Cities
have a huge waste problem. Levels are expected to more than double (pdf) over
the next 20 years in low and middle income countries as the population
increases towards an estimated 8.6 billion by 2030. Ecube is one of a handful
of startups trying to tackle the issue through technology. Based in South
Korea, the company produces solar-powered, smart waste bins which allow cities
to monitor the levels of rubbish in each bin. The tech also compacts the waste.
It has established some 2,500 smart waste networks at cities, campuses,
amusement parks and restaurants worldwide, and expects to double the number by
the end of the year.