SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): To improve the quality of recyclables collected through its curbside recycling program, the City of Centerville, Ohio, announced the start of a new recycling contamination reduction pilot program powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Montgomery County Solid Waste District provided grant funding to support the launch of the creative pilot program. As part of the program, some collection vehicles are outfitted with camera-based technology that can detect pollution in real time. As the carts are unloaded into trucks, the AI system goes through their contents.
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Residents will receive a customized postcard with explicit instructions on what is and is not acceptable as well as recycling best practices if any contamination is found in the cart contents.
The program's goals are to lessen contamination and encourage citizens to recycle more efficiently.
According to City Manager Wayne Davis, the new AI-powered tool enables the city to better utilize its resources, target problem areas, and educate residents as needed. According to him, the technology will contribute to a reduction in contamination, which will ultimately result in a reduction in processing costs and a notable enhancement of the collecting process.