Eco-Friendly Features of Smart Trash Compactors
Our modern world is getting smarter by the day. This is a true statement and it makes us feel good. We are surrounded by smart devices, from our household appliances to our cars and even our waste management processes are getting the ‘smart’ tag with the deployment of smart trash compactors.
But, let us stop and ask ourselves a question: what makes a device, or process truly smart? The answer lies in a certain set of features or capabilities that together define the ‘smartness’ of any device or process. These features and capabilities include, but are not limited to attributes such as autonomous operation, energy efficiency, eco-friendliness, device control, notification and alerts, and user convenience. In this blog we are interested in understanding how smart compactors impact the environment. Are they truly more eco-friendly compared to other available options? Let’s find out.
How are Smart Waste Cans More Eco-Friendly than Other Options?
Traditional trash cans and trash compactors suffer from a number of defects and have become a major pain point in the waste management process. Every aspect of theirs, from the way waste is deposited, collected, processed and disposed of, is inefficient and hazardous for the environment. Smart compactors, on the other hand, have everything that traditional compactors don’t. Let us explore the unique features of smart cans that make them truly smart and eco-friendly.
Power Source: Smart trash compactor bins are powered by a eco-friendly, clean and renewable source of power such as solar energy. The bins are equipped with solar panels that harness the sun’s energy and converts it to electricity. A battery is provided with the bin that stores excess electricity to be used during dark hours. This makes the bin self-reliant, which improves efficiency and removes dependence on other forms of environmentally-damaging energy sources.
Compaction Rate: Solar-powered trash compactor bins have a much higher compaction rate compared to traditional bins. The higher compaction rate increases the capacity of these bins, reducing street waste volume by up to 90%. This allows waste management service providers to collect, transport and dispose of higher volumes of waste in one trip, saving fuel required to operate trucks to transport the waste. Higher levels of compaction also put less pressure on landfills as they occupy less space. Finally, streets and other public places are cleaned more often, improving their aesthetics and usability.
Compactor sensors: This smart feature plays an important role in managing waste efficiently and streamlining the process. Solar-powered trash compactor bins are equipped with sensors that indicate the level of waste filled in the bin. When the volume of waste reaches a certain level, the sensors trigger the electrical actuator to compress the waste. Sensors also indicate the level of compacted waste, informing waste management service providers when it is ready to be collected.
Real-time Reporting: Smart solar-powered waste compactors are equipped with Wi-fi enabled data sharing systems that enable real-time fill level reporting to waste management service providers wherever they may be through dedicated mobile apps. They also facilitate data analysis to understand peak and non-peak fill times in different areas to make pick up scheduling easier and better-coordinated. Emission-free: Solar powered waste compactors are sealed, stand-alone units that provide odor-free, emission-free, and leakage-free service. This is one of the most important eco-friendly features of smart compactors as it prevents harmful carbon emissions, noxious fumes and hazardous liquids from polluting the surrounding environment.
Make your company smarter with solar-powered trash compactors
If you are in a business that generates a large volume of waste, you should definitely consider purchasing solar-powered trash compactors. A close perusal of all the smart features covered in this blog should have convinced you about how good they are for the environment. In addition, these smart compactors will also save you money in the long run. Even if the upfront costs are high, you will be saving on your energy bills due to the low voltage and high efficiency of the solar-powered trash bins. Moreover, due to the high compaction rate of nearly 90%, you will have to deploy fewer numbers of trash bins, saving precious space for other purposes. In addition, you will have to pay waste management service providers less money to collect the trash as the frequency of collection will also be comparatively lower. When you consider these cost benefits in addition to the lower carbon footprint that you create, making your company smarter with solar-powered trash compactor bins is a total win-win situation.
What to Look for When Selecting One?
So, now that you know what the main smart and eco-friendly features of solar-powered trash compactors are, consider the following features while making a purchasing decision:
Contactless: Smart trash bins do not require users to touch the garbage bin while depositing their waste. Look for models that offer a contactless user experience, where the deposit hatch can be opened by a foot pedal or touch-free sensors. This method is more hygienic and will encourage more people to use the waste bins.
Robust Design: Ensure that the smart compactor bins are constructed of durable materials such as Zintec steel and feature a galvanized base and feed chute. This is especially necessary, if you are planning to deploy the bins outside, where they will have to withstand the effects of harsh weather condition for years. Also ensure that the bin opening is at a comfortable height.
Safety Features: Smart bins should be handled only by authorized personnel to prevent tampering and misuse. Check with the manufacturers for access control features such as mechanical interlocks, foot pedals to operate flaps, a key lock bin service area and a low voltage unit.
Additional Uses: Smart solar-powered trash compactors can also be utilized innovatively to generate revenue by offering them to other businesses to display their advertisements.
Maintenance: Check with your vendor about their maintenance and after sales service policies. Ideally, they should offer a cost-effective annual maintenance contract (AMC), with dedicated customer helpline for immediate on-site assistance. They should also have a ready supply of authentic spare parts to replace worn or damaged components.
Conclusion
Smart compactors are packed with amazing features that make them eco-friendly, efficient and cost-effective. Investing in them now will not only save costs and improve hygiene and aesthetics, it will also enable you to play an important role in conserving our environment for generations to come.
