Trash Bin 3D Monitoring
Traditional trash bin monitoring often reports only a single fill level, making it hard to know which areas of a bin are full or empty.
For Amazon, Macnman Technologies deployed the MacRay LoRaWAN ToF sensor on the top of the trash bins. Unlike conventional level sensors, this 3D time-of-flight sensor mapped the entire trash floor, detecting exactly which corners were filled and which remained empty.
By providing granular, corner-specific data, facility managers can optimize waste collection schedules, reduce overflow, and improve operational efficiency all via a long-range, low-power LoRaWAN network.
The Challenge: Blind Spots in Trash Monitoring ♻️
Even with modern waste management systems, Amazon faced limitations in trash bin visibility:
Partial Data
Traditional sensors reported only overall fill levels, ignoring corner-specific variations.
Inefficient Collection
Trucks often visited bins that were partially empty, wasting fuel and manpower.
Overflow Risks
Lack of precise data caused localized overflow, creating hygiene and operational issues.
Manual Inspections
Staff had to physically check bins, increasing labor and operational costs.
Proposed Solution: 3D Trash Mapping with LoRaWAN 🚀
Macnman deployed the MacRay LoRaWAN ToF sensor on the top face of each trash bin to provide full 3D mapping of the waste floor, delivering actionable insights far beyond a simple fill-level reading.
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Full 3D Coverage
Detects which corners of the bin are filled and which remain empty.
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Long-Range LoRaWAN Communication
Sends data reliably to the central monitoring system without wiring.
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Real-Time Alerts
Immediate notifications when specific areas of a bin reach critical levels.
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Data-Driven Collection
Enables optimized pickup schedules, reducing trips and operational costs.
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Non-Intrusive Deployment
Mounted on top of existing bins without modifying infrastructure.
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Scalable Network
Additional bins or sites can be integrated easily into the LoRaWAN system.
LoRaWAN Architecture: for 3D Trash Monitoring Sensors
Deployment: MacRay ToF Sensors in Action
The deployment focused on creating a smart, 3D trash monitoring system without altering existing bins :
MacRay LoRaWAN ToF Sensors
Mounted on the top of each trash bin to capture full 3D mapping of the waste floor.
Industrial LoRaWAN Gateway
Aggregated data from all MacRay ToF Sensors and sent it to the SCADA system for real-time visualization.
SCADA System Integration
Data was mapped directly into existing dashboards for trend analysis, alert management, and automated actions..
Local Indicators
Additional indicators are installed in line with the MacRay ToF Sensors for the visual indicators.
Deployment Challenges: Overcoming Greenhouse Hurdles
Accurate 3D Mapping
Ensuring the sensor captured all corners of the bin for precise readings.
Long-Range Communication
Reliable LoRaWAN transmission from each bin to the gateway across the facility.
Environmental Interference
Dust, moisture, and sunlight could affect sensor performance, requiring robust housing and calibration.
Non-Intrusive Installation
The system needed to accommodate future expansion without additional wiring or major infrastructure changes.
Scalability
Ensuring the network could easily expand as more bins were added.
Impact: Smarter Waste Management, Real-Time Insights
Precise 3D Mapping
Knows exactly which corners of each bin are filled or empty.
Optimized Collection Routes
Trucks only visit bins that truly need emptying, reducing fuel and labor costs.
Real-Time Alerts
Immediate notifications when specific areas of a bin reach critical levels.
Reduced Overflow
Corner-level data prevents localized overflow, maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency.
Data-Driven Decisions
Historical and live data helps plan efficient schedules and improve operational planning.
Scalable Monitoring
Additional bins or sites can be integrated into the LoRaWAN network easily and cost-effectively.
Validation: Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability ✅
3D Mapping Accuracy Tests
The MacRay ToF sensor’s 3D mapping was verified using manual measurements achieving >95% accuracy in detecting waste distribution inside bins.
Real-Time Communication Checks
LoRaWAN connectivity was tested under different environmental conditions to ensure consistent data transmission even with signal interference or partial obstruction.
Power Efficiency Evaluation
Long-term trials validated the sensor’s low-power operation, confirming months of runtime on a single battery cycle.
Integration Testing
Data was validated on the Amazon Waste Monitoring Dashboard, ensuring that live readings matched on-ground conditions.
Edge-to-Cloud Verification
End-to-end data flow—from the MacRay ToF sensor to the LoRaWAN gateway and cloud dashboard—was continuously monitored to confirm system reliability above 99% uptime.
Transforming Waste Management with Smart 3D Monitoring
The Amazon Trash Bin Monitoring project demonstrated how MacRay LoRaWAN ToF sensors can revolutionize waste management through precision 3D mapping and intelligent data transmission. By identifying not just the level but the exact distribution of waste, the system enabled targeted cleanups, optimized collection schedules, and improved overall operational efficiency.
This deployment validated the power of Macnman’s IoT innovation combining advanced sensing, LoRaWAN communication, and data intelligence to create cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable environments.
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