At Ferrea, we are always looking for ways to improve the lives and well-beings of our residents. One of the main complaints we received regarding waste collection is missing the collection, which leads to several concerns. Residents worry about garbage piling up, creating unpleasant odours, attracting pests, and posing potential health risks.

To address this issue, we recently implemented a tracking system that notifies residents when a garbage truck, recycle lorry or bulk waste lorry arrives. The system helped residents to time their waste disposal more effectively, reducing the chances of missed collections.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the data collected over the past three months. By analysing collection patterns, we aim to identify inconsistencies that contribute to missed collections. We will also explore how residents can adapt to these patterns and highlight areas where service providers can improve efficiency.

How we collected the data

We use an app called Teras, a free Residential Success Management System built in-house by our RA. When a waste collection vehicle arrives at the guardhouse, the guard will record the plate number and the type of collection on Teras.

Collection patterns

Let’s first look at the breakdown of our data. In the past 3 months, we have received a total of 55 garbage, bulk waste and recycle collections.

The schedule is as follows:

• Recycle: Monday
• Bulk Waste: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Garbage: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

There were some days where the collection did not follow strictly to the schedule, but they were not very often enough so it is possibly not the main reason why residents missed their collections. The table below illustrates the percentage of off-schedule visits by type.

Breakdown of off-schedule collections (Figure 1):

When we looked at the data more closely , it reveals some indications why residents might have missed the schedule.

Garbage Collection Time by Date and Type

Garbage collection has the most inconsistent timing, while bulk waste collection show slight variations and recycle collection has the most consistent timing.

Some residents may have disposed of their waste in the morning (e.g. 7 AM), expecting collection to occur later in the day, only to find that it had already taken place earlier. As a result, their garbage remains uncollected until the next scheduled pickup - two days later, or three if it is a Saturday - leading to waste accumulation that creates all sorts of problem.

Recommendations (for residents)

As can be observed from the data, the main reason why residents missed their collection is due to the inconsistent timing of the collection. To address this issue, we recommend the following:

• Dispose of waste the night before the scheduled collection day to avoid missing the collection.
• If you missed the collection and did not see any notifications indicating when the collection happens, please report it to the RA so we can investigate further.

By following these recommendations, residents can better manage their waste disposal and reduce the chances of missed collections. We will continue to monitor the data and make further recommendations to improve waste collection efficiency in Ferrea.

Recommendations (for service providers)

Based on the data, we recommend the following to improve waste collection efficiency:

• Provide a more accurate time frame for collection to help residents plan their waste disposal.
• Notify residents in advance if there are any changes to the collection schedule.
• Ensure that the collection is consistent and follows the schedule as closely as possible.