For C&D recyclers, waste haulers, demolition contractors and landfills, there is a growing opportunity to profit from rethinking processes. Although every operation is different, by streamlining the front end of the C&D operation processes with purpose-built technologies, recyclers can tap into new end markets, accommodate higher material volumes, stay ahead of regulatory restrictions, increase recovery rates and add commodity revenue, while decreasing labor and other costs.
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On March 2nd, the CLEAN Future Act bill was introduced by U.S. House of Representatives members. According to Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) President & CEO Tony Radoszewski, the bill if passed would halt new permits for plastics production facilities, and eliminate manufacturing and other jobs across the economy.
Following is a quick rundown on the latest high-tech optical sorting systems for MRF applications, from seven of the industry's major manufacturers.
Until recently, optical sorters for the recycling industry have been used mostly in plastics and metal applications. Over the last several years, this technology, integrated with artificial intelligence, sophisticated monitoring and control systems, robotics and increasingly high-speed conveyors, is also making its way more into fibre, glass, cartons, organics, e-scrap and C&D recycling applications. All of these streams are changing fast, and continuously, and optical sorting is doing a very good job of keeping up. In fact, the growing breadth of options and the speed with which optical sorting technology is advancing is remarkable.
Verra and the 3R Initiative has launched a new plastic stewardship initiative that will establish the world's first comprehensive framework for companies to verifiably manage and reduce plastic waste.
Most of us are happy to see 2020 in the rear-view mirror. Overall, the waste management and recycling industry, an essential service, was not hit nearly as hard as many by the new realities of the pandemic, but it was certainly hit hard. The year saw huge impacts on collection programs, with regional cancellations especially high in the U.S., and significant operational and fiscal changes for recyclers.
Coca-Cola brands (Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Flavors) will debut a 13.2-oz. bottle made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic this month in California, Florida and select states in the Northeast U.S., with other sparkling beverage brands following this summer.
Covering the latest industry news, product information and new equipment technologies
Following is a quick rundown on the latest high-tech optical sorting systems for MRF applications, from seven of the industry's major manufacturers.
Until recently, optical sorters for the recycling industry have been used mostly in plastics and metal applications. Over the last several years, this technology, integrated with artificial intelligence, sophisticated monitoring and control systems, robotics and increasingly high-speed conveyors, is also making its way more into fibre, glass, cartons, organics, e-scrap and C&D recycling applications. All of these streams are changing fast, and continuously, and optical sorting is doing a very good job of keeping up. In fact, the growing breadth of options and the speed with which optical sorting technology is advancing is remarkable.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge, a growing number of consumers across the country are shopping online this holiday season - a trend that could have severe environmental consequences if packaging materials aren't properly disposed of.
At the 2020 MRF Summit in November, hosted jointly by ISRI and SWANA, Rob Writz, director of business development for AMP Robotics, was one of three panellists in a session titled: "Improve Efficiency and Productivity Through Technology." Along with Will Herzog from Machinex; Brent Hildebrand, GFL's director of recycling; and moderator Michael Timpane from industry consulting firm Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), the session focused on the very important role automation, artificial intelligence, and specifically, robotic sorting technology, have played so far, and will play, as our industry continues to evolve rapidly through the next decade.
In September, the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) awarded the 2020 Recycling Facility of the Year to GFL Environmental's Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With operations begun in October, the 80,000 square-foot single-stream facility uses a cutting-edge Machinex sorting system with advanced equipment and is projected to process over 50,000 metric tonnes of MSW material yearly.
On November 4th and 5th, Québec's Réseau Environnement held its annual Waste Management Conference, online. The following includes attendee questions and answers from the Carton Council of Canada's Managing Director Isabelle Faucher, about the current state of carton recycling in the province.
ROPAX traversing compactors from Epax Systems significantly reduce the level of waste in open top containers, according to the company.
With alarming growth in plastic pollution worldwide, and particular concern over waste from single-use beverage containers, the recycling space is driving forward new innovations to make returning bottles and cans more motivating and efficient.
Vehicle CCTV has grown in popularity over the last few years with many fleet operators choosing to equip their vehicles with the technology to improve safety, support driver training and prevent fraudulent claims.
Autocar originally announced the release of its DC-64R — a completely reinvented truck for severe-duty refuse applications — in 2019, marking the company's first new conventional truck for the brand in 31 years. This year, the truck has officially "hit the road" in the U.S. and according to the company, turns the traditional OEM/dealership model on its head, saving waste haulers and municipalities both time and money.
Waste and recycling management consulting firm New Market Waste Solutions recently reached a major milestone of saving $1.3 million in waste costs by using Compology's waste metering technology to rightsize service levels for clients Nordstrom, ADT Security, American Red Cross, Charter Communications and Iron Mountain, while also helping them meet their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint.
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing recently broke ground on a nearly 30,000 square-foot facility that will provide customers with a unique, collaborative pre-delivery experience for their refuse collection fleets.
