Tackling trash problems, the smarter way
Take Trash Compactor Monitoring into your own hands
Tons of waste monitored yearly
Years of smarter trash management
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Take Trash Compactor Monitoring into your own hands
SmartTrash® is a unique worldwide solution to the costs, problems and environmental impact of your waste and recycling. Designed and manufactured in the USA, we combine our industry knowledge and experience to help businesses and organizations lower waste and recycling costs by reducing the number of times your compactor is emptied. The result? A true management system that is guaranteed to save you money and time while helping you meet your organization's sustainability goals.
How SmartTrash® Works
Monitor Installation and Set up
The SmartTrash® compactor monitor hardware is installed on or near the compactor's control panel. It will time-stamp, record and analyze all of the compactor activity: how hard and how frequently the compactor is working including energy utilization, directional valve shifts, safety door switch activations and the pick up and return of the compactor.
Real-Time Data Feed
Compactor data from the Monitor is relayed to our Data Center and uploaded into our SQL Database Management Software, where it is processed and evaluated by SmartTrash® software. SmartTrash® technicians calibrate your monitor so it can automatically check fullness and performance to make sure your compactor is emptied "just in time".
Unique Data Solutions
SmartTrash® is the only waste management system offering a full range of data mining and control features. All of the data is stored and backed up on our server, allowing us to create custom reporting on the savings, weights achieved and the detailed activity of your compactor.
API Connectivity
SmartTrash® provides a robust Application Programming Interface (API) which allows customers' business systems to interface directly with SmartTrash®, saving customers valuable time on data entry.
Time Saver
No more guesswork or unnecessary checks. SmartTrash® automates fullness monitoring and haul scheduling—freeing up your team and providing instant access to detailed reports for validation and planning.
Cost Cutter
Avoid costly "pack-outs" and unnecessary pickups. SmartTrash® optimizes compactor usage and has helped customers cut waste and recycling expenses by at least 25%.
Sustainability Win
Fewer hauls mean less fuel, fewer trucks, and lower emissions. SmartTrash® helps reduce your environmental footprint while keeping operations efficient.
Insight Ready
Get the data you need, when you need it. Our reporting suite delivers everything from haul logs to usage trends—empowering smarter decisions and transparent billing.
Communication from anywhere
SmartTrash® monitors can communicate from anywhere with wireless cellular data service (LTE, GSM, CDMA, HSPA) even when the compactors are located three floors underground in a concrete garage, the SmartTrash® monitors stay “in touch” 24 hours per day.
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The most common questions
What exactly does the RFID allow the customer to do?
It triggers a relay to turn on/off, typically enabling a lifter or disabling a lock.
How does the locking system work?
It typically uses an electromagnetic lock on the compactor door, but other configurations like cages or lifter restrictions are possible.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using RFID cards over keypads?
Advantages include tracking individual usage, remote access withdrawal, easy replacement, and difficulty in sharing. Keypads are often shared or written down, making tracking difficult.
Does SmartTrash® require an internet/network connection or phone lines?
No, it operates on cellular networks, requiring no extra communication lines.
What are the necessary elements of installation?
The installation process is simple, takes about an hour, and does not require hydraulic fittings or hoses.
What components are essential for proper operation?
SmartTrash® pulls power from the compactor and uses cellular networks. A cycle timer is recommended if the compactor uses a 'Dead Man's Switch'.
Where is the monitor attached?
It is installed non-invasively and does not affect compactor operation.
Does SmartTrash® have run-time (hours) counters?
It records every compactor run and duration but does not publish runtime data. Energy usage is tracked to determine fullness.
What is the typical lifespan of the monitor?
Monitors have a long lifespan, with some in the field for over 10 years.
Does the system do any self-diagnostics or have a heart-beat protocol?
Yes, SmartTrash® has alerts for non-communication issues, which go out twice a day.
Is the system stand-alone or does it need to connect to IT infrastructure?
It pulls power directly from the compactor and uses cellular networks, requiring no additional infrastructure.
Is there a cancellation fee if we decide to change or cancel services?
No, there is no cancellation fee.
Can SmartTrash® integrate into an existing platform?
Yes, it has an API and can share data for integration.
How long has this specific technology been in place?
SmartTrash® started in the early 90s as a dial-up system and has since evolved.
What information can be made available to the customer?
SmartTrash® shares all collected compactor data with the customer.
How does SmartTrash® technology measure compactor fullness?
It uses three data points: energy/amperage draw, runs (frequency of use), and days (time metric for setting preemptive targets).
Where is the data stored?
Data is stored locally in the monitor's non-volatile memory and transmitted to cloud servers every 5 minutes or more frequently.
What is the difference between the two service options?
The standard service includes monitoring compactor data, wireless data transmission, accessibility via web or software, calibration, and SmartTrash® support. The managed service includes all these plus hauler interface and weight data input.