By Ted Fischer
November 9, 2009

Orlando showcased their high frequency RFID technology during the tours at the MWMA Fall Summit. The tour featured a collection truck equipped with RFID technology, having the ability to catalogue which carts have been collected and which have been missed. The tour consisted of hands-on experience with the truck and the technology, maneuvering down some of the narrowest streets to demonstrate the ability to pick up and remove waste from apartment buildings, condos and offices, and the ability to catalogue what was picked up and what might have been missed during the process.

The tour participants were then taken to city hall for a presentation by Rehrig Pacific and Sonrai Systems. Sonrai’s Trash Tracker Panel essentially is a “smart” panel that replaces a compactor’s existing control panel. Through the integration of over 60 sensing devices, the trash tracker allows for remote monitoring of everything from container fullness to oil levels to when and how long the trash chute door remains open. The Sonrai’s tracker enables clients to positively impact their bottom lines in each of the following areas: waste expense reduction; reduced repairs; loss prevention; and extended asset life. The data collected by the tracker is then compiled into reports that can be customized for various views depending on the needs of the organization. Reports, including service, productivity and sustainability/recycling reports, are updated in real time and available 24/7 through the web-based client portal. The tour gave participants a look into a program that was being developed by Orlando to track solid waste and recycling progress.