In a pioneering move to revolutionize waste management, Taoyuan has introduced its first "iTrash Smart Trash Bin." The launch, led by Mayor Chang San-Cheng on the morning of the 26th, took place on the historic Daxi Old Street. The innovative bins integrate various sensors with the Internet of Things (AIoT), featuring capabilities such as compression, deodorization, and refrigeration to control odors, ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant environment for garbage disposal. Mayor Zhang highlighted that when the trash and recyclables reach 80% capacity, an automatic notification is sent to sanitation workers for prompt cleaning, thus avoiding unsightly and unsanitary overflow. These bins not only make it more convenient for tourists to dispose of their waste but also offer incentives like recycling rebates stored directly onto the EasyCard, Taiwan's contactless smartcard system, and provide free WiFi access. By deploying innovative technology for added-value services, this initiative allows citizens to experience firsthand Taoyuan's robust capabilities in applying information and communication technology for urban governance and digital transformation.
Mayor Chang has emphasized the transformative impact of their newly introduced smart waste management system; the initiative of which, he explained, arose from the necessity to efficiently manage garbage collection in the absence of real-time data on bin capacities. Previously, sanitation workers had to conduct multiple rounds of inspections, often finding bins in popular areas overflowing while bins in less frequented areas remained nearly empty, leading to inefficient use of human resources. This year, the Department of Environmental Protection began integrating a smart trash bin management system. This innovative approach involves installing sensors inside trash bins to monitor the level of waste. Once the bin reaches 80% capacity, a notification is automatically sent to cleaning staff via the LINE messaging app, indicating which bins need emptying. This system not only provides the shortest route for garbage collection but also significantly reduces both internal operational and external environmental costs. Additionally, in a bid to maintain urban environmental quality, the public can report any damaged or dirty bins by scanning a QR code placed on each bin. This feature allows for rapid notification and intervention by management teams, fostering community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and order.
Director General Shi-wei Chen of the Department of Environmental Protection outlined a comprehensive strategy for the deployment of smart trash bins throughout the city, emphasizing a tailored approach to suit different urban areas. In high-density, well-trafficked core urban areas with available power supply, the bureau plans to install larger iTrash smart bins. Conversely, in peripheral areas characterized by lower foot traffic and no power sources, smaller, battery-operated smart bins will be utilized. This year marked the inauguration of an iTrash bin in Daxi Old Street and Pingshen Xincheng Park, each costing approximately TWD 1.5 to 2 million. These bins are currently leased, with plans to add eight more next year. For the battery-operated small smart bins, 80 units are slated for installation this year, with an additional 83 units next year. The aim of this initiative, integrating Advanced Internet of Things (AIoT) technology, is to monitor the fill-level of public garbage bins in real-time. Once the bins are 80% full, an immediate alert for cleaning is issued to prevent overflow and unsightliness. Leveraging big data analytics, the system is designed to provide cleaning crews with optimized timing and routes for garbage collection. This strategy not only addresses the issue of littered areas but also significantly enhances the efficiency of waste management operations.
The Environmental Sanitation Inspection Team has showcased six innovative functions of the iTrash bins: waste compression to minimize volume, refrigeration to prevent odor, overflow detection, automatic notification alerts, free WiFi access, and a rewards system for recycling. Through a dedicated app, residents can easily locate iTrash smart bins. A notable feature is the cashback service, accessible by using a contactless payment card. For every 10 plastic bottles or 8 aluminum or tin cans recycled, users receive a monetary reward of 1 NTD. A particularly user-friendly aspect of iTrash is its ability to accumulate recycling quantities over time. Users need not recycle in large numbers at once; instead, iTrash smartly tallies each contribution and automatically credits the cumulative amount to users' cards. Moreover, the iTrash system provides individualized data on waste disposal, recycling habits, and estimated carbon footprint. This feature aims to encourage waste reduction and mindful recycling among citizens. The data gathered also serves as a crucial tool for municipal environmental policy-making, offering insights into the community's waste management and recycling behaviors.
Dignitaries attending today's ceremony in Taoyuan City included Mayor Chang San-Cheng, Department of Environmental Protection Director General Shi-Wei Chen, Environmental Cleaning Inspection Brigade Commander Li-Chang Lin, Daxi District Chief Ching-Yang Hsu, Daxi Elementary School Principal I-Wen Tao, Hao Yang Environmental Co., Ltd. CEO Han-Yu Liu, Daxi Image Business Circle Development Association Chairperson Shu-Chun Huang, and several village chiefs: Xinghe's Tsai-Jung-Chiu, Furen's Chun-Cheng Huang, Yixin's Chin-Hsien Huang, Yuemei's Wen-Chung Huang, Yongfu's Chien-Hua Liao, Xinfeng's Hsin-Hung Lin, Kang'an's Hsueh-Yuan Liao, Ruixing's Jui-Hsing Lin, Zhongxin's Fang-Shan Chen, Renyi's Chen-Yuan Chang, Qiao Ai's Pin-Chien Chen, Renshan's Huan-Peng Chu, Renwu's Yung-Jun Chiu, Yuanlin's Lien-ching Yu, Tianxin's Chiu-Jung Yu, Renwen's Su-Yueh Chiu, Renhe's Chuang-Chih Wei, Nanxing's Cheng-Shuang Yang, along with community development association chairs from various neighborhoods: Touliao's Yu-Hung Hsiao, Xiatianxin's Tian-Yuan Hsieh, Xingfu's Mei-Yu Lin Wu, Sanyuan's Lien-Ming Huang, Yongfu's Tsai-Yi Wang, Qiding's Chin-Sheng Chan, Renshan's Ying-Ying Tu, Renhe's Wan-Chun Wang, and Renyi's Chen-Yuan Chang.