Biffa trials game-changing internet-connected bins to transform household food waste collections

Sensor equipped bins developed in partnership with Contel deliver real-time participation data, enabling service optimisation and targeted recycling campaigns

Biffa is trialling internet-connected bins to help revolutionise the understanding of household food waste collections and the opportunities for service optimisation across the UK.

The pioneering system, which is undergoing real-world testing on Biffa's household waste collection rounds in Stratford-on-Avon District, South Warwickshire, uses advanced industrial sensors to collect real-time data on service participation and location.

The sensors are attached to the wheelie-bins into which food waste is emptied to record the neighbourhoods where caddies are put out for collection. The data is transmitted to the Contel Connected cloud platform before it is forwarded to a secure endpoint for analysis by Biffa experts in planning and insight.

With a 99.8% accuracy rate, the system provides granular insights at street level - without tracking individual addresses - ensuring privacy while delivering actionable intelligence.

Unlike anything currently available, the system means Biffa can allocate resources effectively and efficiently - adjusting vehicle and crew deployment based on actual service usage and collection times.

Initial trial results have been promising. Operatives reported no disruption to their routines, and participation rates are significantly higher than the 50% benchmark advised by WRAP. These insights highlight the potential for targeted promotional campaigns in areas with lower engagement, helping councils boost household recycling rates where it matters most.

Julie Lewis, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Head of Environmental & Neighbourhood Services, said: "We welcome any innovation that provides deeper insight into how our residents engage with kerbside recycling services and the District Council is pleased to support the trial of this innovative food waste bin technology. Access to accurate data is key to improving recycling behaviours, enabling us to identify where support is needed and to deliver targeted education and engagement that helps residents recycle more effectively."

Steve Cole, Managing Director, Biffa Municipal, said: "Simpler Recycling will see the introduction of mandatory household food waste collections from April 2026, so it's vital we understand service participation to help deliver better value and more sustainable solutions to our local authority clients and their residents.

"While currently focused on municipal food waste, the technology could be adapted for other waste streams in the future, aligning with broader sustainability and smart city initiatives. The long-term vision is to deploy a rotating set of smart bins across waste rounds, enabling continuous data sampling. Local authorities will be able to procure the joint expertise of Biffa and Contel in a packaged solution to provide sampling and analysis, receiving detailed service intelligence and tailored reports to refine and evolve their service design.

"By working with innovators like Contel, we're empowering councils with precise data, paving the way for smarter, greener waste management."

Andy Kelly, Co-CEO & Founder, Contel Ltd, said: "The technology has been in development for nearly two years, overcoming the challenges posed by the tough everyday conditions of the waste industry. From extreme weather to constant vibrations and varied bin handling practices, the solution has been engineered to be both robust and resilient."