UTS campus implement smart bins

The IQ at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has gone up thanks to newly installed Orwak Smart Bins, affectionately named TOM.

The campus is managed by facilities management services company, OCS Australia, who initiated the bins to be installed for ease of use, as well as for its environmental qualities. This is the first OCS site in Australia to have these bins installed.

OCS Australia site manager, Tracy Hunter says "TOM holds up to seven times more waste than a conventional waste bin and features hands-free operation. Additionally, the shutter can be programmed to stay open during peak times.

"This is a fantastic feature for both the people using the bins, as well as those emptying them, resulting in less mess and fewer germs on hands. The bins also notify our OCS team members when the bags are full, so no more overflowing bins or extra time spent on routinely checking them."

TOM is a multi-faceted multitasker - the neatest member of the Orwak family.

OCS Australia & New Zealand managing director, Gareth Marriott says "the smart bins service the campus’ almost 45,000 students and its staff members. The beauty of them is that they save time, space, and energy, and all of that saves our client money. It also saves us money, as TOM also communicates. A modem-based communication system enables TOM to send our team members a SMS or email when the bins are full, or the unit needs maintenance.

"This is a fantastic invention and OCS is proud to be able to implement these into the services we provide. Innovation and sustainability are a big part of who we are as a company and our business strategy strongly aligns with these qualities, harnessing and developing existing technology to deliver best practice and efficiency."