Smart trash cans for downtown Hannover

Sensors detect fill level and report it via special wireless network

To this end, aha and enercity have equipped 20 waste bins with smart sensors that detect and report fill levels. enercity connects the bins to the city sanitation department via a wireless network. Through this real-time data transmission, the city sanitation department receives an up-to-date overview of the bins’ fill levels from aha, allowing it to empty them as needed and optimize routes to reduce time, costs, and emissions.

"With smart waste bins, we can quickly and effectively prevent overflowing trash cans," says Dr. Axel von der Ohe, First Deputy Mayor and Head of the Finance and Public Order Department. "Digital solutions help further enhance Hannover’s appeal as a city and make the downtown area even cleaner and more livable."

The ultrasonic sensors integrated into the bins detect when the bin is full. They are robust, water and shock resistant and integrated into a LoRaWAN wireless network. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a network for long-range, wireless radio technology that is particularly characterized by energy efficiency during transmission.

"Connected cities and regions provide lasting benefits for the people who live there. With smart solutions, we are improving the quality of life in Hannover," says enercity CEO Dr. Susanna Zapreva. "I am delighted that, through this forward-looking project, we are digitizing the city’s infrastructure and thereby making a further contribution to energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and climate protection in the city."

Less CO2, more cleanliness, higher quality of life in the city

The pilot project is scheduled to run for six months. Ten stationary and ten suspended bins in the city center were equipped with the modern technology to test the digital fill level sensors. A particular focus is on the possible use of the fill level data for the planning and implementation of optimal route logistics in bin emptying.

"In consultation with our project partners, we deliberately chose downtown Hanover," emphasizes aha Managing Director Thomas Schwarz. "Experience has shown that there is a higher volume of waste here. In addition, our downtown facility, which is staffed around the clock, can respond quickly to increased waste volumes, such as during events."

"We are committed to ensuring that Hannover's city center presents itself in the best possible light. Safety, cleanliness, and the resulting comfort of visitors to downtown Hannover are among our top priorities," says Martin A. Prenzler, Executive Director of City-Gemeinschaft Hannover e. V. "With these smart trash cans, we are taking a digital step forward to make our city even more attractive."

(Published on December 13, 2021)