Last week, Smart City NZ proudly delivered 10 state-of-the-art Mr. Fill Ultra Fill 120L smart bins to the Far North!
I may be biased, but I genuinely believe these could be the most beautiful smart bins in the world. Developed in close collaboration with the Far North District Council, each bin features a custom wrap showcasing the beautiful local landscapes and positive messaging in authentic Te Reo Māori - a celebration of both place and people.
These smart bins will be rolled out across the region in the coming weeks, supporting more efficient and sustainable waste management in iconic locations like the Russell waterfront.
Powered by solar energy and equipped with internal compaction, each bin holds up to 7x more waste than a standard street bin. Fullness sensors communicate real-time data to contractors via our Smart City Manager dashboard, helping eliminate unnecessary collections and improve operational efficiency. The platform also provides valuable insights into bin usage and waste patterns across the region.
Every smart bin is fitted with industry-first sound modules that play positive, encouraging voice messages to users, enhancing public engagement and making the everyday act of disposing of waste just that little bit more interactive.
A huge thank you to Tom Frost, Victoria Neki, and Stephen Cooney for your efforts and collaboration in bringing this initiative to life — a true example of how councils can lead through innovation.
Special shoutout to Kent Aspinall from Chase Graphics for the wrap design and mahi!
Watch this space - the Far North is embracing smart tech in all the right ways. Ka pai!
