Liverpool bucks trend and opts for smart bins
14 August 2024
by Jonathan Andrews
Liverpool City Council is set to roll out 20 “super” smart solar bins in a six-month trial that aims to improve capacity and collection efficiency.
The bins are similar to existing “smart” makes and models in that they use sensor technology to detect when full to then trigger a compactor to crush the litter, increasing capacity by more than 100 percent compared to standard bins.
The bins also send a signal to the waste depot when they are almost full, which the council says will improve their collection efficiency, reducing both the time spent emptying bins and vehicle related carbon emissions.
Smart bin drawbacks
Some cities have, however, taken a step back from using smart bins because many are typically more expensive to run, are targets for vandals, are less likely to be used because of a reluctance from the public to touch a handle to open them, and many end up covered in litter, blocking the solar panel that powers them.
When asked about these criticisms and reluctance from other cities to use smart bins, a Liverpool City Council spokesperson told Cities Today that the new models, by PEL, were chosen because they have been remodified to address previous concerns, including a domed top to prevent waste from being placed there, and a foot pedal to avoid touching handles.
“This is just a trial to begin with so we’ll need to analyse the results to assess their true impact on these key locations and whether we roll them out to even more locations across the city,” said Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbouroods.
The trial builds on the English city’s credentials in pioneering bin technology to tackle waste. It has also implemented the UK’s largest network of subterranean “super bins” in areas where there were no alley ways to store wheelie bins. In the areas where they are located the city recorded an 80 percent reduction in bin bag related litter as well as a 50 percent reduction in vermin reports.
Cities that have said “no” to smart bins
- Edinburgh: The city removed many of its smart bins in 2019 due to concerns about data privacy and the effectiveness of the bins.
- Melbourne: Some smart bins were removed after the trial period due to concerns about cost and practicality.
- Bristol: The city removed smart bins after issues with the sensors and the lack of significant benefits over regular bins.
Image: Liverpool City Council
