Waste and recycling businesses are an important part of the physical economy. They manage the collection, sorting, and disposal of materials to keep cities clean and sustainable. Whether protecting workers from hazardous conditions, providing the best customer service, or enforcing compliance, challenges are always top of mind for waste managers. That’s why these leaders are turning to AI, particularly computer vision technology, to become safer, more efficient, and more productive.
How computer vision works in waste & recycling
Computer vision is a type of artificial intelligence that trains machines to interpret and analyze visual information. In the waste and recycling sector, computer vision is integral to real-time monitoring, accident prevention, and improving customer service. Here’s how AI and computer vision are changing the ways waste management businesses operate:
- Real-time monitoring for customer service and compliance: AI-powered cameras detect whether or not a trash bin was emptied, or if it was left out for pickup at all. As a result, waste management businesses are able to verify customer service, protect their credibility, and keep teams moving.
- Safety enforcement and accident prevention: Automated computer vision systems can detect if workers are wearing PPE or entering hazardous areas. For example, if a worker isn’t wearing gloves or a reflective vest, the system can alert managers immediately, helping to prevent injury and maintain a safe work environment.
Now that we have full visibility into each driver’s performance, the number of unsafe incidents we’ve had on the road has sharply declined.
The Motive Physical Economy Outlook 2024: The role of AI in waste & recycling
According to Motive’s Physical Economy Outlook 2024, many waste management leaders are betting on AI to improve their operations:
- 76% of leaders see AI as crucial for asset monitoring and visibility across operations.
- 40% believe AI significantly enhances worker safety.
- 32% say AI helps in predicting maintenance needs for vehicles and equipment.
AI, and computer vision in particular, is becoming increasingly important in the waste and recycling sector, where efficiency, safety, and cost control are top priorities.
Improving compliance and service quality
Beyond improving safety, computer vision also supports operational efficiency and quality assurance. Here are some of the biggest ways computer vision is making a difference:
- Improving visibility in blind spots: AI systems equipped with computer vision can detect cyclists, pedestrians, and other obstacles in blind spots, providing real-time alerts to drivers. This technology helps prevent accidents and ensures safer navigation in tight or crowded spaces.
- Quality assurance in service delivery: Video documentation helps verify each pickup, resolve disputes, and assure customers of reliable service. Quality assurance keeps operations transparent and minimizes customer complaints.
Conclusion
The time to adopt computer vision in waste management operations is now. The right AI-powered tools can improve safety, increase productivity, and cut costs. Don’t wait. Start integrating computer vision solutions today to stay ahead of the game.
