Efficiency improvements through waste collection routing and other technology

Waste management is a consistently growing industry, which is no surprise considering how essential waste collection is to our society. However, as it continues to grow, it must change to stay on top of demand.

Learn how the waste management industry is improving efficiencies through waste collection routing optimization and other technology. 

Optimizing waste collection routing

Waste collection is not easy or quick. A waste collector crew has to work around many factors, such as traffic, weather and potential road work. The optimization of municipal solid waste collection and transportation routes is crucial for waste management companies. An efficient route means drivers can pick up more trash without working extra hours, preventing companies from having to pay overtime.

Five ways to improve route optimization for solid waste collection

Here are five ways the waste management industry is currently optimizing its routes.

1. Reducing collection frequency

One way the waste management industry has attempted to streamline its waste collection schedules is to limit the number of times collectors come to neighborhoods. Instead of coming multiple times during the week, it is now primarily limited to one day per week.

Another avenue is separating the kind of waste collected depending on the day. Doing this means it takes longer for the collector compressor to fill up. For example, regular trash would be one day while recycling would be another. 

2. Using automated collection vehicles

Using vehicles with semi or fully automated waste collection arms significantly speeds up waste collection. Instead of the collection team having to exit the vehicle with each stop and manually empty trash bins, they can direct the arm to do it. While this may only save a few minutes with each stop, those minutes add up when considering the number of stops a team has within a single route.

Additionally, using automated vehicles reduces the chance of workplace injuries due to the type of waste being collected. 

3. Tracking data to make more informed decisions

Because waste collectors spend most of their time working without direct supervision, it is difficult for managers to learn what route optimizations are necessary. This disconnect has led to a rise in the use of data-tracking technology.

Such technology can track information like how long a route takes to complete in real time, common driver experiences and how quickly teams hit waste capacity before going to the dump. This information allows waste leaders to make more informed decisions to improve collection routes. Having this data also makes using route optimization software more efficient. 

4. Utilizing route efficiency software

Route efficiency software uses machine learning and data collection to generate the most optimized routes for garbage truck drivers. Essentially, this software uses algorithms to plan a route that minimizes fuel consumption while maximizing the number of stops on a single route.

For example, such software may plan a route where drivers are near a dump when it is estimated that the collection truck is at capacity. The software uses the data tracked in the previous section to refine its route planning. It can also use real-time data to make adjustments while drivers are on the road, preventing them from hitting traffic or detouring them away from road work.

5. Using mobile apps

Many waste management companies are taking advantage of mobile apps to better connect with their drivers. Depending on the apps used, drivers can update managers in real time on their progress or fill in empty positions due to illness.

Technologies for better operational efficiency

Route planning is not the only factor that makes waste management and collection more efficient. Additional technologies that are in use right now are making a significant impact on the industry:

1. Driving simulators for training

Driver training for sanitation drivers is essential. Not only are they driving a large vehicle, but it is also a specialty vehicle that the average person has no experience operating.

However, taking new drivers on the road for training can be dangerous and costly. Potential vehicle damage and injuries are a common fear.

Alleviate those concerns by using driving simulators from Driver Training Solutions (DTS). A DTS simulator provides physical behind-the-wheel training in a safe environment. This option allows companies to train drivers efficiently while protecting them and their communities.

2. Weighing mechanisms for better balance

The center of gravity within a garbage truck constantly changes as waste is loaded in. Drivers have to adjust their driving techniques to stay safe, though it can be challenging to know the compressor's capacity.

As a result, more garbage trucks are now equipped with weighing mechanisms. The mechanism measures and distributes the trash within the collector to create a better balance, reducing the chances of a rollover accident. It also alerts drivers when it is time to dump the waste so they can better plan their routes. 

3. AI sorting robots

The industry has been experimenting with using AI-controlled robots to sort trash in facilities. The goal is to make waste processing faster and more accurate, saving money and allowing more waste to be collected.

4. Solar-powered trash compactors

Waste management companies are trying solar-powered trash compactors to improve energy efficiency. The hope is to reduce trips to the dump and minimize the energy used to compress trash en route.

5. Digitizing paperwork

The waste management industry is upgrading its systems to allow drivers to fill out paperwork digitally. This change streamlines the entire process, permitting drivers to update their information from their phones while keeping it secure. 

Upgrade your training sessions today

Along with waste collection routing improvements and other efforts, you can improve efficiency by investing in a Driver Training Solutions driving simulator to elevate your training program. The physical feedback system within our simulator provides a realistic experience of being behind the wheel without any danger.