As the list of “smart” devices grows, you may soon be able to add trash cans in your city to that list. Finland is one of the first countries to begin using smart trash cans to manage garbage collection efficiency. A small transmitter mounts to the bottom of the trash can lid and lets an operator know how full it is, when it may need to be emptied, and what patterns may develop in terms of usage. While it may sound a bit Orwellian, it does show that companies and municipalities are searching for cost cutting technology that they can chalk up to “being green.” And with the increasing push to limit stormwater runoff, this technology could be useful for operators managing frequently used trash cans where overuse may cause traditional cans to be inadvertent sources of pollution. In the end if it saves operators money and maintains a cleaner environment, you may see this technology come to a city near you.
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