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Choosing the right industrial camera system for waste and recycling facilities is a decision that can significantly impact safety, efficiency, and overall productivity. By evaluating your environment, planning for future scalability, and selecting the appropriate mounting, storage, and network solutions, you ensure that your investment will support both immediate and long-term operational needs.
By Heidi Schmidt

The role of video monitoring systems in industrial settings has evolved far beyond basic surveillance. In waste and recycling facilities, video monitoring is a powerful tool used to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. However, the effectiveness of these systems depends heavily on choosing the right industrial camera setup. Since no two facilities have identical needs, it is essential to understand your specific requirements before making an investment. Here is what to consider when selecting a camera system for waste and recycling.

#1: Evaluate the Environment: Do You Need Industrial-Grade Cameras?
Waste and recycling facilities are known for their challenging conditions—dust, moisture, high heat, and even corrosive chemicals. Industrial cameras are designed to withstand these elements, which regular cameras cannot handle.

Consider questions like:
• Will the camera face outdoor elements or extreme weather?
• Is the environment dusty, wet, or corrosive?
• Could debris or equipment impact the camera?

For example, areas where materials are shredded or compacted generate vibrations and debris that could damage standard cameras. Industrial-grade cameras with protective housings are essential in these zones, while less rugged cameras might suffice in offices or administrative areas.

#2: Consider Vibration-Resistant Mounts
Heavy machinery is a staple in waste management and recycling operations, leading to constant vibrations that can blur footage or damage sensitive electrical components inside cameras. Vibration-resistant mounts can protect cameras from damage and stabilize the footage, providing clear video for monitoring heavy-duty equipment, like compactors and shredders.

#3: Plan for IT Networking and Integration
A robust network is key to managing video data. Industrial camera systems need an IT infrastructure to support video transmission, storage, and access. Many waste and recycling facilities operate large-scale systems with multiple feeds, requiring dedicated networks to handle the load.

Consider whether your in-house IT team can manage this setup or if you will need external help. Ensure that your system supports industry-standard protocols for easy integration with your existing infrastructure. This integration is vital, especially if you plan to add other IoT devices for waste monitoring, efficiency tracking, or safety alerts.

#4: Identify Your End Users
Who will use the footage and how? Waste and recycling operations involve multiple teams, each with unique needs:
• Operators: Need real-time feeds to monitor heavy equipment and ensure materials move smoothly.
• Maintenance Teams: Use footage for troubleshooting and predictive maintenance, needing high-quality video that is stored long-term.
• Managers and Safety Officers: Require access to both live and recorded footage to address safety issues, spot potential hazards, and support compliance.
Choose a system that provides the necessary access and resolution for each group to maximize its value across departments.

#5: Manage Storage Needs
Waste and recycling operations often produce a high volume of footage, especially in busy areas like conveyor belts, crushers, and sorting zones. To manage this, consider different storage options:
• Local Storage: Useful for small systems, especially if internet access is limited or cloud storage is not practical due to security concerns.
• Software (Cloud-based) Storage: Ideal for larger systems, providing scalability and remote access for teams who may need to monitor the facility from offsite locations.
Also consider the retention period for your footage, as long-term storage impacts your overall storage capacity.

#6: Select Durable Monitors
Real-time monitoring is crucial in high-risk environments. High-resolution, large-format monitors provide clarity, especially when observing multiple feeds or high-traffic zones. Monitors that reduce eye strain and offer wide viewing angles will improve operator efficiency. Ergonomic, durable displays are a valuable investment for 24/7 operations typical in waste and recycling facilities.

#7: Ensure Scalability
A flexible, scalable camera system is essential for expanding waste and recycling facilities. As your operations grow, you may need more cameras or increased storage. Choose a system that allows for modular upgrades, integrates with third-party devices, and adapts to future network changes without requiring extensive overhauls.

#8: Partner with an Experienced Provider
Selecting a provider experienced in industrial video monitoring is as crucial as choosing the right equipment. Look for a partner who can:
• Offer consultation on the best cameras, mounts, and network configurations
• Provide ongoing support to troubleshoot issues and answer questions
• Deliver custom solutions that meet the unique needs of waste and recycling operations
• Stand behind their technology with warranties and guarantees for performance in harsh environments

A Good Investment
Choosing the right industrial camera system for waste and recycling facilities is a decision that can significantly impact safety, efficiency, and overall productivity. By evaluating your environment, planning for future scalability, and selecting the appropriate mounting, storage, and network solutions, you ensure that your investment will support both immediate and long-term operational needs. | WA

Heidi Schmidt is Global Sales Manager for Opticom Tech. She has worked in the video technology space for 20 years, building expertise in CCTV, industrial video applications, new product development, video network solutions, and more. As a sales leader at Opticom Technologies, she helps customers implement robust video monitoring solutions for unique and harsh industrial environments. Heidi can be reached at (269) 719-5889 or e-mail heidi@opticomtech.com. For more information, visit.