instead, IoT is being implemented for smart dumpster monitoring. Thanks to new and innovative processes, waste management is becoming more efficient than ever, which helps reduce costs and protect the environment.
Understanding Smart Dumpster Monitoring
When you see a dumpster, “smart” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. However, highly intelligent sensors are being placed in dumpsters throughout the world. The purpose varies based on the company and type of waste material.
The idea is to use the sensor to monitor the current state of the dumpster. This could involve seeing how full it is, ensuring it’s being used properly (for the right type of waste), and determining where more or less dumpsters are needed. Waste management companies can even customize waste collection schedules based on sensor data.
A more in-depth discussion explores the way machine learning is being used to aid not only in collection, but sorting. For instance, waste could be sorted by type, such as different types of liquids.
For instance, Ecube Labs has created CleanCUBE, which is a solar-powered trash compactor that replaces standard city trash bins on streets. The sensor monitors trash levels and compacts it when necessary. This allows every bin to collect up to five times more trash before needing to be emptied.