Smart waste management is any system that uses a type of technology to minimise waste and to make collection more cost-effective, efficient, and most importantly environmentally friendly.
Monitoring technology is a large aspect of what makes this possible, where it both collects and then tracks what waste is being collected. This provides accurate insight and predictions on waste, creates opportunities for innovative uses of waste, and can bring further inventions to the forefront.
Inventions for smart waste processing
Manufacturing and warehouse production has incorporated some new waste reduction technology as well. Items such as an All-in-one waste handling unit collects waste made from one or multiple processing machines. It also works independently so that human labour in the waste handling department can be reduced or transferred to other needed areas.
Other waste management technologies are:
- AI recycling robots. These robots are programmed to identify materials that are recyclable. These materials are often then reused in many ways which avoids landfill accumulation.
- E-waste kiosks. E-waste kiosks can receive anything from used cans and bottles to electronics. Conveniently placed in locations that have heavy foot traffic, such as grocery stores and shopping malls, these machines typically offer financial reimbursements for returning these items.
- Recycling apps. There are apps that can help to locate recycling centres in your area. There is information included with the types of materials accepted, recycling rates and location addresses.
- Trash compactors that are solar powered. These trash machines work like a garbage truck in the sense that it will compact any waste so that it can hold up to 5 times as much garbage as a regular bin.
- Weighing devices for garbage trucks. Like waste level sensors, there are weighing mechanisms now installed in garbage trucks that can both measure and store waste, all the while predicting fill amounts. This can help to reduce waste collection trips which saves on time and resources in waste collection routines.
- Waste pipes. Pneumatic waste pipes are built as an underground system that is brought to a system that can then be processed as needed. These pneumatic waste pipes replace the need for regular waste collection, therefore reducing energy costs and heightening efficiency.
- Recycling robots. AI robots are now being used in landfills to help identify recyclable waste. This allows for waste to be properly processed and prevent it staying in landfill.