By Ellis Ranger

In the past 20 years, the rise of artificial intelligence has been unprecedented with companies such as Apple setting the standard with their Siri system, an AI personal assistant which can be found in all of their modern products.

And Alexa has been created by Amazon as an alternative. What does this have to do with waste management? And can AI actually revolutionise the waste industry? 

AI helping Down Under

Melbourne has been ruined by illegal waste dumping for a while, but it is now using Nokia’s Scene Analytics technology to try and stop it. The idea behind the AI is to collect data from cameras and machines in the city. The information will be used to create reports and provide alerts about potential actions that are need to be carried out. The data also points out what items are being binned and works out the impact the waste is having on the machines. 

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp has welcomed the system and says it will make the city “cleaner”, “safer”, “smarter” and “more sustainable”.

However, Nokia’s AI is not the only driving force. The Internet of Things (IoT) has helped larger companies raise the profile of their AI. The IoT is made up of technologies that are used for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. It means the AI can take advantage of the data gathered. 

Sucking away the problem

The AI does not outright provide a solution to the waste problem in Melbourne. But it is providing authorities with information so they can try to tackle it.

Australia has been trying out another type of waste management technology thanks to the Swedish company Envac. The firm have set up a hi-tech waste collection network in the underground of Maroochydore City. The company uses vacuum-powered bins to send waste at high speeds down to collection facilities. It is then picked up, sorted and recycled. It should reduce the number of bin rounds needed, save time as well as lower CO2 emissions and noise pollution.

The Swedish company’s modern solution can now be found in Beijing, Stockholm and even London. But it’s early days and remains to be seen if it’ll progress beyond trial stage.

Its long-term potential suggests that the new technology will revolutionise the industry, but it doesn’t mean the end of the man and van. And for both domestic or commercial jobs, CBS Waste are your local experts. 

Call us today for a quote on 01480 220434 or email info@cbs-waste.org.