New high-tech Cleanaway trucks roll out to empty our bins
Cleanaway’s fleet of new, high-tech waste trucks will begin emptying Noosa residents’ bins from this Friday.
The trucks are equipped with an array of computerised technology, including cameras, GPS systems, sophisticated hydraulics and emergency warning systems.
The 10 new trucks, part of Council’s new seven-year waste contract with Cleanaway, include two recycling, two garden waste and five general waste trucks, plus a new ‘2-in-1’ truck that collects both recyclables and general waste.
Councillor Joe Jurisevic said: “The ‘2-in-1’, single-pass truck will operate in high-profile areas such as Hastings Street and the Junction. It will also collect commercial waste from high-traffic precincts. This vehicle will significantly reduce noise and the frequency of waste truck visits.
“This service will also have a dedicated runner to maximise efficiency.
“All the new trucks have cameras positioned to check on safety and to watch what goes into the trucks as bins are being emptied.
“Elsewhere there have been instances when children have climbed into bins and have ended up in the waste truck, which is potentially fatal. This technology can mitigate the risk of that sort of scenario from happening.
“The footage from the cameras can be viewed by the driver in the truck cabin and the driver can then stop a bin being emptied into the truck if required.”
Cleanaway Branch Manager Anthony Wetherspoon, also explained how the on-board cameras will help reduce the amount of potential recyclables that are sent to landfill.
“As well as giving the driver better visibility of risks, the cameras will also monitor bins for contamination,” he said.
“For example, plastic bags are considered contamination and shouldn’t go in the recycling bin, or the new garden waste bin. The new cameras will help us understand when contamination is occurring so we can support the community to improve recycling. Residents can also check the Handy A-Z Guide to Recycling on Council’s website.”
A web-based application allows Council staff to record and monitor data straight from the collection trucks as they undertake services, in real time.
A Council officer will be able to readily explain why a bin was not collected including whether the bin was overflowing, contaminated or too heavy.
Data will show location and timing of trucks, as well as information about scheduled collections. This data will be backed up by photos taken by the truck’s cameras.
The recycling trucks and the new garden waste trucks also have new ‘livery’. The ‘livery’ includes graphic artwork that shows exactly what can go in each bin and, therefore, what will be accepted by the recycling truck.
Robbie Walsh, Council’s Waste Management Supervisor said: “The technology in these trucks is amazing. We have never had anything as good as this before, and these new trucks will help us better manage the Shire’s different waste streams.”
For more information about waste and recycling, get your Handy A-Z Guide to Recycling, visit Council's website, or phone Council on (07) 5329 6500.
29 August 2017