BigBelly's trash cans in New York City can be called smart for more than just one reason. In addition to being able to notify city collectors when a bin is at capacity, the same smart technology is being used to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. This means that someone in close proximity to the waste bin, such as sitting on a bench nearby, would be able to connect to the Internet.
So far, NYC has installed more than 170 of these smart garbage bins and so far, testing on the Wi-Fi capabilities is being conducted on two of these units.
Because the trash cans are collect power from the sun and do not experience interference from tall buildings nearby, it's estimated that these smart trashcans could even provide enough bandwidth to sustain a small business.
Wi-Fi Trash Bins
New York City's BigBelly Trash Cans Take in Waste and Give Out Wi-Fi
Trend Themes
1. Smart Waste Management - The integration of smart technology in waste management systems presents opportunities for more efficient waste collection and disposal processes.
2. Public Wi-fi Access - Providing Wi-Fi connectivity through smart infrastructure such as trash bins can improve internet accessibility in public spaces.
3. Renewable Energy Integration - Using solar power to operate smart trash cans not only reduces carbon footprint but also opens up possibilities for utilizing renewable energy in other applications.
Industry Implications
1. Waste Management - The adoption of smart waste management systems can revolutionize the waste collection industry, enabling optimized operations and reduced costs.
2. Telecommunications - Telecommunication companies can explore partnerships and collaborations to expand Wi-Fi coverage by leveraging existing smart infrastructure like trash bins.
3. Renewable Energy - The integration of solar-powered smart solutions, such as Wi-Fi-enabled trash cans, can contribute to the growth and development of the renewable energy industry.