Consultants with Resource Recycling Systems gave tips on developing effective messaging to reach residents. | Michael Vi/Shutterstock
Effective recycling programs rely heavily on human behavior, which can be very hard to change. But developing a targeted strategy to educate residents – whether in a small rural area or a bustling metropolis – is an integral part of this process. Continue Reading
BinIt’s Visia system can combine cameras, X-rays and artificial intelligence to spot batteries hidden under or inside recyclable material streams. | Courtesy of BinIT
A young technology company’s imaging system combines cameras, X-rays and artificial intelligence to allow recycling facility operators to peer into their waste streams and remove the hidden menace of lithium-ion batteries and other hazards, the company’s CEO said in a recent interview. Continue Reading
An AI-powered sorting bin from MyMatR is deployed in a pilot program at a public library in High Point, N.C. | Photo courtesy MyMatR
Consumer education is a traditional way to reduce contamination, but the founder of startup MyMatR is combining it with AI to offer a “smart” self-sorting bin for public spaces. Continue Reading
Closed Loop invested in a technology that can take aluminum scrap from any source and turn it into a manufacturing precursor material and energy. | John New/Shutterstock
Closed Loop Partners invested in a company that uses contaminated aluminum to create hydrogen fuel and a raw material used to manufacture aluminum. Continue Reading
Researchers found that molded fiber food service packaging showed the highest levels of food residue among the items studied. | J.chizhe/Shutterstock
In a follow-up to previous research, the Foodservice Packaging Institute performed an audit of food residue on residential recyclables, finding little difference between food service and food contact items. Continue Reading
The president of the Georgia-Pacific subsidiary hopes his company’s technology will eventually address stagnant recycling rates nationwide. | Courtesy of Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific’s Juno Technology is testing out plant locations and partnerships through a Seattle pilot project, using its patented wet processing system to reclaim contaminated fiber.
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A fire at Tulsa’s MRF is the latest example of the industry trend of fires caused by improperly disposed batteries and electronics. | BlurAZ/Shutterstock
The city of Tulsa, Okla. was forced to redirect its residential recycling stream to a waste-to-energy plant after an improperly discarded battery sparked a blaze at a local MRF.
An AMP Robotics unit is removing contamination at Atlas Organics’ composting facility in San Antonio. | Courtesy of Atlas Organics
For perhaps the first time, an AI-equipped robot is removing contaminants from the organics stream headed to composting. Continue Reading
Clackamas County, Ore. was one of a number of case studies used to illustrate the data in SWANA’s report. | Clackamas Sustainability & Solid Waste Program/SWANA Report
Leaving “oops” tags on contaminated recycling carts and providing positive feedback to those with clean carts is one of the most effective ways to reduce contamination, though it can be pricey, according to a new report.
Olympia, Wash. is one of many communities implementing recycling contamination checks at the curb. | Courtesy of city of Olympia
Facing ever-increasing pressure to deliver a cleaner stream to processors, cities across North America are turning to curbside inspection of residential carts. Many are seeing positive results from the efforts.