Improving recycling operations in waste management allows you to improve the service you offer and better serve your local community. Whether you serve residential customers or focus on the commercial aspect, effective operations allow you to improve what you do and provide a service fit for a modern lifestyle.

One area that waste management companies need to be on board with is the use of software and technology. These tools can help manage recycling processes, understand what they’re doing, and make better, more informed decisions. Using software and technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance relationships across the board, ultimately leading to a more effective and sustainable waste management operation.

As the world evolves, so too does the scope of technology implemented with waste management, and new advancements and trends in the industry mean you can learn more and improve what you do by adopting the best tools and techniques to help you do more and do it better. 

This post will explore some of the different types of technology and software your business can utilize to help you implement a more effective recycling operation that meets the needs of the industry and your customers.

Recycling Management Software

Recycling management software analyses and manages your recycling programs and allows you to make real-time changes to divert materials and waste to be recycled more effectively and reduce the amount going into landfills.

Increased recycling is more effective for waste disposal, and utilizing software that facilitates increased recycling can also help you to hit targets and reduce the impact the waste you collect has on the local environment. Because the more items you can identify that can be recycled, the less overall waste there is. 

Integrating recycling management software with waste management software from companies like CurbWaste means you can improve standards and help identify issues with clients so you can assist them with their waste management and recycling efforts. In addition, you’ll be on top of all deliveries and collections to improve your efforts in all areas, not just recycling.

Robotics

Robotics and AI are powerful tools that enhance recycling efficiency. By automating the recycling of materials like paper and plastic, these high-powered computer systems can recognize specific objects and materials that can be recycled. This not only increases the ratio of recycled materials to non-recyclable waste but also reduces the human element, allowing you to use your staff more efficiently without sacrificing standards.

Smart Waste Bins

Smart waste bins are effective tools for the assistance of recycling. These bins use sensors to identify recyclable waste and sort it automatically into different compartments, making the process of sorting more manageable as it is already taken care of within the waste receptacle. This not only streamlines the recycling process but also reduces the risk of contamination and increases the amount of recyclable materials collected, thereby improving the overall recycling operation. 

NIR Sorting

NIR sorting is near-infrared sorting, and it is used to identify different types of polymer for correct enhanced recycling. While it is typically used in the plastics industry, waste management companies are adopting this technology, especially if you collect copious amounts of plastics.

This means you can further enhance how you sort your plastic water to improve recycling efforts by being able to sort it more specifically to ensure that it ends up in the right place for recycling. Plastic is a massive problem worldwide, and being able to divert some of the plastic that you collect means you can lessen its impact on the world around you.

Pneumatic Waste Pipes

Pneumatic waste pipes are a collection of underground pipes that work with a vacuum system to collect and transport waste to a central collection point. This reduces the need for garbage trucks to be on the road as much as possible and helps to reduce your environmental impact. Thus, in conjunction with recycling efforts, you can create a more ethical garbage company. 

As the pipes automatically collect waste and can even be configured to sort it into recycling and recyclable waste to allow for a more seamless collection process, meaning it is more hygienic as waste isn’t sitting out waiting to be collected; it is transported via tubes to the collection station, where it’s handled by the collecting company.

E-Waste Kiosks

Electrical waste is becoming an increasingly massive issue as more electronics are produced, and older items are discarded. Improving your e-waste capabilities allows you to tackle this issue head-on. One main issue with e-waste is that people are unaware of how to dispose of it properly.

However, if you advertise you accept this waste, it reduces the risk of people hiding it amongst other trash they send out so you can quickly identify it. E-waste kiosks allow people to drop off their old electronics safely so you can collect and dispose of them safely.

Create An App

Do your customers know what you do and how you recycle items? An app is a great way to help people understand what you do and how you do it. Creating an app that helps people understand the waste process and recycling initiatives you have, book special collections that you don’t have as standard, or even book additional collections can allow you to help customers help you.

Your app can include recycling points you have on-site or even other drop-off points for partners you work with or other unique recycling options you might not be able to handle. because recycling isn’t just a one company effort. It’s a collective effort, and the more your customers know about recycling and what you do, the more they’ll be able to assist you in your efforts. 

When it comes to improving your recycling initiative as a waste management company, there are always new technology ideas and methodologies that you can embrace to assist you in your efforts. From educating customers and businesses on how to recycle correctly to expanding your collection of materials you recycle to include different items, you can implement technology to help you conduct more effective sorting techniques to improve recycling options.