GPS Technology Using to Smash Trash and Maximize Landfills

17 Nov 2015

During a time when more motorists were asking for GPS technology to make their life easier and guide them when they were driving from one place to another, the Davidson County landfill operators decided they could benefit from one too. And their wish was fulfilled as they were granted one by the Board of Commissioners.

Although you would think this GPS tracking technology utilized on a landfill was designed to guide the big rig operators on where to drive their rigs on top of the heaping amounts of trash. In reality, it can tell them how well they are crushing up and mashing the garbage.

More landfill operations are looking to save money in their efforts of compressing more trash inside their landfill cells, which are very limited already. When trash is compressed, it fills up the landfill more slowly which saves you on the cost of having to build a new one.

Landfill trash burying efficiency is measured in density. The more you can pack trash tighter underground, the more space you will have left to compress some more.

Davidson County’s director of public services, Rex Buck, states that if you are able to compress 1,600 pounds of trash into a cubic yard; that is considered good. On average, the county has been able to mash around 1,380 pounds of trash in each cubic yard. Because of this, there is room for improvement and saving money.

The GPS tracking system will let operators of trash compactors know when they have sufficiently rolled over all the trash and dirt enough. While they still monitor the trash fluttering around outside their cab, they can also view green readouts on their computer monitor which provides them with information on the density of the trash. Computer colors blue and yellow means the trash still needs more burying and mashing and green means it is fully packed.

Each spring, equipment-laden aircrafts were contracted through the county to fly over the landfill slowly in order to measure the trash density below. Thanks to the GPS tracking system, these aircrafts are no longer necessary.

When the present landfill was opened on 550 acres, it was said to have a 30-year lifespan. Since operators now have the ability to mash more trash in each cubic yard as well as a further decline in how much trash is dumped there, there is new hope that the landfill can last even longer.

The operation is already self-sufficient and requires no budget money each year because of state grants, tipping fees, and recyclable sales that cover its expenses.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.