How Technology Can Impact Waste Management

Juliette Franklin, Director of Sustainability, Cal-Maine Foods

New technologies improve the waste management system and make the world a more environment-friendly place.

Environmental sustainbality has primarily become a significant obstacle for waste management systems. Today, most countries generate vast amounts of municipal solid waste, with half of it ending up in landfills. Even though there is still much room for enhancement, the procedure has become greener over time, mainly due to technological advances. 

Technology in the Waste management system makes it easier to collect, sort, and use waste. New tools and methods are also constantly being developed to improve waste management. Waste management will become more sustainable as these developments become more common. Here are some of the most cutting-edge techniques that are used today.

Smart Waste Bins

Several companies are now producing smart waste bins with various functions for waste management. Many have sensors that identify trash levels and notify users when they are full. This data can assist people in tracking their disposal habits and optimizing trash pickup schedules, thereby minimizing fuel consumption.

Many of these trash cans also have interactive screens that direct users to waste management practices better.

Plasma Gasification

Waste-to-energy processes stop the waste materials from ending up in landfills and generate comparatively green energy sources. Plasma gasification is one of the most recent and promising techniques that can be used for waste management. Plasma heats waste to extreme temperatures and transforms it into usable gases such as hydrogen in this process.

As plasma gasification is so new, it is not yet widely used, but it has enormous potentials.

Pneumatic Waste Collection

Most of the cities and neighborhoods depend on trucks powered by fossil fuels to pick up trash. Since this system is inefficient and produces emissions, some areas have embraced different approaches for waste management. They use vacuum suction to empty garbage cans through an underground network of pneumatic tubes.

Since pneumatic tubes are driven by air compressors, they consume very little energy.

Fleet Management Systems

Technology also offers a path forward for areas that continue to rely on a conventional trash collection system. Fleet management technology, which is common in the logistics industry, can help waste management system and enhance garbage collection. These systems optimize vehicle routes by utilizing a network of sensors and GPS data.

It can be convenient to take the same route regularly, but it is not always efficient. The shift in traffic, weather, and the amount of waste can make different routes more practical.