Credit: John Bannon/CC BY-SA 3.0

Hull City Council is to trial the use of smart bins that can provide real-time data on waste.

A total of 30 sensors will reportedly be placed on 15 bins across the East Yorkshire city (pictured above) as part of a partnership with UK-based internet of things firm Connexin. The technology is designed to monitor the amount of waste in the bins and alert street-cleaning workers as and when they need to be emptied.

They can also detect any sudden motions or changes in temperature and issue alerts of suspected vandalism or fires. 

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The council hopes that the data gathered during the pilot will provide information that could illustrate the best time for waste collections to take place, and the most efficient routes. It could also help with decide where bins are located and, by enabling smarter collection timetables and routes, help cut carbon emissions.

Councillor Anita Harrison, portfolio holder for Streetscene at Hull City Council, said that she wants the city to “be recognised as a leading smart city in the UK”.

“Tackling waste issues is a top priority for Hull City Council, and we are always keen to explore ways in which we can make our services much more effective,” she said. “Smart city technologies are just one way in which we can provide an improved service for our city, and achieve our aim to create a litter-free environment that residents are proud to live in.”