Rubbish bins may no longer be just for waste disposal. As The National reported yesterday, Sharjah's waste management company, Bee'ah, is hoping to turn the city's rubbish and recycling bins into wireless hotspots. Even though this project could result in people huddling around refuse bins in search of a decent internet connection, it's a great use of technology as these bins will be in every neighbourhood, making them accessible to all.
While free Wi-Fi is a big benefit, it’s not the only one. The solar-powered bins will be fitted with a wireless sensor that will detect how full the bins are and will communicate with a central control server via the mobile network. They may also be able to help the municipality to collect data about waste management.
Given Sharjah’s previous problems with rubbish, the project may well bring relief for the city’s residents. But most importantly, it proves the point that sometimes what might seem like small ideas can deliver big innovations.
