New smart bin trial for Blue Mile

We’re trialling new sensor technology that will see the bins along the Wollongong foreshore get a whole lot smarter!

Starting in July, we’re running a six-month trial of new bin sensors which will automatically detect the capacity within each bin and send updates to our cleaning crews to let them know when bins are reaching capacity and need to be emptied.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that this is one-way Council is attempting to streamline our frontline services.

“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,” Cr Bradbery said.

“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.”

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

“This is the first steps we’ve taken as a Council towards investigating the use of sensor technology with managing community assets,” Cr Bradbery said.

“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.”