Spain, October 7, 2014: NEC Corporation, in cooperation with waste management service provider ASCAN, is developing a smart waste collection solution for the city of Santander in Spain. The solution uses sensors that collect real-time data on rubbish and recycling bin levels enabling the cleaning team to optimise collection intervals and routes. The new service is expected to reduce vehicle emissions and running costs by eliminating journeys to bins that are virtually empty and result in fewer incidences of overflowing bins.
The just-in-time waste collection service uses machine-to-machine (M2M) sensors that record the volume of rubbish in the bins, which is relayed via data collectors, repeaters and the mobile network to the control centre. The city’s street sweeping team and citizens will also be able to use the “Cuida Santander” app to report problems with illegal dumping.
The garbage collection vehicles are also being fit with GPS tracking and navigation systems. The application software automatically recommends and distributes the most efficient collection routes to the teams and highlights locations that require immediate attention. New environmental sensors on the vehicles will also monitor carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions from car exhausts, which can cause smog and high ozone levels. This will help to create a more granular and comprehensive environmental map of the city and enable officials to take prompt action to safeguard the health of citizens. NEC is also working with Everis – the consulting, IT and outsourcing professional services company – on the project, leveraging their existing agreement to cooperate on smart city solutions.
Source: NEC
