Top Waste Management Technologies That Embark You Towards a Better Tomorrow

“What goes always comes back, and so should be your waste.”

Do you realize that whatever waste you throw is picked up and handled by someone somewhere? However, the core matter of concern here is how it is handled. 

To your amazement, the recycling rate in the United States is only 28% because of the improper handling of recyclable waste by both consumers and waste management companies. And it is an obvious fact that improper handling of waste leads to an unwanted strain on the environment. 

This is why the need for waste management technologies is so prominent across the globe. However, among the emerging technologies in waste management, it is quite tough to navigate and identify the most economical and groundbreaking solutions to adopt. 

Hence, here’s your guide that exclusively covers the futuristic technology that holds the most potential.

Do We Really Need Advanced Technologies to Contain Waste?

“Technology begins when human tendency comes to an end.” 

It gears up the traditional human efforts transforming the traditional methods of managing waste.

Innovation is very much needed for the waste management industry as it not only helps the environment but it also presents new opportunities for improvement. The current waste management practices are getting more expensive due to higher demand and regulations.

This is where adopting smart waste management and precisely implementing smart waste technologies can help to ease the workload and costs that are faced by both consumers and businesses. Here are the ways in which it benefits the globe:

• Efficient waste collection
• Reduction in harmful environmental impact
• Improved public health
• Increased recycling rates
• Cost savings
• Enhanced public engagement
• Reduced congestion and carbon emissions

Let us now look at some bits of technology that can truly revolutionize the waste management process.

Top Futuristic Waste Management Technologies

Throughout history, technology has helped us achieve sustainable waste management practices. This is why it is important to look at all the possible emerging technologies that can help businesses perform better waste management. 

1. Pneumatic waste collection system

Pneumatic waste collection system, popularly known as automated waste collection and pneumatic refuse collection, is already implemented in various hospitals and warehouses.

Unlike the traditional waste collection methods adopted where cities preferred fossil-fuel-based trucks to pick up their trash, these innovative modernized methods are known as pneumatic waste collection systems.

Pneumatic waste pipes are basically an underground system of collecting and transporting waste. It uses high air pressure through tubes to transport waste objects. Anything that is placed in the tube is propelled by high-pressure air to the given centralized destination with the help of valves.

The pneumatic waste collection system has several steps which are described below:

1. Waste gets deposited into loading station points of the apartment or office buildings.
2. The waste then falls because of the gravitational force into a temporary holding chamber just above the discharge valve.
3. Once the waste gets deposited in the chamber, it is automatically sucked into the pneumatic tube system by a powerful vacuum pump.
4. The waste is then transported through a network of underground pipes at high speed, propelled by a stream of air.
5. The waste travels through the pipes until it reaches a central collection point, usually located in a waste management facility.
6. At the collection point, the waste is separated into different categories for recycling, composting, or landfill disposal.

2. E-waste kiosks

Electronic waste that is improperly disposed of may lead to harmful emissions causing disbalance in human as well as environmental health. And as a solution, E-waste recycling kiosks have been placed in various cities globally, that let people exchange their old electronic devices in exchange for cash right at that spot.

A smart recycling company named EcoATM, installed more than 5000 EcoATMs all across the US which made it easier for US citizens to sell their old phones as and when they want. As per them,  you can not only earn instant cash in exchange for old used phones, but you’ll also be joining the fight against electronic waste. Hence, it’s a win for your wallet and a win for the planet as well.

3. AI waste sorting

Mistakes in waste sorting can lead to Improper disposal causing disbalance in recycling and reuse functions. Recent advancements in waste management technologies have made it possible to capture and identify waste into the right categories by using sensors, cameras, and algorithms.

Hence, sorting of waste has now been automated and is no more a tedious task to do. 

Automating waste sorting typically makes use of cameras to capture the incoming waste and then through advanced algorithms the waste gets identified into different categories based on their composition, shape, size, and other characteristics.

There is a real-life example that has implemented Ai-based waste sorting in their businesses.

