You never know how technology can be applied to address non-technology issues. This spring, San Francisco will fit 1000 trash bins with smart sensors to detect how full they are. This IoT (“Internet of Things”) technology was developed by Nordsense.

Keeping streets clean is a constant challenge in San Francisco. This spring, the public works department will use information collected by smart sensors to make decisions on ideal bin location, when a bin needs to be emptied, and where recycling options may be needed. Sensors will issue alert notifications when bins are 80% full.

This initative promises to lower trash overflow, reduce costly dispatching to empty bins, and collect data to identify patterns to optimally place bins and empty bins.

If the smart bins are a success, the ongoing challenge will be to get people to actually use the trash and recycling bins.