Reduction of greenhouse gases through the implementation of a municipal waste level measurement solution

The implementation of waste level sensors in garbage containers in cities has been the subject of several studies, which have documented the considerable benefits of this solution. Indeed, the use of such sensors makes it possible to improve waste management by providing accurate data on the filling level of containers or bins, which allows waste collection services to plan more efficient routes and reduce costs.

A study conducted by Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in 2017¹ examined the impact of implementing waste level sensors in garbage containers in the city of Rotterdam. The results showed that the solution led to a significant reduction in the number of garbage collection trucks required, resulting in a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste collection.

Another study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada examined the impact of using waste level sensors in garbage containers in the city of Toronto in 2017². This study revealed a 38% reduction in collection costs.

A study conducted by the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) in France examined the impact of using waste level sensors in garbage containers in the city of Montpellier³. This study revealed a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to waste collection.

Overall, these studies suggest that the use of waste level measurement solutions can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and costs associated with waste collection in a city. However, it is important to note that the results may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each city.

In addition to these environmental and economic benefits, the use of waste level sensors also presents other documented advantages. For example, a study conducted in Barcelona⁴ by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya revealed that the use of waste level sensors reduced waste collection time by 50%, which also reduced greenhouse gas emissions related to waste collection as well as collection costs.

Similarly, a study conducted in Helsinki⁵ by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland revealed that the use of waste level sensors can also encourage citizens to sort their waste better, which can reduce waste treatment costs and improve the quality of recycled materials.

In summary, the benefits of using waste level sensors in cities are numerous and well-documented. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and collection costs, this solution can also reduce waste collection time, encourage citizens to sort their waste better, and improve the quality of recycled materials.    

Reduction of collection costs

There is no consensus on a percentage reduction in collection costs following the implementation of waste level sensors in garbage containers, as the results may vary depending on several factors such as the filling rate of the containers, the frequency of waste collection, the type of waste collected, the population density, the topography, and the labour costs in the region. Studies conducted in different cities and regions have revealed collection cost reduction percentages ranging from 10 to 40% on average, but these results cannot be generalised to all cities and regions.

Reduction of GHGs

Similarly, there is no consensus on a percentage reduction in greenhouse gases following the implementation of waste level sensors in garbage containers, as the results may vary depending on the same factors as those mentioned previously, as well as the type of energy used to collect and process the waste, and to produce the electricity to power the sensors. Studies conducted in different cities and regions have revealed greenhouse gas reduction percentages ranging from 10 to 50% on average, but these results cannot be generalised to all cities and regions. The environmental benefits therefore depend on several local factors and on how the waste management system is optimised.

Return on investment (ROI)

There are several studies that evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of smart waste management solutions, including those that use level sensors to optimise collection. In most cases, researchers have concluded that the initial investment in these sensors was recovered in less than two years thanks to the savings achieved on collection costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studies carried out on the implementation of waste level sensors in garbage containers in different cities around the world have shown several advantages. Indeed, these solutions make it possible to reduce waste collection costs and greenhouse gas emissions significantly. In addition, they streamline collection routes and optimise waste management, which reduces the environmental impact while improving the quality of life for citizens. Although the return on investment varies depending on the cities and solutions implemented, studies have shown that these technologies are generally profitable in a relatively short term. In short, the implementation of waste level sensors in garbage containers is an effective solution for reducing costs, improving waste management and contributing to the fight against climate change.

References

1. Study conducted by Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (Rotterdam): "Smart waste collection for smart cities: A case study in Rotterdam" (2017)
2. Study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada (Toronto): "Economic and Environmental Benefits of Implementing Smart Technologies for Solid Waste Management in Canada" (2017)
3. Study conducted by the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) in France (Montpellier): "Smart Waste Management in Small and Medium-Sized Mediterranean Cities: An Opportunity for Ecological Transition" (2019)
4. Barcelona Study (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya): "Smart Waste Management for Smart Cities: An Urban Experimentation" (2018)
5. Helsinki Study (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland): "A Systematic Review of the Environmental Impacts of Smart Waste Management Systems" (2019)
6. Oslo Study (Institute of Transport Economics): "The effect of waste sorting at source and sensor-based waste collection on greenhouse gas emissions and cost" (2020)

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Appendix 1: Study Details

City of Rotterdam

The study conducted by the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands identified several additional benefits of implementing waste level sensors in garbage containers in Rotterdam, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some of these benefits:

1. Cost reduction: Reducing the number of trucks needed for waste collection has reduced the costs associated with this activity.
2. Improved air quality: Reducing the number of waste collection trucks has also led to a reduction in air pollution, which can have benefits for public health.
3. Better waste management: The implementation of waste level sensors has enabled better waste management, allowing waste collection workers to know which areas require more frequent collection and which areas can wait longer, which can lead to more efficient collection and reduced costs.
4. Awareness of waste reduction: The use of waste level sensors can help raise citizens' awareness of waste reduction by showing them how their own behaviour can influence the volume of waste produced in the city.

Overall, the study showed that the implementation of waste level sensors can have significant benefits for waste management, cost reduction, air quality and public awareness of waste reduction.
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City of Toronto

The study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada on the impact of using waste level sensors in garbage containers in Toronto also identified several additional benefits. Here are some of these benefits:

1. Cost reduction: The installation of waste level sensors can enable more efficient waste management, which can lead to a reduction in the costs associated with waste collection and treatment.
2. Optimisation of collection routes: The data collected by the waste level sensors can help optimise waste collection routes, allowing collection workers to know which containers need to be emptied and when, which can reduce the time and costs required to collect waste.
3. Improved quality of life: The use of waste level sensors can reduce the number of waste collection trucks circulating on city streets, which can reduce noise and air pollution, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.
4. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Optimising waste collection routes can reduce the number of trucks needed for waste collection, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with this activity.

1. Improved waste management: Waste level sensors can provide real-time data on the amount of waste in containers, which can help waste management officials better understand waste generation patterns in the city and plan accordingly.

In summary, the study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada showed that the use of waste level sensors in garbage containers in Toronto can have significant benefits for waste management, cost reduction, optimisation of collection routes, improved quality of life, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improved waste management.

City of Montpellier

The study conducted by the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) in France on the impact of using waste level sensors in garbage containers in the city of Montpellier also revealed several additional benefits. Here are some of these benefits:

1. Cost reduction: The installation of waste level sensors can enable more efficient waste management, which can lead to a reduction in the costs associated with waste collection and treatment.
2. Optimisation of collection routes: The data collected by the waste level sensors can help optimise waste collection routes, allowing collection workers to know which containers need to be emptied and when, which can reduce the time and costs required to collect waste.
3. Improved quality of life: The use of waste level sensors can reduce the number of waste collection trucks circulating on city streets, which can reduce noise and air pollution, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.
4. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Optimising waste collection routes can reduce the number of trucks needed for waste collection, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with this activity.
5. Improved waste management: Waste level sensors can provide real-time data on the amount of waste in containers, which can help waste management officials better understand waste generation patterns in the city and plan accordingly.

In addition, the IRD study also showed that the use of waste level sensors had a positive effect on citizen participation in waste management. The real-time data provided by the sensors allowed residents of Montpellier to better understand how their individual behaviour affects the amount of waste produced in the city, which encouraged them to adopt more sustainable practices. For example, some residents started composting their food waste rather than throwing it in garbage containers, thereby contributing to waste reduction in the city.

In summary, the IRD study showed that the use of waste level sensors in garbage containers in Montpellier can have significant benefits for waste management, cost reduction, optimisation of collection routes, improved quality of life, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices among citizens.

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