Iași Invests in Digital Waste Collection: Smart Ecological Islands Funded by European Funds

The city of Iași is taking an important step toward modernizing waste management by replacing approximately 35% of existing household collection points with 175 digitized ecological islands. Of these, 150 are above ground, and 25 are underground. The project has a value of approximately 4.9 million euros, funded through European funds initially obtained via PNRR and later managed by the Environmental Fund Administration.

Objectives of the Local Administration

The Iași City Hall and the sanitation operator Salubris SA consider this project a crucial step in aligning the city with European practices in selective waste collection. According to Mayor Mihai Chirica, modernizing the sanitation system aims to create a cleaner and healthier city, with Iași becoming a national example in recycling.

Structure and Equipment of Ecological Islands

Each digitized ecological island consists of five distinct containers for separate waste collection: biodegradable, residual, glass, plastic and metal, as well as paper and cardboard. The systems are designed to be vandalism-resistant and to prevent unauthorized access. They are equipped with IoT technology, GSM modules for data transmission, and a database that manages user information.

Implementation and Suppliers

Above-ground containers were centrally purchased by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, supplied by the company Ax Perpetuum Impex SRL. The digitalization, access control, and monitoring component was provided by Techbolide SRL, which delivered the software solutions necessary for the system’s operation.

Digital Access for Citizens

The use of ecological islands is allowed only for residents assigned to each location. Salubris SA will distribute access cards, with 200 cards per island. Alternatively, access can also be done through a mobile application using an activation code requested from the City Hall. For proper system functioning, citizens are asked to use waste bags with a maximum volume of 45 liters.

Fleet Modernization

To support the new system, Salubris SA has initiated the purchase of three specialized vehicles for separate collection through a tender worth nearly 8.5 million lei. The first vehicle has already been delivered, with the remaining two expected in the coming period.

A Step Towards a Cleaner City

The implementation of digitized ecological islands marks a major transformation in Iași’s sanitation services, contributing to increased selective collection, promoting recycling, and complying with European environmental standards.