One of the leading companies at the forefront of the fight against environmental damage and waste reduction is HERA. It is an Italy-based top multi-utility firm whose core focus is to keep cities clean through smart waste management including advanced technology to identify incoming waste for reuse and recovery. To achieve this, HERA set a goal to capture video of incoming waste and automate the trash identification process using AI. To make the solution development process quick and cost-effective, HERA partnered with IBM to facilitate the creation of an AI-based solution.

4. Smart waste bins

Unlike traditional manual methods, what if you transform the way you manage your waste bins? So, is there any modern tech to replace the existing ones? Yes, installing smart waste bins can streamline your waste management processes. It is one of the technological solutions that is helping to modernize waste management systems.

Companies all over the globe are using sensors that help them detect trash levels so they can alert users when they’re full. With this information people can know their track their disposal habits and optimize trash pickup schedules, reducing fuel consumption.

A real-life example is an application developed by a company in Polland. They designed “bin-e”, a smart waste bin, placed at various public places, enabling people to simplify their recycling processes. It sorts and compresses the waste automatically, controls the fill level, and processes data for convenient waste management.

5. Solar-powered trash compactors

Ecube Labs has come up with an innovative solution for waste management that harnesses the power of solar energy to compact trash and reduce the need for frequent emptying. The solar-powered compactors are capable of holding 5 times more waste compared to non-compacting bins, reducing collection frequency by up to 80%.

Using solar-powered compactors not only allows them to be installed in remote areas but also in urban areas. Doing this will reduce the load on centralized waste disposal locations and will make the process of waste management much faster because of the local treatment.

6. Plasma gasification

Plasma gasification is one of the most promising technologies when it comes to smart waste management, as its applications can very well be revolutionary. In this technology, plasma is used to heat waste at high temperatures to produce hydrogen gas and a glass-like substance.

The glass-like substance can be used in the field of construction, however, the real benefit is the hydrogen gas that can be used in hydrogen fuel cells.  Hydrogen fuel cells are already used to fuel vehicles, drones, and green energy. This is why plasma gasification is held in such high regard.

The research states that plasma gasification is capable of removing the CO2 emission of 83 million tons per year in California. The technology is not widely used, since it’s new and people are not switching much. Yet, its potential is impressive.

7. Automated recycling centers

Because the process of recycling electronic waste is mostly handled by machines and is quite straightforward, it can easily be automated. Such automated recycling centers can ideally eliminate the need for human effort or attention.

Though the days of robot recycling centers are far ahead as there is still room for error when it comes to automating the recycling process. Still, the use of artificial intelligence in waste management applications march on as the search for the perfect solution progresses.

8. Garbage truck enhancements

Garbage truck weighing mechanisms can help predict fill levels.  This can be used to streamline and distribute waste collection trips in a way that makes the optimal use of these garbage trucks. There is also scope for self-driving trucks in the near future which could help in minimizing waste transportation costs.

The weighing mechanized garbage trucks measures and store the weight of waste containers and then the stored data is used to predict fill level over time. It will help companies know when the truck will be at capacity and when they need to send their trucks out and reduce annual collection costs.

9. Recycling apps

Recycling centers find it challenging to sort the recyclables and non-recyclables from the contaminated waste, especially during the time of the pandemic. And hence, to address this issue, the organization developed the recycling apps named RecycleNation and iRecycle.

These apps aimed at reducing the amount of non-recyclable materials being sent to these recycling centers. It enables individuals to recycle more efficiently by providing information on:

• recycling rates, 
• center locations, 
• and comprehensive lists of materials that can be recycled. 

These waste management apps can easily determine which items can be recycled and improve their recycling habits through the convenience of these apps.

Real-life Scenarios Adopting Waste Management Technologies

Cities across the globe have started implementing waste management technologies with the intent to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and to promote a more sustainable and circular economy. 

Here is an example of a few real-life scenarios that are adopting advanced futuristic waste management technologies in their cities:

1. Singapore – The republic of singapore

Outperforming vibrant and cosmopolitan cities like London and New York, Singapore ranked first on the global smart city performance index in the year 2017. 

