How radio frequency tech will help Rohtak track its waste

The Rohtak Municipal Corporation (MC) is now among the urban local bodies in the state to adopt radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to ensure waste collection from every property in the city. The installation of RFID tags is at present underway on a war-footing basis. MC Commissioner Dr Anand Kumar Sharma stated that the project aims at making waste management more transparent, accountable, and technology-driven.

What is the RFID tag project?

The RFID tags project is an initiative to modernise door-to-door waste collection using RFID technology. Under the system, RFID tags are installed on properties. Each tag is linked to a specific property, allowing the MC authorities to monitor and track garbage collection efficiently.

How will it ensure waste collection from all households?

The RFID system ensures comprehensive waste collection through a unique RFID tag. When a waste collection vehicle visits a tagged property, the tag is scanned and the data is uploaded in real time to the solid waste management (SWM) portal. This process registers every property in the system, enabling accurate tracking and ensuring full accountability of the private agency handling waste and guarantees that every property receives timely waste collection services without any gaps in coverage.

Why is the technology needed?

The project is needed because the city has faced criticism for poor sanitation and inefficiencies in waste collection. Traditional methods often left some households or areas unserved. Sharma claims the RFID tags will provide a transparent, technology-driven solution that ensures every property is monitored and garbage collection is completed systematically. It will increase accountability of the sanitation staff and the private agency responsible for collection, while also providing the residents with assurance that their waste is being collected regularly.

How will the MC monitor waste collection through the tags?

The MC will be able to monitor waste collection in real time using RFID tags. The uploaded information on the SWM portal will enable the officials to track collection ward-wise and ensure no property is missed. Garbage will only be collected after scanning the tag, making the process fully accountable. “The system will provide transparency, allows prompt action in case of missed collections and ensure residents that their waste is being collected on schedule. It will transform Rohtak’s waste management into a modern, efficient, and results-oriented system,” said Sharma.

How much area will be covered under the project?

The RFID project will cover approximately 1.40 lakh residential and commercial properties in the municipal corporation area. To achieve this, a private agency has deployed its 35 workers, who are installing tags in different wards in teams. Given the scale of the project, the workforce will be expanded in the coming days to ensure timely installation. Each property, whether a household, shop, or institution, will get a RFID tag, said a MC official.