Good practice:

Smart bins to recycle anytime, anywhere

GreenPak COOP have recently evolved the concept of separate collection by introducing intelligent bins. Using next generation ‘Internet of Things’ technology, iBiNs are capable of monitoring waste levels and feed information back to a central system. This enables GreenPak’s recycling service to prioritise and customise collection routes in the 41 localities it currently serves across Malta and Gozo. A total of 800 bins have been introduced in the early months of 2019 with the aim to enable citizens to recycle 24/7 and put an end to overflowing bring-in sites.

The problem addressed:
• Public frustration when recycling bins found full;
• Better scheduling by providing emptying service according to recycling bins usage and not a fixed schedule;
• Limited Data availability on public use and interaction;
• Slow reaction time to adjust collection service following changes in public behaviour; and
• Aging waste management infrastructure.

How does the practice reach its objectives?
• Increase yield and quality of collected packaging waste from street containers;
• Improved Planning - Data to plan & deploy collections;
• Reduction of Unnecessary Collection Trips; and
• Improved Deployment - Focused on when and where service is needed.

Main stakeholders:
• Municipalities willing to install iBiNs;
• Public acceptance & participation;
• Reliable supplier of iBiN and IoT technology;
• Reliable provider of a communication network;
• Reliable waste management company.

• Reliable supplier of iBiN and IoT technology;
• Reliable provider of a communication network; and
• Reliable waste management company.

• Increase of 36% in public participation; and
• Reduction of Unnecessary Collection Trips

iBins are very suitable for regions with community collection bins for the separate collection of recyclables, such as 'Bring-in Sites', to avoid having overflowing bins, as well as improve the collection route for increased efficiency and less carbon dioxide emission.