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Dayton, Ohio is using GPS technology in their new recycling incentive program. This recently launched incentive program will use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on each recycling bin as well as asset tracking software, which uses GPS technology.
This kind of software is not new to Dayton. The city has been using RFID tags and the asset tracking software for over a year to keep track of all the city’s recycling bins.
The new incentive program will give out cash prizes to citizens. The new program is designed to get more and more people involved in recycling. The new program has already seen an increase of 40% in recycling participation, according to Dayton’s director of public works, Fred Stovall.
This recycling incentive program will help to keep garbage out of the landfill, which will save the city money. Dayton is currently spending almost $2.6 million each year to pick up and take care of trash. The city currently recycles about 500 tons every month, but city officials want to double that number with this new incentive program.
Recycling is collected every other week, so residents can be entered into the cash drawing twice each month. Recycling trucks are equipped with RFID readers and will automatically scan and enter recycling bins into the drawing. Four cash prizes winners will be randomly chosen each month by RFID tag. Cash prizes of $100 are being awarded by waste disposal service Rumpke.
Dayton purchased the technology and 10,000 recycling bins using $500,000 in federal stimulus funds. According to Stovall, the city has not used any taxpayer money to fund either the technology or the program.
Many cities are considering how GPS technology can help things run more efficiently. They may soon be following Dayton’s example with RFID tags and asset tracking for recycling.

Article Written by Janice Grover