Waste Container Fill Level Monitoring 

Challenge 

The container monitoring project was made possible thanks to the “Urban Technology Exchange” project, established by the Polish Development Fund, which supports the development of innovation in Poland. mcr Tech Lab was selected as the project contractor. The challenge involved implementing waste container fill level monitoring in a housing estate in Starogard Gdański that uses Molok® containers. Proprietary fill level sensors using LoRaWAN wireless communication were installed. The data was shared with Waste24, which will use them to optimize garbage truck routes. 

Strategy 

Choosing the right device type is a key element in designing the solution. The sensor was to be mounted inside the container, so certain weather conditions, such as rainfall, were not taken into account. 

We decided that the ultrasonic measurement method would be a better choice than ToF due to its greater resistance to measurement interference. Using ultrasonic waves offers a better chance of detecting waste that would otherwise be beyond the range of reflected light. 

Comparing devices available on the market with our own, we decided to choose our ultrasonic waste level sensors, which feature long battery life and a robust housing. 

mcr Tech Lab Waste Level Sensor 

The waste level sensor uses high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to humans, to measure waste. The measured distance is sent via the LoRaWAN protocol to a communication gateway, which transmits the data to the cloud, where the distance is converted into a waste level and stored in a database. 

The waste level sensor is protected by an IP66-rated housing, meaning it is resistant to dust, water, and mechanical damage. It can operate in harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or strong winds. The device is designed for installation inside a waste container, allowing for easy and discreet placement. The solution used is one of the most modern in the field of waste management, enabling precise monitoring of fill levels and more efficient management of the waste disposal process. 

Data Processing 

The fill level sensors were programmed to measure every hour. Information about container fill levels is updated in the cloud at the same frequency. The processed data is available for reading via a Web API, which was made available to Waste24. Using this data, local waste collectors can optimize garbage truck routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and travel time. 

Installation 

The manufacturer of Molok® waste containers allowed for the installation of various devices on the containers. We installed the sensor according to the documentation – from the rear of the central beam at handle height. This way, the sensor looks at the center, where we expect the greatest accumulation of waste. 

We placed the LoRaWAN gateway on the roof of a nearby building, ensuring coverage of all nearby waste containers.