Automated sorting of recyclable domestic waste

초록

The separation of waste recyclables and nonrecyclables is important to increase the recycling rate of waste and reduce the amount of time spent separating recyclable waste. In the past, such separation was done by installing a long conveyor, dividing the area according to the type of recyclable waste to be sorted, assigning people to each area, and transferring the collected recyclable waste to the conveyor, resulting in an unnecessary workforce and the economic efficiency of the workforce. Thus efficient sorting of these waste materials is very important for recycling them. This chapter explains how we can sort these wastes automatically. First, waste is categorized into four main types: municipal solid waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, and hazardous waste, and their characteristics are explained. Several methods and technologies for sorting recyclable waste are illustrated, including mechanical sorting, optical sorting, magnetic separation, air separation, robotics, RFID technology and smart bins. These technologies can be optimized by using data analysis and artificial intelligence. The effectiveness of the system is also explained, including public awareness and proper labeling of recyclable waste. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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