Dublin City Council recently concluded a six-month trial of sensor-equipped street bins in the city center. The aim of this trial was to enhance efficiency by notifying council staff when the bins were nearing full capacity, thus reducing unnecessary travel and saving precious time and resources. However, the trial experienced difficulties due to compatibility issues and technical limitations arising from Dublin’s existing bin design.
Barry Woods, a senior engineer with Dublin City Council, explained that the sensors used in the trial were not suitable for Dublin’s specific bin structure. Despite their success in Madrid and San Francisco, these sensors faced functional problems in Dublin. Nonetheless, the council is determined to explore smart bin technology further and find a solution that is customized for Dublin’s litter bins.
The council’s existing smart bin system, which comprises of around 380 solar-powered bins that send real-time updates to council staff when full, has proven to be effective. Building on this success, the council decided to experiment with sensors in order to transform standard bins into smart bins. Consequently, over 130 bins in the city center were equipped with sensors, and staff members received training on the technology.
During the trial period, several challenges emerged. Some bins required specific modifications to accommodate the sensors, including off-center installation and bypassing side chutes. Connectivity and battery life also posed significant issues. The trial’s 2G platform encountered connectivity problems, and the sensors’ batteries drained quickly, with 75 percent of them experiencing battery issues by the end of the trial.
Although the sensors have now been made compatible with 4G networks in Ireland, connectivity problems persisted due to the cast iron material used in Dublin’s bins. Additionally, faulty batteries and the council’s frequent report requests further impacted the battery life of the sensors. The limitations and costs associated with the trial made it clear that the current technology was not viable for extensive implementation.
Despite the challenges faced in this trial, Dublin City Council remains positive about the potential of smart bins. Barry Woods highlighted that the unsuccessful trial should not discourage further exploration of smart bin technology. The council will persevere in searching for alternative options and advancements in the field, taking into account the specific requirements of Dublin’s litter bins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the purpose of smart bins?
Smart bins are equipped with sensors that notify council staff when they are close to reaching full capacity. This technology helps reduce unnecessary travel and saves time and resources.
2. Why did the trial of smart bins face difficulties in Dublin?
The sensors used in the trial were not compatible with Dublin’s bin structure and encountered technical issues. Furthermore, connectivity and battery life problems arose during the trial.
3. Will Dublin City Council continue to explore smart bin technology?
Yes, despite the challenges faced during the trial, Dublin City Council remains optimistic about the potential of smart bins. They are committed to finding alternative options and advancements that are tailored specifically to Dublin’s litter bins.
4. Are there any cost considerations in implementing smart bin technology?
The cost of the technology remains undisclosed for commercial sensitivity. However, with ongoing support, Dublin City Council believes they can continue to report on and uncover untold stories about the city of Dublin.
Sources:
1. Dublin City Council – [insert link here]
2. Barry Woods, Senior Engineer at Dublin City Council
The source of the article is from the blog procarsrl.com.ar