With AI on-truck haulers no longer blind
Content sponsored by Sponsored ContentBy WasteVision Al To solve a problem you must first identify the cause. The overloaded bins and the contaminated recycling have always caused a lot of financial trouble for garbage haulers. The issue is to determine those who are guilty and to recuperate the extra costs spread among hundreds of bins the same route. The haulers have been in a state of confusion.
Cameras on trucks and optical artificial intelligence (AI) are now able to provide an overview of every lift. In places where there was a lack of visibility then there’s now sight. Now, with this clarity haulers can deal with contamination and overflow problems efficiently.
“Any hauler understands that overloaded containers fill a truck more quickly and will result in an unplanned disposal costs. The delays in the route and the increased disposal costs can be significant,” said Marc Shaener of JLT Hauling and Recycling. “We utilized to request our drivers to snap a photo and record overflows in the system. The participation and compliance of our drivers was nearly non-existent. The concerns we had were confirmed when we implemented WasteVision AI into our program and discovered that more than 10 percent of our containers are overloaded. We also saw hundreds of lifts daily when you extrapolate that across the entire fleet. We have now identified all overflows and, most importantly, our customers have been open and willing to accept the cost increase because WasteVision gives irrefutable proof through photographs that are time-stamped. The images are undisputed and, in the end, the customer is pleased with the constant checking of their account and providing clarity to the necessary service changes.
Comprehensive data on overflows reveals any areas of concern along a specific route. Haulers then work with their clients to reduce the size of accounts with frequent overflows. The accounts that do not adapt service according to their needs will be notified that any future overflows will result in fees that are appropriate and charges for service.
“Typically, haulers charge overflows on 1% or fewer of their commercial lifts,” said Tony Genovese, CTO of WasteVision AI. “Our research shows that there is overflow on between 8% and 12 percent of commercial bins, based on the routes. The data is comprehensive and helps our clients prioritize their concerns. They are able to offer proactive services. If they don’t get it then a cost for any future overflows should not be unexpected. An image of an overflow typically removes pushback.”
On-truck AI offers similar advantages in identifying contamination from recycling. Prior to AI contamination, it was often not detected until after the MRF. Contaminated materials not only decrease recycling value but also require costly re-processing and disposal. The high levels of contamination have damaged and even destroyed recycling programs across the nation.
“The most important thing is to tie the contamination back to a specific generator. WasteVision AI not only identifies the source of contamination through the hopper camera, but also offers a full report linking contamination events to generators” explained Genovese. “This contamination data can be compiled over time and problem generators can be identified and targeted for education.”
Contamination and overflows have long been issues for haulers. The first time around, AI provides visibility to every generator so that the issues are handled efficiently. For more information on how AI can benefit your business
