AI Could Streamline Waste Management and Boost Circular Economy
Neste experts and international reports highlight artificial intelligence's potential for global waste challenges. The technology can improve sorting, reduce costs, and enhance recycling processes.
Helsinki – Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities to enhance global waste management and promote the circular economy, according to Finnish company Neste Oyj. Drawing on expert insights and reports from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), AI can help transform massive waste streams into valuable raw materials.
Globally, over 2 billion tons of waste are generated annually, a figure projected to rise. Managing these vast quantities requires more efficient solutions, with AI, combined with automation and robotics, seen as a key tool. UNEP suggests that increased circularity in waste management could save over $100 billion annually by 2050.
Research indicates AI applications in waste management can reduce waste truck travel distances by up to 36.8%, cut costs by 13.35%, and decrease collection time by over 25%. Furthermore, AI can improve the identification and sorting of waste at processing facilities, thereby reducing reliance on incineration or landfill.
Sami Ahma-aho, AI Architecture Lead at Neste, emphasizes that identifying different waste streams is an obvious area where AI can assist. Technology providers are already installing AI-powered cameras on sorting lines to precisely identify materials and improve bale quality.
Increased data and digitalization are strengthening the recycling value chain. AI is believed to have the potential to make waste management significantly more circular and increase the use of recycled materials in industries, such as plastics manufacturing.