Republic Services: Technology-Enables Landfills

Responsible landfill management involves the proper handling of landfill gas and liquids, which are byproducts of the decomposition of waste. It also requires science, engineering and technology to manage an evolving waste stream in a manner that is protective of the air, land and water upon which all of our communities depend.

Technology–Enabled Landfills
Society expects landfills to be more environmentally responsible today than ever before. This, of course, involves the proper handling of a dynamic and evolving waste stream. It also increasingly demands greater expertise, more sophisticated capabilities and considerable resources.

Republic Services has assembled a highly talented engineering and environmental management team comprised of more than 200 scientists, engineers and technicians. This cadre of experienced professionals uses science and data as the basis for decision making at each of their landfills, and they are broadly incorporating technology to enhance site operations.

App–Based Monitoring
At the majority of Republic’s landfills, site teams use smartphone apps for 24/7 monitoring capabilities. This technology continually collects and reports key data on a range of site systems and operations, including landfill gas collection and flow, flare system temperatures and performance, liquids collection and management, and storm water management, as well as power levels to support these systems.

The tool provides engineers and environmental managers with real-time insights into site systems and operations via their mobile device from anywhere in the world. It can equip and prepare landfill operators with important data on site conditions before they arrive at work each morning. It also can provide instant email or text message notifications of any developments outside of normal operating parameters. At some of Republic’s locations, site operators also can access video feeds of landfill operations through the app. These apps provide Republic’s landfill operators with unprecedented visibility, expanded management tools and complete confidence that operations are always conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

For more information about Republic’s fleet automation and standardized truck care, go to page 10 of the recently-released 2015 Sustainability Report at: https://www.republicservices.com/sustainability.