The Customer 

The Municipal Waste Management Company operates in a diverse metropolitan area, providing waste collection and recycling services for over 50,000 residents. As demand for efficient waste management services grows, the company has identified the need to enhance its operational efficiency to tackle current challenges and promote sustainability efforts. 

The Challenge 

The Municipal Waste Management Company approached 1648 AI, with the challenges that affected their operations: 

Routing that had grown over the years: Most of the collection routes were inefficient, wasting fuel and increasing the time spent collecting.   

High operating costs:  Operating costs have risen massively in recent years.  

Stagnating recycling rates: Recycling rates have more or less stopped rising for years, while at the same time government regulations are becoming foreseeably stricter. 

Solutions 

AI-Driven Analytics

The introduction of AI-controlled routing has improved the efficiency of waste collection. Based on the analysis of traffic volumes, current and past weather conditions and previous collection data, among other things, route guidance has been dynamised and optimised. Routes are adjusted in real time, minimising fuel consumption and reducing the time required. The entire process becomes more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. 

Automation Solutions

AI also offered tech solutions that helped reduce manually performed and irrelevant operations activities, significantly enhancing service accuracy. With process automation, the Company could efficiently allocate resources, ensuring timely pickups and better fleet operations management, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

AI Chatbot

To improve the efficiency of customer service automation, an AI-powered conversational agent was utilized to take care of requests and inquiries. This intelligent system allowed residents to instantly get answers to frequently asked inquiries like collection days and recycling practices, thus increasing customer satisfaction. As these interactions became automated, human contact was available to deal with complex matters, which assured better service delivery. 

Results 

Cost Savings  

Through advanced waste solutions, including route planning to reduce distances traveled and fuel usage, the Company cut overheads by 10%

Recycling Rates  

The targeted information provided to citizens and better management of their behaviour, particularly through the chatbot, has led to a 7% increase in recycling rates

Customer Satisfaction

A survey among residents and customers showed a 12% improvement in overall satisfaction, mainly due to the measures outlined here.