Strong Data automation minimizes disruptions in Canadian waste district

Technology from Gander, Newfoundland, Canada-based Strong Data Inc. has helped the eight facilities of Central Newfoundland Waste Management (CNWM) continue to operate “with only minor interruptions” during the COVID-19 epidemic, according to a news release issued jointly by the two organizations.

The network of eight sites includes one landfill and seven transfer stations. Instead of a scale interface that relies on buttons or person-to-person interactions to process loads, CNWM’s contactless ticketing system uses liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and radio frequency identification (RFID) cards for both the public and commercial customers.

“Without the Strong system, the risk to the users of our sites and our employees would have been greater, requiring stricter measures to have been implemented and [causing a] greater impact on our operations,” says Ed Evans, the chief administrative officer of CNWM.

On March 18th, CNWM stopped accepting cash at the landfill, which was the only site that had accepted cash. Payments at CNWM are normally completed online, through a bank, by mail or by phone, says the agency.

With the automated contactless system already in place, sites continued to receive and process waste, and on June 8 the administrative office at the landfill reopened and resumed taking cash, says CNWM.

The arrival and inspection of loads can be verified by site attendants who are able to see the loads live on their mobile device or computer, according to Strong Data.

CNWM, which also paused material recovery facility (MRF) recycling operations and implemented some changes to staff routines in mid-March as COVID-19 set in, provides waste and recycling management for residents and businesses in the Central Region of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Strong Data Inc., which has been in operation since 1989, specializes in scale ticketing systems for the waste sector.