Keeping track of bins with technology
Palmerston North City Council will begin fitting chips to all its recycling wheelie bins.
The new smart technology is a radio frequency identification chip (RFID) which will keep tabs on the bins.
Wheelie bins that have been damaged, moved, stolen or found on other properties would be easily traced through the chips.
Council senior project engineer Katherine Stannard said the recycling bins are council assets and need to be maintained.
“The chips will enable the council to maintain their assets better, as well as provide services to the community more fairly,” said Katherine.
Council’s networks general manager Ray Swadel says ratepayers pay $126 for council’s yearly kerbside recycling service but estimates suggest that around 1000 wheelie bins have gone missing.
“Using these estimates those bins not being paid for are costing ratepayers upwards of $126,000 a year.
“As property rates cover kerbside recycling services we also need to make sure that our services are provided fairly.
“For instance, if a property has acquired two recycling bins and it is only paying for one in its rates, then the ratepayer will ultimately be expected to pick up the bill for the additional bin,” said Ray.
During the four-month chipping period residents will receive pamphlets with address labels in their letter boxes to place on the bin.
Residents are also urged to continue placing their bins at kerbside from 7.30am to 7pm on collection days until the bins have been chipped by the council.
A small sticker placed on the bin will indicate it has been chipped.