In Hong Kong, the proper collection and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) poses significant logistical challenges. With over 70,000 tons of e-waste disposed of annually, the government partnered with ALBA Group Asia and its associates to handle the collection and recycling of refrigerators, TVs, computers, washing machines, and air conditioners.
To tackle the complex logistics involved in planning the collection of bulky items from residences across Hong Kong, Waste Labs, an artificial intelligence company specializing in waste management optimisation, in collaboration with Optioryx, developed an innovative solution that combines route optimisation techniques and 3D packing technology. This case study explored the implementation of our solution and the benefits it offers.
The Problem
The collection of e-waste from residences on a daily basis requires efficient route planning and load building. Dispatch teams face the challenge of optimising routes for the shortest path while maximizing the capacity of the trucks. They need to consider factors such as:
- The loading of bulky items to utilize full truck capacity,
- Finding the shortest routes between residences,
- Accommodating preferred time windows for collections,
- And balancing routes between drivers.
The Solution
Waste Labs developed a route optimisation portal in collaboration with Optioryx, which offers 3D packing technology. By leveraging AI and data analysis, the solution optimises both the distance traveled and the capacity of the trucks. The implementation involves several key components:
1. Parsing Data
The system extracts relevant data from various sources such as CSV, Excel, or even Microsoft Word documents. This data includes addresses, material types, service time windows, etc. Addresses are geocoded, and any ambiguous data is submitted to operators for confirmation on a map.
2. Route Optimisation
The route optimisation engine quickly allocates and sequences jobs among the available fleet, considering factors such as shifts, overtime, truck capacity, loader crew, estimated service times, service time windows, mandated breaks, and other variables. The engine can be configured to handle multiple objectives, such as reducing distances and balancing routes.
3D Packing
Optioryx's 3D packing technology is integrated into the solution to optimise the loading of trucks. The system considers the dimensions of each item to be picked up and creates an optimal truckload arrangement, maximizing space utilization. An interactive 3D visualization of the truckload is provided for users to review.
Route Editing
Dispatchers have the flexibility to interact with the proposed routes. They can modify objectives, assumptions, or job data, re-allocate jobs on a map, and change the sequence by simply dragging and dropping.
Outcome
Implementing the Waste Labs Route Optimisation Portal with Optioryx's 3D packing technology has delivered numerous benefits to the e-waste collection operations in Hong Kong:
Efficiency
The system enables route plans for the day to be built in just 30 seconds, significantly reducing planning time.
Distance and Time Savings
On average, there has been a 5% reduction in driving distance and time due to optimised route planning.
Faster Return on Investment (ROI)
Automated data analysis and preparation capabilities have accelerated the ROI by 4 times, enabling cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
“Waste Labs portal feels like it was built to tackle challenging and changing logistics environment, and it met all our complex logistics requirements. We use it every day to track our cost per stop and progressively reduce it.”
Guillaume Dussolliet, Managing Director – Smart City
Logistics (ALBA Group)
Conclusion
The collaboration between Waste Labs and Optioryx has revolutionized the route optimisation and load building process for e-waste collection in Hong Kong.
By leveraging AI, data analysis, and 3D packing technology, the solution has streamlined operations, reduced driving distances and time, and improved the overall efficiency of the waste management industry. With these advancements, Hong Kong is taking significant strides towards sustainable waste collection and recycling, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for the city.
