Get Smarter Waste Data with Method InSight

Get Smarter Waste Data with Method InSight

It’s a well-known fact that the world’s growing mountains of waste are a mammoth problem. According to the National Waste Report 2020 published by the Australian government, during the financial year 2020–21 Australia generated an estimated 75.8 million tonnes of waste. While New Zealand is estimated to generate 17.49 million tonnes of waste per year, according to the Ministry for the Environment report.

The sheer amount of rubbish being produced worldwide isn’t going to stop any time soon. So, what can be done to divert unnecessary waste to landfill and reduce the strain on the environment? Innovative tech solutions that enable organisations and communities to collect, analyse and act upon smart waste data are the future of waste management.

What Makes Good Waste Data?

Good waste data refers to accurate, timely, and relevant information that can inform waste management decisions. It’s crucial that data is collected, analysed, and audited using reliable methods, such as via automated waste management systems, sensors, GPS trackers, and other Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Data collected may include information on the quantity and composition of waste generated, the sources of waste, waste collection routes and disposal methods, and the environmental and economic impacts.

Regardless of the type of smart waste data being collected, it should provide an organisation with valuable insights that can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase productivity, maximise waste diversion, and achieve sustainable resource management.

Benefits of Smart Waste Data

Lessens the strain on the environment

Landfills can be major sources of environmental pollution. Access to accurate and timely smart waste data can help reduce the environmental impact. Smart waste technology can be used to divert waste from landfills by identifying materials that can be recycled, composted or repurposed for resource conservation. Understanding data can improve landfill management and monitor gas emissions and can also be used to identify areas where more recycling infrastructure is needed.

Improved waste management practices

Having access to smart waste data is essential for designing and implementing effective waste management initiatives. Reliable data enables the optimisation of waste management practices. It can be used for a number of purposes, from monitoring bin levels to ensure they are emptied before overflow, to strategic bin placement, and making collection schedules and routes more efficient. Creating logistical efficiencies can in turn help to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with transportation.

Reduced waste management costs

Sensor and GPS technology makes the waste collection process more efficient. Smart waste data can help reduce operational costs associated with waste management through the optimisation of resources. Reducing unnecessary pickups and enabling just-in-time liner changes means less spending on labour and materials. Smart waste data can also help identify areas or businesses with high waste generation rates so that service prices can be adjusted accordingly.

Encourages public waste reduction

Smart waste data can be used to raise public awareness about the environmental impact of waste and increase diversion efforts. Data provides transparency and accountability in waste management practices by providing a means to track waste disposal, diversion, and recycling rates. Informative waste data can be used for targeted education campaigns around recyclable and compostable materials to encourage public participation in waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.

Enhances sustainability practices

Smart waste tech can be used to monitor the environmental impact of waste management. By analysing data, waste management companies can identify trends and patterns in waste generation and disposal. This can help them make data-driven decisions about how to improve their services and infrastructure.

Access to accurate and timely waste data also helps organisations comply with environmental regulations, ESG reporting requirements, and the ability to attain sustainability accreditations.

Method InSight and Smart Waste Data

Innovative smart waste technology

Method InSight is an IoT system that provides organisations with unparalleled access to accurate waste data. Each hour, waste from Each time a piece of rubbish is dropped into an InSight-enabled bin (whether landfill, plastics, organics or another waste stream), it is converted into meaningful data, making it easier to understand, action, and report on organisational waste (whether landfill, plastics, organics or another waste stream).

Near real-time data

InSight data is automatically sent to the cloud each hour, providing information about an organisation’s waste in near real-time. This means waste information can be analysed and reported on in an ongoing and timely manner, rather than having to wait for results at bin empty or the weighing station.

Not only does InSight enable efficient waste monitoring, reliable data is presented in a clear and beautiful way with dynamic displays, graphs, and filters, making it easy to dive deep into bin-by-bin data or zoom out to view waste across different teams, stations, buildings or countries.

The smart waste management system also enables waste metrics to be displayed digitally near the bin station, or online for transparency with staff or visitors. For instance, a dashboard display can be set up to share total landfill diversion stats, weekly comparisons, a leaderboard for gamification between teams, and rotating recycling tips to inform and engage.

Secure and reliable information

The InSight weight sensor is connected to the cloud via a secure LTE cellular network which means the device does not operate, or rely on, a building’s Wi-Fi network. Along with relevant security certificates, two-factor portal authentication, and obfuscation of device data, InSight offers superior IoT security.

The smart waste data collected by InSight is independent, meaning that data cannot be manipulated or modified by an organisation using the software. This ensures that only accurate and reliable information is reported which is helpful for meeting emissions disclosure requirements.

Certifications through InSight

Having access to clear, accurate, and timely waste management data and reporting tools helps with ESG reporting and attaining sustainability accreditations. InSight is an approved data provider for NABERS Waste Ratings – a respected green-building industry certification. Featuring granular bin-by-bin data with automated cloud-based reporting metrics, InSight’s world-leading data collection technology makes meeting ESG requirements and certifications more efficient and accurate than ever before.

How To Start Being Smart About Waste Management

Smart waste technology plays a critical role in improving waste management practices. Being able to measure, analyse, and understand waste data means organisations and communities can waste less and divert more. Smart waste data enables better resource allocation, reduces cleaning and collection costs, improves waste education, and helps encourage the public to participate in sustainability initiatives.

Investing in a smart waste management platform that provides accurate and timely data is the first step toward creating sustainable change and making that much-needed difference for the environment.

InSight technology makes it easier than ever to understand, action, and achieve your waste reduction and reporting goals.