Drones (unmanned aerial devices) are increasingly used to deliver services across the world. From videography and journalism, to agriculture and delivery of your online purchases, you name it, a drone can do it.
Drones allow their remote operators to safely view and assess situations on the ground in a way that was impossible only a few years ago.
In South Dublin County Council, the Waste & Litter Enforcement Management Team identified a unique and innovative use for drone technology. Tackling the persistent problem of illegal dumping.
Across the Dublin region, illegal dumping costs the local authorities more than €1.5million per year.
While the vast majority of citizens and businesses dispose of their waste correctly, some people dump their waste illegally. This has a negative impact on our local environment and communities.
Project Activities
In 2017–with the support of a national anti-dumping initiative–South Dublin County Council purchased two DJI Phantom 4 Drones to assist in waste facility monitoring and the identification of illegal dumping.
Drone usage in Ireland falls under the remit of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) who are responsible for registration, regulation and training. Seven staff members of South Dublin County Council have been IAA trained to ensure compliant, safe and efficient piloting of the drones.
The drone can target locations within a 300 meter radius of the pilot.
Remotely operated, the drone can target locations within a 300 meter radius of the pilot. The drones are used by South Dublin County Council to respond to public reports of illegal dumping in locations difficult to access, and to surveil suspected illegal activity.
The footage captured–combined with evidence from other technologies like stationary cameras– has been instrumental in the collection of valuable evidence. This has empowered the Council to pursue enforcement of littering laws.
Data collected by the drones is managed safely and securely.
Concerns have been raised regarding drone footage and privacy by the general public. South Dublin County Council take this concern seriously. Data collected by the drones is managed safely and securely and relevant footage is only ever used as evidence in enforcement actions.
Impact
The use of drones has improved the quality of evidence captured and reduced the response time to reports of illegal dumping.
Based on the success of this innovative new practice, further staff members across multiple departments are currently engaging in IAA training to become qualified pilots. This will allow South Dublin County Council to use drones to provide or supplement other services.