In a first for the region, Central Coast Council has installed a new solar compaction bin and connected 46 new sensors to existing waste stations across The Entrance Town Centre.

This new technology will allow the volume of waste bins to be effectively monitored, improving servicing schedules and helping to reduce litter in this popular tourist area just in time for the school holidays.

Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the investment is a component of the Council’s Place Litter Bin Replacement and Upgrade Program to increase waste collection and reduce ‘flyaway’ litter.

“The cloud-based software provides real-time data on the volume of bins to any web enabled device, with alerts set up for when bins are reaching capacity,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“This will allow constant monitoring of bins during busier times of the year, helping to reduce the impacts of litter and improve planning as crews will already know which bins need to be emptied.

“This new service is enhanced with the addition of a new single waste solar compactor system, Bigbelly Bin, which has the capacity of up to five times that of a traditional bin solution.

“If successful, we will investigate rolling out the technology in other popular tourism and high foot traffic areas.”

This financial year will see a further $300,000 invested into the rolling Public Place Bin Program with another 160 new waste and recycling units installed, to help manage the waste needs of the growing community.

Additional benefits of the rollout include cost savings by purchasing waste stations in bulk allowing for more effective maintenance, consistent design, increased safety and opportunities to recycle, with many locations previously only offering waste bins.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said that it was great to see Council investing in this cutting-edge technology.

“I applaud Council for listening to and acting upon community concerns regarding litter bins during peak holiday times,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Aside from protecting our unique environment from litter, the project will help maintain the appearance of our well-known tourist destinations which is integral to the economic development of the region so visitors continue to come back to the Coast.”

ENDS