Smart Waste Management at Sydney Zoo - A Year in Review

One year ago, Smartsensor Technologies partnered with the Grasshopper Environmental Team to bring a smarter waste management system to Sydney Zoo. The aim was to use Bigbelly Solar Compactors to create a more effective way of managing waste produced by the public at this popular tourist attraction.

This saw the install of 74 Bigbelly general waste, recycling and organics stations around areas of the zoo that generally receive the highest foot-traffic.

Over the past 12 months, the 74 solar-powered stations have compacted their way through over 600,000 litres of waste, whilst diverting significant recycling and organic waste from landfill! Furthermore, since installation, Sydney Zoo’s monthly waste collections have enabled significant positive environmental impacts by reducing vehicle emissions from what would have been unnecessary waste collection trips if the smart waste network was not installed from the opening of the Zoo.

Read the full Sydney Zoo case study from Grasshopper Environmental here.

The Bigbelly Solar Compactor uses the power of the sun to charge a 12-volt battery which powers a compaction unit inside of the station. This means that as waste fills up inside of the bin, it will eventually reach two, fill-level sensors that are located on either side which in turn trigger the compaction unit to squash the collected waste. The outcome is that the Bigbelly can collect 5 times the amount of waste as a standard 120L wheelie bin!

The Bigbelly then notifies the collection team when it is ready for collection via text or email notification, meaning that the bins only need to be emptied when they are full, eliminating unnecessary collections. As well creating a more efficient waste management system, the Bigbelly stations also keep waste contained with the flagship hopper design which means waste overflow is prevented as well as pest access and wind-blown litter.

As well creating a more efficient waste management system, the Bigbelly stations also keep waste contained with the flagship hopper design which means waste overflow is prevented as well as pest access and wind-blown litter. The hopper design is also paramount in ensuring that members of the public are safe and without access to the internal compactor at all times.

We look forward to our continued partnership with Grasshopper Environmental and Sydney Zoo and for assisting them in maintaining an optimised, smart waste management system for many years to come.

If the team or I can assist you with your smart waste development, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or on 1300 893 610.

If you would like to visit us online, please check out www.solarbins.com.au or www.smartsensor.com.au

Thanks in advance.