The waste management industry in Australia is an enormous one and continues to grow every year. This growth, of course, can be attributed to the fact that we are producing more waste annually. However, we are gradually getting better at creating efficient waste management systems using technology.
Here are eight technologies that are in development, that will make rubbish removal and sustainable waste management easier.
Smart rubbish bins
Smart rubbish bins are actually quite common now, and you might see them in your local park or in the CBD. These bins can work in a variety of ways, but primarily, they sort rubbish as it is placed into the receptacle. That means there’s no need to work out if your coffee cups are recyclable or compostable… the bin will do it for you!
Once the bins have sorted the waste, they can also compress it to save space. Then, sensors will monitor the waste levels, so that authorities can be alerted when the bin is almost at capacity. Studies into smart bins show that while they may be expensive, over the long-term they can reduce waste management costs by about 80%!
Pneumatic waste pipes
Pneumatic pipes are those air-powered pipes that propel mail or other objects incredibly quickly, often running under big cities and within large office buildings. While they are far less common than they once were, pneumatic pipes can actually be used to transport waste to disposal facilities without the need for manual rubbish removal.
Some cities are trialling pneumatic rubbish bins. These bins are connected to pneumatic pipes, so that when someone places waste into the bin, it doesn’t just sit in the container until someone comes and collects it. Instead, the waste immediately travels through the pipe, on to a waste management station.
This system completely removes the need for manual rubbish collection, saving a lot of money and man hours. It’s much more efficient, and 100% of waste reaches the facility.
Waste sorting by AI
Many facilities across the world have begun to use AI in the waste sorting process, particularly in recycling plants. Robots powered by AI are able to sort waste as it comes into the facility, by material, whether it’s recyclable or landfill and much more. This has been incredibly helpful since early 2020, when the COVID pandemic impacted workforces around the globe.
Trials still continue, but findings have been positive across the board. These AI powered robots have been shown to divert more materials from landfills than manual workers.
E-waste kiosks
Electronic waste has become a huge problem in the last twenty years, with the huge increase of phones, computers and tablets around the world. While plenty of e-waste has incorrectly ended up in landfills, we are gradually getting better at dealing with this waste more efficiently.
E-waste kiosks would offer people a place to dispose of their old electronics, without having to take them to the tip… where they may just end up in landfill. Instead, these kiosks will ensure that old e-waste is properly recycled by a certified facility, and that the data of the original owners is completely destroyed.
Waste to energy
Waste to energy technology has been around for sometime now, but technology is improving rapidly. Essentially, waste to energy involves taking waste and the elements that landfills produce, and turning it into energy. For example, many landfills can be utilised by extracting thermal energy. Landfills often produce methane and other gases, and they can be harnessed to create electricity.
Plasma gasification is another waste to energy technique. The process involves using plasma to heat waste to extreme levels, creating gases like hydrogen. These gases can then be used in power plants, creating very green sources of electricity. Waste to energy can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One study found that in California alone, plasma gasification could remove 83 billion tons of CO2 emissions every year!
Electric rubbish trucks
We’ve all been caught behind a rubbish truck in the past, and smelled the diesel fumes. However, electric rubbish trucks are becoming more and more common around the globe, which means fewer carbon emissions and more efficient journeys. These trucks are just as big as their original version, and some feature much better compacting technology… meaning they can even carry more waste on each trip.
Landfill mining
We’ve mentioned landfill mining in the past. But this remains an important part of the future of waste management in Sydney and other countries around the world. When done efficiently, landfill mining takes all of the valuable, wasted resources from within landfills, and returns these materials to the manufacturing process.
At the same time, landfill mining reduces the amount of waste that actually sits in the landfill, killing two birds with one stone! And there is a wealth of raw material in landfills all around the world, just waiting to be reused. Efficient landfill mining will reap many benefits.
Sydney rubbish removal
If you’re looking for rubbish removal in Sydney, look no further than Sydney City Rubbish. We specialise in a range of waste management services, including:
– Sydney office junk removal
– Deceased estate cleanup
– NDIS rubbish removal
– Bulky waste removal
… and much more! For expert rubbish removal services in Sydney, get in touch with us today. We can’t wait to help.