Singapore is undoubtedly a highly advanced and technology-driven country heavily focusing on strong innovation and digital transformation. And when every sector is digitally transforming, why step back on the waste management industry?

Since 2016, Singapore known for its tech-oriented innovations as well as urban planning, began experimenting with smart solar-energy-based waste containers that operate on solar energy, offer internet connectivity, and come with automated fill-level sensors. These waste containers are installed with compactors that allow them to hold up waste eight times more than a traditional garbage can.

The city’s goal is to further enhance efficiency and environmental benefits by replacing over 7,000 of its existing public waste containers with smart technology.

2. Barcelona  

The stunning Barcelona city has always been in buzz because of its outstanding football team, eye-catchy architecture, lively nightlife, sandy beaches, and world-class cuisine. And to maintain the beauty intact, one thing that should be focused upon is an effective waste management system. 

Barcelona gulping up the fact has been among the earliest cities that were brainstorming innovative ideas for waste management. With a municipal network covering 500 kilometers of optical fiber, free WiFi built into street lights, and a variety of sensors to track air quality, parking availability, and even smart waste bin capacity, Barcelona has been a pioneering IoT testing ground.

Not just this, before this IoT testing phase, Barcelona spent 1.5 billion Euros over four years to manage waste and recycling. And today, they are strongly working on smart waste bins that are reducing costs through home-based recycling and fill-level sensors in waste bins.

3. South Korean and european countries

When smart cities are emerging, the cities of South Korea, Spain, and the Netherlands are popping up with waste management innovations

An example of this is, the Songdo International Business District, built on reclaimed land near the Yellow Sea, which has a truck-free waste management system in place. 

This innovative solution features a combination of IoT and sensor-equipped waste disposal bins and pneumatic pipes that collect waste directly from buildings, sort organic and non-organic waste, and transport it underground through pipes and tunnels to an automated waste collection plant.

In Amsterdam, one of Europe’s smartest cities, waste collection trucks have been equipped with a weighing mechanism that instantly calculates container weight and predicts fill levels using historical data with 80-90% accuracy. The city has also installed 12,500 Enevo fill-level sensors in waste containers and tested the system with plastic waste. By scaling up this IoT solution from trial to city-wide deployment, Amsterdam aims to reduce annual waste collection costs by €3 million.”

Other Waste Management Technologies

Heading towards sustainable surroundings right? Stop a minute and rethink if you are missing something or not. Are you doing everything you can to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce waste? If not, it’s time to take action.

Ever thought of efficiently planning your waste collection routes and optimizing them with minimal effort? With an Upper route planner, you can optimize your waste collection routes, fasten your pickups and reduce fuel costs by up to 40%. Isn’t it amazing? Have a look at a few other leverages that you can get by using Upper:

• Generate automated routes quickly for multiple drivers.
• Save time planning routes manually for your waste collection pickups. 
• Reduce travel time, vehicle wear and tear, and labor costs. 
• Archive and access your regular routes
• Schedule delivery routes in advance
• Minimize fuel consumption by up to 40%. 
• With timely and reliable pickups, you can enhance your customer service and build a positive reputation in your community. 
• Send automatic notification to customers for ETA and delivery status
• Collect customer signatures on phones after deliveries and capture photos to confirm delivery with proof of delivery.

So, if you’re looking to improve your waste management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future, consider partnering with route optimization software for waste collection. You already saw what Tracy conveyed right in the video mentioned above. Automating the waste collection business using route planning and optimization software is actually the ultimate solution that you are in seek of to streamline your operations and achieve your sustainability goals.

Conclusion

It is pretty clear that smart waste management technologies are the future when it comes to waste management operations. This is because their efficiency and impact on the environment simply cannot be ignored as the climate situation worsens day by day.

Therefore, it is so crucial to implement these technologies as soon as possible. But alas, these technologies come at a cost and this is the literal cost of implementation. These technologies are by no means affordable and obviously will take a long while to become a regular sight.

However, there is still one proven option for businesses to refine their operations by using Upper route planner for their service routes. The power that Upper grants you is best experienced by oneself, this is why you must try out Upper with our 7-day free trial.