The collection point goes digital

In Switzerland, there are an estimated 1,000 recycling centers and about 5,000 small neighborhood collection points. Their operation is costly: Per ton of collected material, costs of about 200 Swiss francs are incurred on average. In a large recycling center such as the "Ökihof Cham", these costs are significantly lower, since the staff is usually well trained, the collection quality is very high and the amount of material handled is large. The situation is different for the smaller, unattended recycling centers and the neighborhood collection points: The collection quality is lower, the logistics are inefficient, overfilled containers and littering lead to the displeasure of the residents.

In the project "Ökihof 4.0", specialists from the Universities of Applied Sciences OST and FHNW want to improve these unmanaged recycling yards and neighborhood collection points together with partners from the recycling sector. By means of digitalization, the volume and value flows are to be made more economical and more attractive for the population.

"Just in time" logistics

There is great potential for improvement in the logistics of the collection points: Often, recyclables collection containers - glass containers, for example - are picked up before they are full. But it is even more problematic if they are collected too late. Overflowing containers lead to littering and thus to hygienic problems such as odor or rats and generally to an increased workload. A central goal of the project is therefore to collect the filled containers "just in time" - i.e., at exactly the right time.

To determine this ideal moment, the specialists use infrared and laser-controlled "time-of-flight" cameras. Together with machine learning, these cameras can precisely record the material quality and fill level of the containers. In addition, the cameras are used to monitor the collection point. The data collected can be used to forecast the right time to collect the filled containers "just in time".

In a first step, the environmental professionals equipped the Ökihof Cham with the new technology. "The test was very successful, the technology works," says co-project manager Prof. Dr. Petar Mandaliev from Institute for Biomass and Resource Efficiency FHNW. Now the technology is to be developed in a follow-up project together with the Institute for Data Science FHNW and then rolled out across the board at collection points. According to Mandaliev, time-of-flight technology shows its advantages when it comes to networking: "Forecasts become particularly interesting when not one collection point is considered in isolation, but several are logistically coupled with each other.

"Ökihof 4.0": Who is involved?

"Ökihof 4.0" is a joint project of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW and the OST - University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland in cooperation with the Special-purpose association of the Zug municipalities for the management of waste ZEBA and the Perlen AG Paper Mill. The project is financed by the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.

 

"SustainabilITy 2030"

Sustainable projects such as "Ökihof 4.0" require the successful cooperation of various stakeholders. The School of Engineering FHNW is therefore organizing the first international conference for digitalization and sustainability "SustainabilITy 2030" from August 26 to 27, 2021. In presentations, workshops, networking events and exhibitions, interested parties can learn more about funding opportunities for projects, get to know concrete approaches, be inspired by current projects and exchange ideas with experts from the environment, IT and business.

For more information: www.sustainability2030.ch