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Securing the future of waste management: how security and access solutions lead a smarter, safer, and greener revolution

Waste management is evolving, with rising demands for sustainability, security, and efficiency. As cities and businesses work toward ambitious recycling goals, such as the EU’s 65% target, they face new challenges in managing waste responsibly. Imagine waste management not just as trash collection, but as optimizing resources in real time and securing valuable materials — all while contributing to a cleaner planet. With smart access and security solutions, this vision is already becoming a reality.

Waste management gets smarter: the power of technology

The integration of smart technology is changing how we think about waste management. Picture this: smart bins scattered across a city, equipped with sensors that constantly monitor their fill levels. These bins “talk” to collection trucks, telling them exactly when they need to be emptied, reducing unnecessary trips and cutting down on fuel emissions.

The true innovation occurs when smart bins are combined with advanced access management. These systems ensure that only authorized personnel can access waste collection points, particularly those containing valuable or hazardous materials. From hospitals managing sensitive medical waste to recycling centers handling valuable metals, ABLOY solutions offer a way to track and monitor every step of the disposal process, ensuring that the materials don’t fall into the wrong hands.

On the other end of the spectrum, recycling centers are dealing with valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and electronics that are increasingly targeted by thieves. With reliable security solutions these facilities can protect their assets, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access.

Driving efficiency with digitalization

Digitalization is at the core of waste management’s evolution. Here, access solutions are not only securing but optimizing entire operations. For instance, waste management companies can integrate ABLOY solutions with their existing platforms, giving drivers access to all collection points through a single app. No more juggling keys or managing multiple access systems – everything is streamlined, saving time and reducing errors.

Beyond just access, the data collected offers invaluable insights. Companies can track how much waste is being generated, where it’s coming from, and even optimize collection routes based on real-time data. The result? Less waste, more recycling, and a smoother, more efficient operation overall.

Sustainability: at the heart of our common mission

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond buzzwords — it’s embedded in everything we do. ABLOY products are designed to last, and recyclability and energy efficiency are considered already in the product development stage. Not to mention our landfill-free factory in Joensuu, northern Finland, where our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize waste and energy use. Through remote access management and our keyless solutions, you can eliminate the need for key pick-up trips, while our energy-harvesting, battery-free systems further reduce your carbon footprint. But it’s not just about product longevity; it’s about creating solutions that actively contribute to a greener future. 

Consider a large city where waste collection costs are tied directly to recycling performance. By integrating ABLOY solutions, the city has been able to encourage its citizens to recycle more and waste less. Households that recycle efficiently see lower collection fees, while the city benefits from increased recycling rates and a reduced environmental footprint. It’s an innovative approach that aligns economic incentives with environmental goals. By promoting responsible waste management and offering sustainable solutions, we can create a future where waste is seen not as a problem but as a resource — all in one simple, comprehensive solution.

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Dejan Šobić

Business Development Manager at Abloy Oy, has over 20 years of experience in security design, specializing in access control and IoT. His focus on integrating new technologies and empowering teams drives innovative security solutions in the waste management sector.

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