A new pilot program that features smart camera technology on city recycling trucks now provides some Greensboro residents with personalized recycling feedback. This initiative, funded through a Community Waste Reduction and Recycling grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), aims to improve curbside recycling by identifying contamination and educating residents in real-time.
The program is a collaboration between the City of Greensboro, NC DEQ, and Prairie Robotics. The smart cameras, installed on three recycling trucks, use visual recognition software and GPS to detect non-recyclable items in curbside bins. How it works:
- As recycling is collected, smart cameras scan for contaminants, such as plastic bags, garbage, yard waste or Styrofoam.
- If a contaminant is detected, a photo is taken inside the truck鈥檚 hopper, highlighting the non-recyclable item.
- A personalized postcard is sent to the resident with educational information about proper recycling practices.
This technology enhances Greensboro鈥檚 existing recycling contamination tagging program by automating the process. There are no fines or fees associated with the program, but repeat contamination may result in removal of a resident鈥檚 recycling cart.
The system is designed to identify contaminated items only. Beginning this month, residents can expect to receive contamination postcards in their mail with a photo of the non-recyclable item.