AirLink Solutions Helps Make Recycling Smarter

AirLink Solutions Help Transform Waste Management

Waste Management Company Looks to Reach Zero-Waste Goals With Smart Trash Bins

With nearly 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year and only 66% of paper in the United States being properly recycled, a Pennsylvania-based company has dedicated itself to revolutionizing waste and resource recovery. To meet this goal, the organization has developed a device that leverages the latest AI and robotics technology advancements to make recycling smarter and easier.

The solution is a smart recycling bin that utilizes AI-powered technology to automatically sort waste materials, ensuring proper diversion from landfills and helping companies with high foot traffic, such as airports, hospitals, and stadiums, achieve zero-waste goals.

This intelligent system goes beyond traditional recycling methods by identifying and sorting - with 96% accuracy - waste materials in real-time as they are discarded. This starkly contrasts the modest 30% accuracy typically attained by traditional recycling bins - mostly attributable to human error and/or confusion. The result significantly contributes to diverting all recyclable and recoverable materials away from landfills.

The Challenge

Securing A Robust, Always-On Connection To Ensure Performance

This smart recycling bin came to be when the company realized there could be some confusion among the general public in selecting the right bin for waste disposal in high-traffic areas. In response, they developed a smart recycling bin that automatically sorts waste using AI-powered technology to address this issue.

However, the bin's advanced capabilities require a robust, always-on connectivity solution for optimal utilization. Relying on local Wi-Fi for connectivity in high-traffic venues such as airports, hospitals, and stadiums posed significant challenges, including lengthy integration processes, security audits, and the inconsistency of local Wi-Fi in some facilities. The need for a dependable solution led them to explore cellular IoT options.

The Solution

Sierra Wireless Airlink LX40 Router Provides Reliable Connectivity With Time and Cost Savings

The company found a reliable connectivity partner in Sierra Wireless. The Sierra AirLink LX40 router was the perfect solution to seamlessly connect the deployed smart waste bins. The "plug-and-play" model of the AirLink router eliminated the complexities associated with local Wi-Fi integration, saving both time and money while deploying new devices and allowing the organization to focus more on its mission.

The company's co-founder and Vice President of Engineering expressed the frustration caused by security audits and sporadic network connectivity. The AirLink solution not only addressed these pain points but also provided robust and reliable connectivity in all environments, overcoming challenges faced with local Wi-Fi.

Partnering with Sierra Wireless brought tangible results for the company, including:

Time and Cost Savings

The "plug-and-play" model streamlined the deployment of new devices, eliminating the need for lengthy security audits and integration processes. This resulted in significant time and cost savings for the organization.

Robust Connectivity

Sierra's AirLink routers ensured dependable connectivity in all environments, overcoming the challenges of sporadic or non-existent local Wi-Fi. This robust connection allowed the company to fully leverage the device's real-time data and video content management capabilities.

Efficient Management

The AirLink Management Service platform provided centralized monitoring, enabling efficient management of the growing network of deployed devices. It facilitated firmware upgrades, security updates, and issue resolution, ensuring a high level of service for device customers.

About MCA and Our CNS Team

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.