RFID boosts recycling drive

Alien Technology is working with systems integrator, CDO Technologies to increase community recycling levels in the city of Dayton, Ohio, in the US, RFID News reports.

Through the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, residents who make use of their recycling containers are automatically entered into a lottery for one of four $100 prizes. The city has already awarded its first four resident winners.

RFID Journal says the project's goal is to lower the city's recycling costs, and increase participation in its existing recycling efforts.

The solution, deployed by CDO, consists of EPC Gen 2 passive ultrahigh-frequency RFID tags attached to the recycling bins, as well as CDO's high-value asset tracking platform and Alien's ALR-9900+ readers installed on trucks used for collecting recyclable trash.

According to city officials, the results from this RFID-based programme have been quick, with a 40% increase in recycling participation, and an increase in recycled material from 200 to 535 tons in just the first few months of operation, MoreRFID states.

The programme has also allowed the city to restructure routes, renegotiate recycling rates and balance staffing - all leading to a return on investment that is projected in less than 12 months, and a savings of more than $100 000 per year.