SEQUIM — Olympic Disposal will deploy a system of computerized cameras to check the contents of curbside recycling bins this month.
The system, created by Saskatchewan-based Prairie Robotics, will return feedback to households regarding what can and cannot be recycled to reduce contamination in the recycling stream.
“We are thrilled to work with our partners in Clallam County and the city of Sequim in a collaborative effort to enhance recycling within our communities,” said Joey Deese, a district manager at Olympic Disposal. “Through these new and innovative outreach strategies, we hope to encourage better recycling practices and ensure that more materials are recycled in a cleaner and more sustainable way.”
The cameras will scan the contents of each recycling cart as it is dumped into the truck and flag unacceptable items such as plastic bags, polystyrene foam, yard waste and trash.
Using global positioning data, the system can generate a postcard or digital notification for the household with information about how they can improve their recycling.
The system will be used at more than 8,000 homes in Sequim parts of Clallam County. Affected households will receive a postcard reminding them of the most common contaminants and what can be recycled.
The program is funded by the state Department of Ecology and gets technical support from the Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit organization.
“We are excited to support innovative approaches for improving Washington’s recycling system,” said Dan Weston, the statewide recycling coordinator with the Department of Ecology. “We hope this technology proves effective and provides local recycling programs across the state with a valuable tool for reducing contamination.”
