Dive Brief:

• Two men in Winnipeg, Canada have developed a prototype of a machine that they say can sterilize and deodorize cans and dumpsters more efficiently than existing local methods.
• Their "Bin-to-Bin" system is mounted on a heavy duty Ford F-350 truck chassis. Using a custom lifting mechanism and wash bay, the machine sprays water at 185 degrees Fahrenheit and 3,000 PSI.
• The water is then sterilized and recycled, which limits usage and cuts back on potential toxins entering the sewer system. 

Dive Insight:

According to Wayne Bennett, one of the creators, this bin-cleaning method is common where he comes from in England and he was surprised that it wasn't more prevalent in Canada. Bennett estimates it might take the average resident 20 minutes and upward of 50 gallons of water to clean their own can, while his system can do it in 45-90 seconds and only uses six to eight gallons of water.

Without proper cleaning it's common for mold, bacteria, maggots, or other issues to crop up in the bins. The potential to recycle water or use non-potable water is also important as ongoing droughts become more common in some areas of North America. In the U.S., companies have found a market for such cleaning. In 2014, a company called ScrubCan launched in California and another called Sunburst Bin Cleaning recently started in Georgia.

Bennett and his business partner will be presenting their idea to city officials next week with the hope of potentially getting a contract. They're also pursuing contracts with waste management companies in Winnipeg and elsewhere.