McNeilus expands smart refuse collection with AI-enabled contamination sorting

A new AI-enabled material contamination detection technology has been introduced by McNeilis Truck and Manufacturing, developed in collaboration with Lixo, a creator of intelligent waste-stream analysis. This innovation marks a major advancement in McNeilus' commitment to sustainability, data-driven collection, and improved recycling outcomes across North America.

How the new AI-based contamination system works 

The new system leverages artificial intelligence, edge computing, and cloud-based analytics to identify contaminants in real time during refuse and recycling collection. By detecting and categorizing materials as they are deposited into the hopper, the technology can help haulers, municipalities, and sustainability leaders manage contamination, control risk, improve diversion rates, and meet regulatory and environmental goals. Additionally, the system performs and collects data while the vehicle operator continues with their daily operation and route management.

"Material contamination detection is the next evolution in refuse and recycling collection," said Lee Dreas, president of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. "This technology enables customers to see what's really in their waste stream and is retrofittable to support mixed fleets. It can help haulers demonstrate compliance, provides municipalities with the data they need to drive recycling performance and empowers both to operate efficiently and sustainably."

Collaborating with specialists in data collection and analysis 

McNeilus has leveraged a strategic collaboration with global waste data analysis specialist, Lixo, based in Paris, France. McNeilus' decades of refuse vehicle and solutions innovation and Lixo's advanced AI technology helps create intelligent insights and contributes to building a more sustainable future.

The system can identify over 80 contaminants including plastic bags, yard waste, textiles, and hazardous materials, with a high level of accuracy. The system continues to learn and adapt as it processes new data, enabling detection of emerging materials — promoting overall accuracy growth of hazardous materials detected while adding value for customers and building a more sustainable future.

Through advanced computer vision and machine learning, the system captures and classifies imagery from each collection. The data is processed through edge computing within the truck's onboard control unit, then is automatically uploaded to a secure cloud dashboard. Fleet and sustainability managers can view contamination levels by route, neighbourhood, or customer address, generating actionable insights that support compliance reporting and route optimization, without requiring any driver interaction.

"Lixo has been developing contamination detection solutions for close to five years. The technology is patented and has proven its scalability and efficiency across Europe with over 300,000 bins analyzed every single day, reinforcing the strength of this AI technology," said Marjorie Darcet, co-founder and CEO of Lixo. "We are thrilled to be working with McNeilus to bring the technology to North America. We are confident that combining our forces can bring very significant value to haulers in residential, commercial, and industrial waste segments."

The new technology will soon be seen on collection vehicles 

McNeilus plans to offer the technology as both a factory-installed option for new vehicles and a retrofit kit compatible with any brand of side-loader or front-loader truck. Integration with McNeilus' ClearSky Intelligence telematics platform will provide customers with a seamless view of fleet health, payload data and contamination insights. Part of McNeilus IQ, McNeilus' suite of intelligent, connected solutions, material contamination detection highlights a continued focus in deploying technology to drive the industry forward with meaningful insights.

"McNeilus is known for helping customers modernize their operations through practical, intelligent technology," added Dreas. "By bringing this AI-enabled system to market, we're helping communities and haulers move toward clean recycling, smart routing and sustainable results; while protecting the value of the materials being collected."

This intelligent solution is part of Oshkosh Corporation's broader technology vision including autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity and electrification that are shaping the future of job sites, neighbourhoods, and airports. Dreas added, "As municipalities and haulers look to meet new sustainability targets and demonstrate compliance with local ordinances, real-time data will be key. This is another example of how McNeilus is investing in innovation that helps our customers stay ahead of industry change."