GPS improves waste collection efficiency

24x7 operational control room helps in tackling public grievances

Implementing a global positioning system (GPS) based municipal solid waste transportation has led to saving of more than 48 per cent running cost and increased efficiency by 88 per cent for the Mysore City Corporation (MCC).

The statistics on effect of GPS was revealed by Kallatra Technologies director Nishad Ali and project manager B S Vishwanath at the ongoing third international conference on solid waste management ‘ICONSWM-2012’ at the N R Narayana Murthy Centre of Excellence here on Tuesday.

While the 24x7 operational control room has helped in tackling public grievances, the GPS system has led to effective usage of fleet of 323 vehicles deployed to transport solid waste to the management plants.

Efficiency

Disclosing the advantages, they said, “The efficiency of vehicle movement has increased to a large extent as well as limitation of only authenticated usage of the vehicle is being carried away. 

“No route deviation is being carried as the fuel will not be given if the vehicle moves out of the scheduled specific path.”

Features

Additional features include fueling for vehicles is based on GPS report, which has shown savings for the MCC. 

The GPS has also resulted in increase of daily trips as it is strictly monitored. Ali and Vishwanath mentioned that for the MCC, the total cost was estimated to be regained within two months owing to reduction in diesel consumption.

However, during the initial phase of implementation, there was ‘negative impression’ among drivers, who believed that the new system was to monitor and force them with regulations. 

But awareness about GPS has ensured the cooperation of drivers in implementation and using the system effectively.

Several reports and alerts including facility to communicate with vehicle drivers, feasibility of storing data for several years have also been provided in the GPS system. 

GPS advantages

* Tracking location of vehicle from control room.
* Complete history of movement of vehicles for any period.
* Accountability of distance travelled by each vehicle.
* Increased efficiency of garbage clearance.