Revolutionizing recycling with AI technology

Artificial intelligence is set to overhaul the recycling industry, promising more efficient sorting and reduced contamination.

Nicolás Rivero reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

AI systems will be integrated into thousands of recycling facilities worldwide, enhancing the accuracy of sorting recyclables.
This technology aims to significantly reduce the contamination in recycled materials, increasing their value and usability.
The implementation of AI in recycling could have a substantial impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

Key quote:

“Today’s technology cannot really detect all the contamination that could be coming with those plastics. But if you know what contaminants are coming, there’s a better chance you will be able to process it and get a cleaner product.”

— Lokendra Pal, professor of sustainable materials engineering at North Carolina State University

Why this matters:

AI's role in improving recycling processes addresses a significant challenge in waste management, potentially leading to better health outcomes by reducing pollution and conserving resources.

Plastics recycled into food packaging – as one supermarket chain hopes – add troubling toxics to our food.

www.washingtonpost.com

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