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AI Technology Revolutionizes Plastic Recycling By Accepting More Container Types
September 14, 2024
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AI Technology Revolutionizes Plastic Recycling: Rumpke’s New Facility Accepts More Container Types

In a significant advancement for recycling technology, Rumpke Waste and Recycling has announced the expansion of its recycling capabilities, allowing customers to recycle a wider range of plastic containers. This development comes with the launch of their new state-of-the-art facility in Columbus, Ohio, which employs innovative artificial intelligence sorting technology. Starting November 1, Rumpke clients can begin recycling several types of plastic containers that were previously difficult to process, marking a substantial step forward in reducing plastic waste.

The new AI-powered facility enables Rumpke to accept clear plastic carry-out containers, clear plastic fruit, berry, and lettuce containers, and clear plastic egg containers. These items, often referred to as “clamshell” containers, have long been a challenge for recycling facilities due to their unique shapes and materials. Andrew Rumpke, President at Rumpke, emphasized the significance of this advancement: “The new technology at the Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center allows us to separate and process new types of recycling from the stream, our latest addition is the clamshell container.”

The technology behind this expansion is truly cutting-edge. Jeff Snyder, senior vice president of recycling and sustainability at Rumpke, explained, “New artificial intelligence and optic technology allows Rumpke to identify and sort plastic clamshells from other types of plastics within the recycling stream.” This AI-driven sorting process not only increases the types of materials that can be recycled but also improves the overall efficiency and accuracy of the recycling process. Once sorted, these plastic containers are sent to partner manufacturers where they are reduced to plastic pellets, which can then be used to create new products, effectively closing the loop in plastic recycling.

Rumpke’s new recycling center is a marvel of modern recycling technology. As the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in North America, it boasts impressive capabilities. The 226,000-square-foot facility has increased its processing capacity from 160,000 to 250,000 tons per year, with materials now being processed twice as fast at 60 tons per hour. Perhaps most impressively, the facility achieves a material recovery rate of 98%, significantly reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. The center is also designed with the future in mind, featuring adaptable equipment for future upgrades and including a research and development area. Additionally, it houses a 3,000-square-foot education center developed in partnership with COSI, offering public tours to educate the community about recycling processes and environmental sustainability.

Source: MSN

Technologies Used:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Core technology used for identifying and sorting different types of plastic containers.
  • Optic Technology: Works in conjunction with AI to accurately sort plastics in the recycling stream.
  • Advanced Sorting Equipment: High-speed machinery capable of processing 60 tons of material per hour.

Companies Involved:

  • Rumpke Waste and Recycling: The company behind the new AI-powered recycling facility. Rumpke has implemented the innovative technology to expand its recycling capabilities and is responsible for operating the advanced recycling center.

Sustainability Focus:

  • Waste Reduction: The facility significantly expands the types of plastic containers that can be recycled, reducing the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills. With a 98% material recovery rate, the facility maximizes the amount of recyclable materials that can be reused in new products.
  • Energy Efficiency: The increased processing speed and capacity of the new facility likely result in more efficient use of energy in the recycling process.

SDGs Impacted:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Directly contributes to sustainable waste management and efficient use of natural resources.
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Demonstrates the application of innovative technologies to improve industrial processes and environmental sustainability.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhances waste management capabilities, contributing to more sustainable urban living.

Geographic Focus: United States

Industry Focus: Environmental Technology

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