Community
3 December, 2023
Big Brother watch on bins
PUBLIC rubbish bins on the Cassowary Coast are going hi-tech with sensors in a bid to improve the emptying of the containers.
Bins across the Cassowary Coast are now being remotely monitored thanks to the installation of bin sensors throughout the region. The technology was commissioned to provide efficient and responsive servicing to the council’s new public bin network which recently increased in capacity from 15,620 litres to 23,040 litres. The new network was designed to prevent environmental concerns including scavenging animals and overflow.
Remote sensors at each bin location will help the council manage the larger network by measuring waste levels, bin positions and temperatures across all public bins in the Cassowary Coast.
Chief executive officer Andrew Graffen said the data collected by the sensors would alert the council to bins that were reaching capacity and needed servicing.
“We’ll also have insight into which locations are in most demand for public bins and identify those that are being misused,” he said. Mr Graffen said it would help the council prepare for this year’s festive season when the region would see a spike in visitors, but also domestic waste being illegally deposited in public bins.
“This technology will help us adjust our schedules to respond to increased demand throughout the public bin network,” he said.
“But it’s all too common that as soon as we empty a bin it’s filled to the brim with one person’s domestic waste.
“We’re asking our community to help us by keeping an eye out for their local bin and contacting council if they see someone illegally dumping. If you see it, report it.”
A Telstra Innovation grant funded the pilot program for the remote bin monitoring, testing sensors on 50 bins across the region. The success of the pilot in demonstrating service level improvements led to council’s commitment to implement the system across its network of 96 bins.
To report concerns around a public bin, call the council on 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
Reports for illegal dumping can be submitted via the council’s website: https://bit.ly/3QYgg4g
