NRAs 2019: Smarter Systems (Efficiency) Award

Textile recycler Nathan’s Wastesavers introduced access control textile banks in 2018, which it developed with container manufacturer and waste solutions provider Egbert Taylor. The product was designed to help minimise problems with theft, contamination and fly-tipping across its fleet of textile banks.

Via Egbert Taylor’s wireless and sensor technologies, now the only people who can access the banks are the appointed collectors. When within a certain proximity of the banks, the sensor technology recognises the approved individuals and the doors unlock, allowing the contents to be collected.

JUDGES’ COMMENT: “This combines a traditional collection method with modern technology, bringing it up to the present day. It secures the resource, improves efficiency, reduces contamination and offers carbon benefits.”

As there is no hinge or ‘break in point’, with the aperture door flush with the actual container, thieves are unable to access the banks easily.

The textile banks are also equipped with a fill level sensor, which enable collection teams to decide if they require emptying, saving them time and reducing carbon emissions associated with unnecessarily emptying the banks. Nathan’s Wastesavers can remotely ascertain in real time how full their bins are, so there is never an issue with over-full units.

The solution has led to a weight increase in clothing donations of 24%, highlighting how much material was being lost previously. It also provides up-to-the-minute knowledge of how much waste has been collected, when it was collected and who it was collected by, which makes the process much more auditable.

If there is a problem, such as a break-in or a fire, the team at Nathan’s Wastesavers is alerted and can make an immediate decision as to whether or not to investigate or rectify an issue based on real and tangible data.