Smart bins which tell you when they're full could save the City of Salisbury thousands of dollars.
The council has just installed two smart 120L bins, one in Carisbrook Reserve and another near St Kilda Playground, and may invest in up to 20 more of varying sizes if trials are successful.
The bins, supplied by Smart City Solutions, are fitted with software and hardware which wirelessly tells the Council's field services team when they are full.
They are also fitted with sensors and internal compactors which monitor rubbish levels and compact waste, allowing them to hold up to eight-times as much as a standard wheelie bin.
The bins therefore need to be emptied less often and communicate when they're ready for a collection, eliminating unnecessary collection trips.
The bins are one of a number of examples of the Council embracing smart technologies to better serve the community and do business more efficiently.
Mayor Gillian Aldridge, OAM, said the net result would be a saving for ratepayers and expected the Council to continue to look at smart waste collection initiatives.
"We're always looking for ways we can do things better and smarter in Salisbury, '' Mayor Aldridge said.
"It's about providing the best, and the most efficient service to the community we can."
Another hi-tech innovation the Council recently rolled out was training and equipping 120 members of the field services team with android tablets. The innovation has greatly improved tracking of service jobs, and has allowed the use of digital technology to improve efficiency and service standards.
