SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Westchester County has taken another step toward modernizing its recycling infrastructure with the installation of advanced robotic sorting technology at its Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Yonkers. The upgrade is part of the County’s broader strategy to boost recycling performance while reducing contamination in curbside collection streams.

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The Department of Environmental Facilities collaborated with EverestLabs to deploy an artificial intelligence–driven robotic arm equipped with high-speed optical cameras. The system is engineered to recognize frequently recycled items and automatically extract non-recyclable materials from the processing line, improving overall efficiency.

The Yonkers MRF handles more than 65,000 tons of recyclables annually, including aluminum, steel, cartons, newspapers, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic boat wrap, and plastic containers numbered one through seven. The newly installed robotic unit can operate within a 36-inch reach, execute up to 60 precise picks per minute, and achieve accuracy levels approaching 80 percent.

Beyond physical sorting, the technology generates detailed operational data, enabling facility managers to optimize processes and support public education initiatives aimed at improving recycling habits.