“Amazing ” solar-powered bins which tell the authorities when they need to be emptied are to be trialled in Dundee.
So-called “smart” litter bins will be deployed across the city with sensors to alert waste services to empty the bins only when they are full.
Meanwhile, solar power will be used to compact the waste, thereby improving efficiency.
It’s thought the move will help reduce carbon emissions and vehicle costs.
The proposals are part of the Scottish Cities Alliance and are being jointly funded by Dundee City Council and a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme entitled ‘Scotland’s 8th City — the Smart City’.
Councillor Kevin Cordell, Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services convener said: “This provides an amazing opportunity for Dundee to become a leader in waste technologies.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the outcome of the trial.
“The council is committed to making Dundee a green city and this is an important example of what can be done with greener processes.”
The project aims to make services across Scottish cities more efficient and greener through the use of data and digital technologies.
This ambitious programme encourages the country’s seven cities to work closely together in order to share ideas, expertise and reduce costs through economies of scale.
As part of the venture, Dundee City Council will collaborate with other cities in Scotland, academics and business to use the results and lead the way in rolling out advance digital solutions in city services.
The Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA) has received approval for a £10 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) strategic intervention on Smart Cities.
The total Smart Waste Project budget for Dundee is £250,000 over the period 2017 to 2019, of which £150,000 will be contributed by Dundee City Council.
