Across Australia, retailers – ranging from sprawling supermarket chains to local liquor stores – are grappling with a familiar challenge: How to run their operations more smoothly while meeting increasingly stringent environmental expectations.
Waste management may have often felt like a cumbersome, everyday headache. But today, thanks to innovative technology, it is emerging as an opportunity to save money, improve efficiency, and green up a business.
Wastech Engineering, a national leader in waste management, is helping retailers rethink their approach to waste management by combining proven equipment with modern technology. By embedding smart, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity into compactors and balers, Wastech is transforming everyday machinery into intelligent tools that not only reduce costs but also help retailers track and meet their sustainability targets more simply and effectively.
Real-time monitoring cuts unnecessary pickups
In partnership with Danish manufacturer Bramidan, Wastech has introduced Bra-In (Bramidan Intelligence), an IoT platform that monitors equipment status in real time. The system tracks fill levels, compaction cycles and machine conditions, transmitting data to a centralised portal accessible by retailers.
“For retailers, this replaces a fixed, scheduled waste collection with a collection based on alerts when equipment hits a pre-set threshold,” said Brianna Armstrong, national key accounts manager at Wastech.
“Operationally, this cuts down on half-empty pickups and avoids the costly disruption or potentially hazardous safety risk of an overflowing bin for team members.”
The results speak volumes. A major supermarket chain that implemented Bra-In saw a drop of 12 to 35 per cent in unnecessary waste collections. That equates to hundreds fewer truck trips each year, resulting in significant savings on collection fees and a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions.
Data-driven insights boost equipment performance
Beyond real-time alerts, the Bra-In platform provides performance analytics across entire retail networks. Retailers can track equipment usage, compare performance between stores and identify inefficiencies.
For example, a major liquor group used system data to identify underutilised balers. Following focused staff training, bale density improved by 15 per cent, resulting in fewer collections and higher returns on recyclable cardboard.
Remote diagnostics also play a key role in reducing downtime. Wastech technicians can remotely assess machine status and walk store staff through troubleshooting, avoiding unnecessary service calls.
“This allows our team to avoid around 30 per cent of unnecessary callouts, saving both time and costs for the retailer,” Armstrong said.
Predictive maintenance avoids downtime
Wastech’s IoT solution also enables predictive maintenance. Instead of relying on time-based service intervals or waiting for equipment to fail, the system monitors machine cycles, usage hours and error codes to flag when service is needed.
In one case, a major retailer avoided three critical compactor failures during peak trading periods by servicing key components in advance, resulting in uninterrupted operations and avoiding costly emergency repairs.
“Instead of relying on fixed service intervals or waiting for a breakdown, our system tracks operating hours, cycle counts, and error codes to flag when a machine is likely to need attention, Armstrong said.
“This reduces reactive callouts and unplanned downtime, which is especially critical in high-volume distribution centres.”
Adoption grows across the retail sector
Wastech introduced Bra-In as standard on all new equipment early last year and has already retrofitted hundreds of compactors and balers across supermarkets, liquor stores, and distribution centres nationwide.
Supermarkets are leading the charge, motivated largely by the quick savings from fewer waste collections and higher recycling returns. Smaller stores are catching on, too, especially appreciating the improved safety and reduced back-of-house congestion.
The return on investment typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on store volume and existing waste arrangements. However, in high-volume locations, a return on investment can be achieved in as few as six to nine months.
For those cautious about upfront investment, Wastech offers an equipment rental program that includes IoT connectivity and full support for a fixed monthly cost. This enables faster rollout, easier budgeting and scalability without capital expenditure.
Retailers concerned about data privacy can also be reassured. Wastech’s technology partner, Bramidan, complies with European Union data security and uptime standards.
Technology with measurable impact
From reducing truck journeys and lowering collection fees to supporting more stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, Wastech’s IoT-powered solutions are helping retailers transform their waste management.
“Retailers gain visibility, save money, reduce risk, and can align their operations with broader sustainability targets,” Armstrong said.
