A first-of-its-kind technology developed by Instant Products Group for use in portable toilet blocks could end overflowing toilets, improve event and worksite experiences, and save event organisers time and money.
The monitoring technology allows for real-time, remote monitoring of waste-generated, replacing antiquated alarm systems.
Managing Director Scott Rawson says that until now, toilet waste has been monitored through a basic float system that simply triggers a warning light when it is full.
“It’s a flawed system as there’s no way of knowing how quickly the waste tank is filling up, and even once the alarm is triggered, it still relies on someone noticing that, contacting the company and scheduling for the waste to be removed,” he said. “We’ve developed a real-time monitoring system that can map usage and waste generated, accurately forecast how long it will take until the tanks are full, and send text and email alerts when the tanks reach pre-set levels, which we can customise, avoiding the potential of any spill or overflow.”
Rawson says the technology also monitors how often a particular toilet block is used, which can assist with future planning. “At a recent event, we saw one set of toilets used more than 3000 times, but another block was used by just 1100 people,” he added. “Why is that? Is the location wrong? Was the signage wrong? How can a client use that data and feedback and improve the user experience for next time?”
He said the technology offers several key benefits to users across a wide range of industries, including;
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Events: Real time tracking can improve waste removal planning and scheduling and avoid the need for waste trucks to be on standby by accurately predicting how quickly tanks are filling and when they are likely to reach capacity. Data generated can assist in event planning for the future, potentially saving time and money and improving the overall experience for attendees.
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Mining: Spills and overflows are a health and safety issue, with an incident resulting in time consuming admin, plus call-out costs associated with urgent waste removal and clean up. By minimising the risk of an overflow incident, site sanitation is improved, adding to overall worker wellbeing.
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Construction: Waste monitoring can also avoid over-scheduling of waste removal, whereby toilet blocks are emptied even when use has been minimal.
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Difficult to Access Sites: Toilets in locations that are difficult to access (whether that be regional or remote sites, or perhaps in out-of-the-way locations on a golf course or running event track, for example) can be monitored without the need for personnel to physically inspect the facility, which creates cost and time efficiencies.
“It can be an uncomfortable topic and people don’t really want to think too much about it,” said Rawson. “But waste is a fact of life, and we should be using advancements in technology to make the process simpler, more efficient and cleaner. We’re excited to see how this technology and the data generated can improve other aspects of using toilet blocks in the future.”
