Text Messages Help Raise Recycling Rates & Save Collection Costs
posted in Articles |Plastic Omnium has developed a new recycling awareness system called OptiSystem that could dramatically increase recycling rates in Britain. OptiSystem has many substantial commercial, environmental and public benefits.
OptiSystem works by using ultrasound sensors positioned inside a bring bank or waste container. These sensors send a mobile phone text message informing the refuse collector when it is nearly full, or full, and ready for collection, depending on the chosen bin setting. This message updates a database that allows local authorities, or waste management companies, to analyse waste volume by location.
Using GPS (global positioning satellite systems), the location of the bin is registered and logged as either red (requiring collection), amber (nearing maximum level) or green (below collection level) for operatives to organise collections.
Plastic Omnium’s OptiSystem is a very cost-effective commercial solution as the receptacle is only emptied when it is full or nearly full. Perth & Kinross Council, who are trialling this system, estimate that collection costs on average around £10.00 per mile (including the cost of fuel, labour, and vehicle depreciation). By using OptiSystem, they aim to substantially reduce these costs and save time.
Environmentally, optimal collection frequency also results in less pollution. Finally the public benefits from fewer overflowing bring banks once this system is in place.
Simon Dutta, marketing director of Plastic Omnium, said, “currently Britain has an average 22% recycling rate compared with mainland Europe that recycles 50-60% of its waste*. OptiSystem will save public money and help to lift these figures.”
* Source: DEFRA
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Editors’ notes:
NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. It is part of the International Plastic Omnium Group, a world leader in contract waste container solutions with worldwide sales of more than £1.8 billion. It employs over 9,000 people in 25 countries, across four continents, in manufacturing and service solutions for the automotive, environment and performance plastic products.
Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd
Telephone: 01952 582 583