Good practice:

Container sensors for optimized waste collection

The practice has developed under the Life E WAS project which has worked within the framework of the European project “Life+ 2013. EWAS via EGarbage introduced a network of sensors installed in the containers, for the collection of glass packages, paper and rest recyclables packages. The sensors were sending data of filling level of each container through GPRS. The data where processed and projected online in a web based interface to the waste manager, providing him with real time information about the condition of sensors, containers, the waste materials quantity and the route efficiency.
• Challenges in waste collection
-Monitoring the filling level of waste in recycling containers in remote areas, reduces the necessary routes of the collection tracks and eventually the fuel consumption.
-In touristic areas with high seasonal population fluctuations between summer and winter, altering the routes in Blue container for paper and recyclable packages
(plastics, paper, metals & aluminum) and Yellow container for glass packages.
The pilot scale implementation in north Chania supported by the existing fleet management system E-TRACK with GPRS which DEDISA uses.
• Goals to achieve
- Reduced frequency of collection routes to collect only the full containers reduces the resources used.

Installation costs: and use costs
• Sensors Cost: 220€ /sensor (purchase cost)
• GPRS : 4,70 € per connection per month(mobile phone network operation)

The pilot which has been carried out in the north Regional Unit of Chania by DEDISA, has shown very good results (reduction of 30% of collection costs of glass packages yearly and reduction of 30% of collection costs of paper and rest recyclable packages in the Winter time).
These results have created a lot of interest for the replication of the experience in other routes.
Stakeholders - citizens acceptance.
No sensors were destroyed during the program due to vandalism or fire

Sience energy efficiency, reduction of GHG emissions, noise and traffic congestion during the waste collection, costly waste collection are common challenges that European regions face on, we think that EGarbage could be interesting for other regions with the prospect to improve current waste management practices.
Subjects to be under discussion could be: the technology which used, the cost and resources needed, the implementation difficulties and how overcame them, potential negative aspects and the results of the pilot application in each regional transport geography etc., with the prospect to improve similar tools and current waste management practices. Furthermore, know-how transfer activities, training and special forums could be developed in order to ensure knowledge transferring on those innovative practises.