Traditional models of waste collection are no longer in line with the rapid changes in urban areas. Fortunately, innovative solutions are coming to the market.

Petr Hlubuček

“Cities around the world are facing challenges related to growing urbanisation, increasing waste volumes and lack of flexibility”, said Petr Hlubuček, Deputy Mayor of Prague for Environment, Infrastructure, Technical Equipment and Safety.

The City of Prague has decided to study the issue and announced a large-scale waste collection pilot project designed to systematically reduce the environmental impact of the waste collection process (130,000 containers) and maximise the efficiency of the city’s waste collection vehicles.

Important benefits for the city

Starting in spring 2021, the Czech capital, in partnership with Sensoneo , a global provider of smart waste management solutions, will collect garbage using automated routes capable of dynamically responding to changes in waste generation and in the infrastructure of the city.

Smart Sensors

Among the expected benefits of this new waste management, let us keep in mind the efficiency and quality of service, the fact of combining the shortest possible routes, timely collection and maximum use of vehicle capacity. One of the long-term objectives is to reduce the number of vehicles used for waste collection. After a test period, an evaluation will measure the savings (time, cost, fuel, emissions).

According to the World Bank, we generate more than two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year. By 2050, annual waste production will increase by 70% to 3.4 billion tonnes. This situation is particularly worrying for city managers, who must ensure the efficient collection and treatment of waste to preserve public health and the quality of life in urban areas.

Tags: Prague, Sensoneo, waste management, World Bank.