Heliot: IoT, 0G LPWAN to transform waste
- August 20, 2024
- William Payne

Local government in Europe is under unprecedented pressure. Demand for services is soaring, while budgets are increasingly constrained. These demands include managing essential services such as waste management with smaller decreasing funds. Stringent waste management and recycling targets make this task even more challenging.
According to Gareth Mitchell, UK Partner Manager at Heliot Europe, IoT and sensors in waste management applications are a key part of the solution to providing a cost-effective and efficient answer for local government.
“Local councils across the UK are navigating a challenging environment marked by severe budgetary constraints and rising financial pressures,” said Mr Mitchell. “Recent trends in council bankruptcies highlight the urgency for councils to spend money they do have judiciously. Issues such as potholes remain a major concern for many residents, illustrating the challenge of effective investment in infrastructure amidst financial instability.”
According to the UK Local Government Association (LGA), UK councils spend approximately £852 million annually on waste disposal. Many contracts date back several years and may no longer be fit for purpose. They represent an obvious area for local councils to target to maximise cost efficiency and savings.
Councils must also deal with the rigorous legislative requirements around waste management and recycling. The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is set to introduce ‘Simpler Recycling Laws’ from 2026, aiming to reduce food waste heading to landfills and curb unscrupulous waste management practices.
Key regulations, such as the EU Waste Framework Directive and the UK Environment Act 2021, require councils to meet specific recycling and waste reduction targets. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to hefty fines, increased waste disposal costs, and lost funding opportunities.
“For local councils, current waste management processes largely rely on manual labour, subcontractors, and waste management companies,” said Heliot Europe’s George Mitchell. “These waste and recycling bins are collected according to a specific routine, and are often collected when they are not full, leading to wasted man-hours and inefficient route planning. Such inefficiencies drain council resources and budgets, increasing operational costs and diverting funds from other critical areas. Additionally, councils incur higher landfill taxes and incineration fees when recycling targets are missed, further straining financial resources.”
By automating the process of emptying these bins with IoT sensors, it is possible to monitor bin fill levels and trigger IT systems to flag when a bin is ready to be emptied. This helps reduce costs, enhance route optimisation when collecting the bins, and improve operational efficiency.
These IoT devices have long battery lives and are able to operate reliably in various environments, including cold, rain, and areas with limited mobile signal. They can also be used in underground bins where traditional connectivity options fail.
“The utilisation of IoT sensors for monitoring bin fill levels optimises collection schedules, providing real-time data that enhances decision-making and resource efficiency,” said Mr Mitchell. “This technology frees up staff to focus on value-added tasks and allows money to be better allocated across other essential services. For example, instead of manually checking bins, staff can be redirected to maintain and improve other critical infrastructure, thereby increasing overall operational efficiency. This efficient use of resources can also help councils align with their obligations under S106 agreements, which often require developers to contribute to local infrastructure improvements, including waste management systems.”
“IoT sensors are no good though unless they can connect to a network,” said Mr Mitchell. “A subgigahertz (0G), low-power wide-area network (LPWAN), offers significant advantages for IoT deployment in waste management operations. This technology is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and viable for long-term use. The compatible sensors are small, compact, and cost-effective, making them ideal for widespread deployment across various applications. For instance, a recent project at Cambridge University exemplifies how these technologies can optimise waste management operations by providing real-time data and enabling the creation of efficient collection schedules.”
“What is more, IoT and 0G LPWAN connectivity have broader applications for local councils beyond waste management, such as managing EV charging infrastructure. These technologies can provide alerts when charging bays are full, monitor usage patterns, and offer valuable data for optimising EV infrastructure. While smart city initiatives represent a sustainable long-term goal, IoT for waste management is a clear example of a tangible return on investment (ROI) and an excellent first step towards broader automation for local councils. This incremental approach ensures that councils can implement advanced technologies without overwhelming their existing infrastructure and resources,” said Mr Mitchell.
Implementing these technologies can enhance infrastructure management and improve public services. “For councils funded by taxpayer money, demonstrating the efficient use of resources through tangible benefits like smart waste management is crucial for maintaining public trust and support. And at a time where less than 50% of people have confidence in their local councils, attempting to address this ought to be a priority for councils across the country. By adopting IoT and 0G LPWAN connectivity and the processes it allows, councils can enhance their service delivery, reduce operational costs, and meet legislative requirements, all while delivering ROI and preparing for future technological advancements,” said Mr Mitchell.