“Smart” Waste
Containers to Roll Out Nationally
Launch of High-Tech Garbage Bins Follows Successful
Philadelphia Test Program
AUSTIN,
Texas, Sept. 27, 2005 – Cascade Engineering today announced
the launch of a first-of-its-kind waste container equipped
with electronic tags that will help municipalities and waste
collection companies operate their waste management
processes more efficiently and cost-effectively. The
announcement follows the conclusion of a large-scale pilot
program in the City of Philadelphia that demonstrated the
effectiveness of Cascade’s new container technology. The
company made its announcement at the Solid Waste Association
of North America’s Sept. 27-29 WASTECON trade show in
Austin, Texas.
Cascade’s
“smart” waste containers emit radio signals that allow
sanitation personnel using an electronic reader to collect
key data on the container’s use. The new bins combine the
company’s expertise in engineered plastics systems with a
technology known as radio frequency identification, or RFID,
that has gained popularity in a number of other
applications, including EZ Pass for toll collection, a
variety of door entry systems, pallet tagging, and livestock
tracking. The benefits from this new container technology
include:
-
More effective maintenance. Automated data collection
creates a “container history” that prompts for maintenance
or replacement.
-
Ease of use. The tags are easy to program, can be read from
a distance of up to 15 feet, and don’t need to be within the
line of sight.
-
Security. Because the tag is embedded in the container
material, it is virtually tamper proof. In addition, each
container has its own unique code, which makes it easy to
track and reduces the possibility of loss or theft.
“Our new,
state-of-the-art containers are equipped with a proven
technology that will help municipalities and private waste
haulers make great strides in tracking and managing their
container expense, from initial purchase through
replacement,” said Cascade Engineering CEO Fred Keller. “As
we saw in our recent pilot program, the result is a much
more cost-effective, controlled and reliable waste
management system.”
The
automated data tracking and recording capability of the new
containers was illustrated during Cascade’s recent pilot
program in Philadelphia. The company partnered with the City
of Philadelphia to launch a six-month, incentive-based
program that was designed to help increase participation
rates in Philadelphia’s residential recycling program. As
part of this program, known as RecycleBank, Cascade supplied
nearly 2,000 of its new RFID-enabled waste containers to
Philadelphia residents. Data on the amount of recyclable
material per household was gathered and then used to reward
customers with discount coupons from participating area
businesses. Preliminary results from the pilot program
indicate overall participation rates at more than 50
percent, with rates as high as 80 percent in some
neighborhoods.
Cascade’s
new “smart” waste containers are available in various sizes
and come in a variety of styles and colors. Custom designs
are available on request. Information about the new
containers is available at
www.cascadeng.com or by calling (800) 968-CART.
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