Bari: the first intelligent waste paper bins installed

They were positioned on the morning of April 3 the first six intelligent compactor waste bins, purchased with PON Metro React EU funds. These are containers from 360 liters powered by solar energy (with a 40 watt panel which in turn charges a storage battery, collecting the energy necessary for a charge of up to 105 days) which allow the frequency of emptying to be reduced, thanks to the ability to carry out 15-50 compactions in twenty-four hours, reducing harmful emissions as, through the transmission of data relating to the volume of waste to a management software, they can be emptied according to actual needs, which allows Amiu to plan the routes of the collection trucks, rationalizing the routes based on the filling level reached. Each bin, equipped with an integrated ashtray, can be opened either with the handle or with the pedal.

The intelligent bin, which also reduces the release of bad smells, is made of galvanized steel and is made up of a pedal, a disposal mouth equipped with a handle, a side door with hidden anti-vandal closure for easy extraction of the internal trolley by operators, a integrated ultrasonic sensor that detects the filling level every 3 seconds (active 24 hours a day), a system with LED lights to display the filling level of the container according to programmable percentages, a fire detector, a waste compacting press and ventilation slots. It is fixed to the ground with adjustable feet: in the event of a fire it activates a sensor which detects the fire and transmits the notification to the control centre.

The maximum quantity of compressible waste is 1080 litres: once the limit is reached, the delivery nozzle is inhibited so as not to allow further deliveries, signaling this to the user via a red LED; at the same time a notice is sent via email or text message to the operators to empty the bin.

“This morning Amiu operators began installing the first smart bins planned in the busiest areas of the city, where there is greater waste production – commented the Environment Councilor Pietro Petruzzelli -. Having a compaction system capable of reducing the volumes of waste materials, in fact, they can collect many more than traditional bins, with particular attention to the environment given the possibility of rationalizing the rounds made by the trucks for emptying thanks to the transmission of filling data in real time.

Today six were positioned along Corso Cavour, on the San Nicola pier and in Piazza Eroi del Mare. If they go as well as we think, we will also install several of them in other particularly popular spaces in the city. However, let us always remember, the difference is not made by the bins, but we can make it by using them correctly and not abandoning waste or paper on the street".

Smart bins are also resistant to rainwater infiltration. Any malfunction (door left open, overfilling and/or tampering, malfunction of the compacting press, low storage battery level) is reported to the software with an alarm via text message or email.