The Randwick City Council in Sydney has replaced 78,000 old garbage bins with new RFID enabled bins, in an effort to track bin weight and recycling use among residents in the suburb.

Local residents are concerned about privacy, while the council claims it will lead to reductions in wastage, improve recycling and streamline operations.

My question is - if the council is collecting data on the weight and possible content (ugh) of their rubbish bins, why not share it with the residents?

If I lived in Randwick, I'd be asking for data on my own waste. I could then try and reach a "waste target" which could be set by the council, or a third party organisation who might encourage recycling as part of a greater "Good Purpose" campaign.

I'd want a Social media app which would track how I've decreased my contributions to landfill. I'd want an SMS update to tell me that it's bin night tomorrow night. I'd want the Council to reward me with a discount on my taxes if I've been able to reach a particular recycling target. I'd want my waste weight emailed to me every month with tips on how to reduce waste - with a personalised website which allow me to compare with other people who match my lifestyle / demographics. I'd want my local community to share information or tips on maintaining a tidy suburb or good community via an online forum.

Because if this development, and many others like it, opportunities exist for exciting digital engagement, opportunities to build communities and inspire authentic conversations around important environmental issues. But no engagement is happening. As a result, we just have privacy concerns.