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Wollongong City Council are running a six-month trial of new bin sensors which will automatically detect the capacity within each bin and send updates to cleaning crews advising when bins are reaching capacity and need to be emptied.

Data collected through this trial will help inform the number and type of bins (landfill or recycling), bin placement and collection routes.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery advised “it might not be a glamourous example of technology, but it’s a practical one that, if successful, may have some positive benefits for everyone who uses our outdoor spaces.

“Over the past year we’ve seen a big increase in the number of people using our beaches, parks and public areas and this has naturally increased the need for bin collection services and cleaning.

“This trial will allow us to test out some new technology during the quieter months of the year so we can see if this is something that could work long-term for our community.

“This is the first step we’ve taken as a Council towards investigating the use of sensor technology with managing community assets.

“In the future, we envision that technology like this could have practical uses across many other areas of Council including stormwater management, asset inspections and the scheduling of public place toilet cleaning.”

Image top: Wollongong Foreshore; Image above: Solar Smart Bins at Bondi - Waverley Council has Australia’s largest fleet of solar powered smart bins. In late 2016/early 2017, 42 solar compactor bins were deployed at litter hotspots areas in Bondi. These 'smart' bins use solar power to squash waste and recycling, allowing them to hold up to five times the amount of waste as a normal bin. The installation of these solar bins is part of Waverley Council's Sustainable Waste Strategy which aims to reduce waste, increase recycling and reduce litter on beaches and streets.

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