Kelowna, a city in British Columbia, Canada, has successfully reduced recycling contamination by 23 percent through the use of AI technology in its curbside recycling program.
The implementation of smart cameras on collection trucks, equipped with AI-based visual recognition, has allowed authorities to track items that are not accepted in the recycling program. The system was specifically trained to identify common contaminants such as trash, plastic bags, Styrofoam, and yard waste. Residents are promptly notified of any identified materials in real-time, helping them better understand what can and cannot be tossed into their recycling bins.
The pilot program, which ran from October 2023 to March 2024, involved sending postcards to 8,777 residents and installing the technology on four recycling trucks. Thanks to a partnership between the Central Okanagan Regional District, Prairie Robotics, Environmental 360 Solutions, and Recycle BC, the project was a success with a 23 percent reduction in recycling contamination.
Key findings from the program revealed that nearly half of the participants improved their recycling habits, while 35.6 percent of residents adjusted their behaviors after receiving the educational postcards. The AI technology also identified flexible plastics, such as grocery bags, chip bags, wrappers, and Styrofoam, as the most common contaminants in the recycling stream.
Moving forward, the success of Kelowna’s AI-powered recycling program serves as a promising example of how technology can help communities improve their recycling efforts and reduce environmental impact.
