New bin sensors to reduce waste overflow

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Melbourne’s street bins collected 4800 tonnes of waste every year and keeping them below capacity at all times could be a challenge, especially during events and busier times of the year.

“Overflowing bins are a terrible look for our city. Our street bins are emptied daily but if a bin is full by 8.30 in the morning, it’s impossible for us to know about it,” the Lord Mayor said.

“These sensors will send an alert back to base when a bin hits 70 per cent capacity so it can be emptied within the hour. We’ll be installing 50 of these sensors in existing street bins in September for a two-year trial.”

“Before the end of the year we’ll also be introducing seven ‘BigBelly bins’ to some of our busiest locations such as the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets. These bins have a similar sensor technology that is solar-powered, but the great thing about them is that they also compact rubbish, allowing them to fit more in.”

“We’ve done an analysis of overflowing bins across the city, so we’ll be placing them in all the appropriate spots. The sensors will also help us keep an eye on bins in hard to reach areas where it’s not as easy to track the amount of rubbish going into them.”

The City of Melbourne spends approximately $9.8 million on waste services each year. The two-year trial of the 50 sensors will be run at a cost of $35,000. Council will purchase the seven big belly bins for around $6000 each.

Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio, Cr Arron Wood said the City of Melbourne was one of the first in Australia to use this type of sensor technology, and the first in Victoria to install BigBelly bins.

“One of the knock-on effects of a growing population and more visitors to our city is an increase in waste on our city streets and in our laneways, which is a really bad look for the amenity of our city,” Cr Wood said.

“We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to better manage waste, and this is one example where we’re ahead of the game.”

The City of Melbourne recently consulted with the public on its Integrated Waste Management Program which aims to increase recycling, decrease waste sent to landfill and keep our city streets clean. A final report will go back to Council for endorsement later this year.

For more information see Working smarter to reduce litter.