Falkirk Council has developed an App that utilises the levels of personalisation and real-time data typically seen in retail
The recycling App is the latest in a series of developments by the Scottish authority that recognise the increased use of mobile devices by its citizens.
Falkirk residents using the new App will receive a personalised service as the App has the ability to recall citizens addresses and show the user the upcoming bin collection schedule.
Falkirk Council said 75% of visits to its online services are via mobile devices, and 25% of online visits are connected to waste services. As a result, the App is part of the council's strategy to improve digital services. Councillor Bryan Deakin, spokesperson for Climate Change at Falkirk Council, said the App is: "an important step in making waste services more accessible and convenient for residents. We recognise that the majority of our community engages with us through mobile devices, and this App directly addresses the needs of those users."
Key features of the new App include bin schedules with detailed pages per bin type on the App, a Bin Wizard tool to help residents recycle correctly, real-time information on local recycling centres, the ability to report missed bin collection, organise the collection of bulky loads or apply for a garden waste bin. Deakin said of the features: "By encouraging those who can use the new App, we can reduce the pressure on our contact centre, allowing us to better serve residents who may rely on phone or in-person support. In this way, the App benefits the entire community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their access to technology, receives the assistance and support they need."
Falkirk Council residents have been keen adopters of the authority's technology offerings, with 30,000 devices subscribing to the Council iCalendar system for bin collection and 8000 residents subscribing to email alerts. Councillor Deakin added: "We are equally committed to improving the customer service experience for those who cannot access digital services."
