VIA INO21 Challenge 4: Tech-Innovation - Smart Solutions For Waste Management In Public Spaces

To participate in this challenge it is required that you are a student at VIA University College Engineering and take part in the Innovation weeks in week 5 and 6.

The potential in technology is enormous, yet not at big part of waste management – especially when it comes to public spaces. In the city of Aarhus we see a huge potential in using technology in many of our operations. We look for a more efficient way to operate, to optimize public areas, and direct traffic.

We are looking into a future with easy access to data and artificial intelligence that analyse huge datasets to see patterns, errors, or guide operations. With small chip and efficient sensors, global datasets and internet of things the potential is nearly endless.

When talking about smart solutions in public waste management, sensors monitoring garbage levels in garbage bins seem to be state of the art. But we see a much bigger potential and hope you will take the challenge and show us the opportunities in a smart public waste management system. 

There are not many restraints in your design of potential solutions – but it must be within the scheme of public waste! Either related to public waste bins and how they can be “smarter”, smarter operations or related to litter in public areas (streets, parks, nature etc). Waste from private homes and companies is not part of the challenge.

Give Aarhus your take on the future and a smart solution for waste management in public spaces.