Trash compactor Monitoring can reduce variable cost of waste

IoT stands for "Internet of Things." IoT devices are physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect to the internet and exchange data with other devices and systems. 

These devices can include a wide range of items, from smart thermostats and connected appliances to industrial sensors and wearable fitness trackers. IoT devices are used to collect, monitor, and transmit data, enabling remote control and automation, data analysis, and improved efficiency in various applications and industries.  When paired with monitoring software, IoT can enable real time visibility as well as trend analysis of previously analog processes (like waste pickup).

A trash compactor that can be used with a dumpster is typically a larger, industrial-grade compactor designed for commercial or industrial settings. These compaction systems are not the same as household trash compactors. They are often integrated with large waste containers or dumpsters.

Waste compactors are used to compress light or less dense trash in order to maximize the fill of a dumpster with trash.  They are often co-located with the dumpster so that once the wate has been compressed, the block of trash goes directly into the dumpster.  

IoT devices are used to bridge the gap between what's occurring out at the dumpster / compactor and what management is aware of.  This information can be very powerful for scoping 3rd party waste removal services in terms of how often the dumpsters are being emptied.

One of the largest drivers of excess spend on trash services is pickups that are poorly matched to demand for those pickups.  

There are two key ways that IoT trash compactor monitors can help businesses decrease their spend on waste removal.   This is important as leaders and financial professionals prepare their 2024 budgets.  Both of these methods move away from the "let's schedule a set number of pickups per week" method that most waste removal companies push.  

1. Manual call for service - companies can use IoT devices combined with dashboards to monitor the trash levels in dumpsters.  That can allow managers to monitor dumpster levels and then call their waste provider to remove when they see an issue.  

             2. Automated trash removal call - another method for decreasing waste pickups is to automate the request for pickup.  This is done by setting an upper control limit on the amount of waste in the dumpster and then transmitting a call for pickup when it reaches that level.  This reduces time that managers spend on a menial task and allows them to focus on more high impact activities.