JD Ambati, Founder & CEO of EverestLabs, provides a commentary on the role of AI and robots in the future of sustainability.
Only 21% of Recyclable Materials are Recycled
Did you know that only 21% of recyclable materials are actually being recycled? And at the recycling facility level, about 30% of recyclable materials are sent to landfill instead of being recovered? This is a lot of material that can no longer be used to support the circular economy. While these statistics are a bit grim, the advancement of new technologies and innovative recycling policies are pushing us in the right direction.
Inefficiencies in recycling facilities due to challenges like a lack of labor and data, are resulting in high volumes of recyclable materials being sent to landfills. Luckily, new technology like EverestLabs’ AI and robotics are here to solve these problems.
EverestLabs AI and RecycleOS: Automating Processes
EverestLabs AI and robotics solution, RecycleOS, works by digitizing operations and automating the sorting process. RecycleOS identifies and sorts objects in the recycling stream, increasing material recovery by 2-3x over traditional sorting methods. In addition, AI-powered data can provide facilities with information to help them tune their upstream equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and recovery throughout their facility. Our AI robots are helping to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this process so we can make the earth a little greener.
Many facilities see AI and robotics as a way to decrease material loss, increase recovery rates, drive up profit all while alleviating many challenges they face on a day to day basis. While AI and robotics accomplish all of these things, they also support our planet by increasing material recovery and supporting a circular economy.
The Role of Legislation in Recycling
New recycling legislation like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is also playing a crucial role in increasing the recycling rate. EPR legislation places the responsibility on the producers for end-of-life of their packaging. This means producers will be held financially responsible for the recovery and recycling of their packaging. This will substantially increase recycling rates as it will incentivize packaging recyclability and support end markets. If EPR and other recycling policies are successful, it will result in more material being diverted from landfill and instead to the circular economy.
Increasing household engagement in recycling through education and accessibility is the final piece to increase the recycling rate. The 2024 State of Recycling Report by The Recycling Partnership found that currently, only 73% of households have access to recycling and just 43% of households participate in recycling. To decrease losses at the household level, 100% of households need access to recycling from their home and they need to be educated on best recycling practices so they can fully engage in their recycling services.
Although there is lots of work to do, the introduction of innovative technologies like AI and robotics, bolstered by the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation and and the efforts of non-profits like the Recycling Partnership, offers a beacon of hope for the recycling industry, the circular economy, and our planet.
JD Ambati is an entrepreneurial executive with over 22 years of experience in AI, product development, strategic sales and strategy. He is responsible for growing companies from infancy to maturity by generating multi-million dollars in revenue and delivering value to customers and investors. JD built strategic revenue streams for various startups and public companies by developing global partnerships with leading b2b customers, agencies, and holding companies.
