The manufacturer explains the differences between different sorting methods and the technology that goes into sorting and identifying different recyclables.
Robotic technology is rapidly evolving in the recycling industry, especially in the area of optical sorting equipment. Drawing from deep datasets, optical sorters using different ejection methods process material fractions more efficiently and with higher purity rates than at any other time.
But what exactly constitutes a robot in the recycling industry and how do these machines leverage the deep learning subset of artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit today’s recycling facilities?
“Recycling Robots, Take Two,” the latest eBook from Norway-based Tomra Recycling, a global leader in sensor-based sorting, explains the similarities and differences between optical sorters with valve block and robotic arm ejectors and details how, when implemented as part of the holistic system design, both can improve plant sorting performance.
The eBook describes what is at the heart of AI, how everyone experiences it every day and opens the reader’s mind to recognize the term “robot sorter” is not just a machine with sorting arms.
Readers also learn the four critical components shared by all-optical sorters, what different sorting technologies are available for the recycler’s toolbox and the software’s role in sorting. Processing software, in particular, is critical to the sorting process, and it should be developed specifically for the type of sorting technology employed so the recycler can maximize material recovery.
The eBook concludes with the message that, while not new to the recycling industry, the use of AI and deep datasets is expanding, resulting in faster processing speeds, higher recovery rates of the most complex material fractions and maximum circularity by bringing more high-quality recyclates into the loop. Together, optical sorters–both with valve block as well as robotic arm ejectors–allow the workforce to be used more efficiently to lower overall operating costs for the recycler. To be most effective, however, these sorters must be positioned in the line as part of a holistic approach to the automated circuit.
Click here to download a copy of the ebook.
The BM-25 diaphragm switch is a rugged pressure switch for high or low-level alerts in bins containing nonhazardous, free-flowing dry materials.
BinMaster, an equipment manufacturer based in Lincoln, Nebraska, recently unveiled a sensor to make checking bin levels easier for nonhazardous, free-flowing dry materials.
The company says the BM-25 bin level indicator provides a new way to manage materials in bins or silos. It alerts operators to high or low levels or when chutes or conveyors are clogged. It is designed to be a convenient way to stop overflowing products or wasting valuable material in the bottom of a bin. BinMaster says the switch eliminates the guesswork of bin management.
Ideal for bins and silos, the BM-25's mechanism activates a sensitive micro switch to indicate when the material reaches the level of the switch in the bin. The pressure switch alerts when it senses high or low levels.
Typically, it is wired to a light, horn or alarm panel. The switch has a silicone diaphragm and is enclosed in nylon housing, designed to increase durability. There are models to mount internally or externally. Its corrosion-free polymer construction is perfect for ag cooperatives or any business storing dry bulk solids. It provides management help by monitoring levels of materials like corn, soy, wheat, milo, wood, plastic, crops, rice, powders, landscaping materials and aggressive chemicals like fertilizer pellets.
Farmers and ag workers are now safer, by eliminating repeated climbing to measure material, says BinMaster. "The BM-25 Diaphragm switch takes the guesswork out of material management and is a better way to use manpower," the company adds.
Southern California Gas Co. is testing and demonstrating a carbon-negative, waste-to-energy modular system from Kore Infrastructure.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced that Kore Infrastructure, a California-based renewable energy provider, has begun testing and demonstrating its carbon-negative, waste-to-energy modular system at the utility’s Los Angeles facility.
According to a release, the technology is designed to divert organic waste from California landfills and convert it into carbon-negative hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG). These clean fuels can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and hard-to-electrify sectors, including transportation.
SoCalGas contributed $1.5 million to the demonstration project, which has also received funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD).
Kore’s modular system uses a proprietary pyrolysis process, which heats organic waste under high temperatures in a zero-oxygen environment. This process converts the waste to a blend of gases that can be converted to carbon-negative hydrogen or RNG, along with a solid carbon char that can be used to enhance soil quality or help decarbonize cement and steel production.
“This is the type of novel approach that we need to see more of that uses sustainable processes," says Ben J. Benoit, chair of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board. "Not only will it divert material from landfills, but the process will create clean energy sources that can be used in fuel cell vehicles and other clean-air technologies.”
“In California, transportation causes approximately 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions,” says Cornelius Shields, CEO and founder of Kore Infrastructure. “We're collaborating with waste, energy and transportation sector leaders to provide a ‘made-in-America,’ carbon-negative energy solution. Our UltraGreen hydrogen will be the fuel of the future for light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks and buses, ensuring our supply chain is emissions-free, sustainable and affordable.”
Kore plans to demonstrate the production of over 99 percent pure hydrogen that would be suitable for fuel cell electric cars, trucks, buses and trains by the third quarter of 2022. The demonstration facility has the potential to process up to 24 tons per day of organic feedstock and produce up to one metric ton of carbon-negative, UltraGreen hydrogen per day—enough hydrogen for over 1,400 fuel cell electric cars.
SoCalGas has more than 10 active hydrogen pilot projects. Last year, SoCalGas submitted several research and development initiatives to the U.S. Department of Energy's Earthshot Hydrogen Program's Request for Information, which is designed to accelerate and enable low-cost clean hydrogen, create jobs and facilitate a net-zero carbon emissions economy by 2050.
The company says it is ahead of pace to reach its interim target of a 10 percent reduction by 2025.
Republic Services Inc., Pheonix, has released its 2021 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s efforts to support decarbonization and circularity and outlining continued progress toward its ambitious 2030 sustainability goals.
Achievements include a 9 percent reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions over the 2017 baseline year, ahead of pace to reach the company's interim target of a 10 percent reduction by 2025, and the development of the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.
"At Republic Services, we view sustainability as more than just how we operate,” says Jon Vander Ark, president and CEO of Republic Services. “We see it as a platform for growth, allowing us to innovate and invest in projects that will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits over time.
Republic says its vision is to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. This approach begins with its “Elements of Sustainability.” This consists of safety, talent, climate leadership and communities, which anchor the company's 2030 goals. In addition to tracking progress toward these goals, the 2021 Sustainability Report includes new disclosures around environmental justice, supplier diversity and biodiversity conservation.
For example, Republic Services moved to a more representative emissions modeling methodology known as Solid Waste Industry for Climate Solutions. This methodology is used by industry peers and is an alternative for private landfills under the Climate Registry and recognized by SBTi. It considers a landfill’s gas collection effectiveness and efficiency as well as its cover system, allowing us to recognize the emissions reductions from our investments.
In 2021, Republic began operating our first regular collection routes with electric trucks. In Idaho, three electric vehicles (EVs) are collecting commercial recycling. The company says it has two more EVs operating in North Carolina. These EVs are delivering economic as well as environmental benefits, with lower fuel and maintenance costs in addition to zero carbon emissions. Additional EV deployments are planned in 2022, and Republic expects the pace of its electric truck rollout to accelerate in the future.
In 2021, Republic’s 71 recycling facilities processed 5 million tons of materials, returning cardboard, paper, plastics, metals and glass to the marketplace for reuse while making steady progress toward its Circular Economy goal.
At the end of 2021, Republic Services was involved with 69 landfill gas-to-energy projects and eight solar projects. In 2021, the company increased the beneficial reuse of landfill gas thanks to new RNG projects coming online, including an innovative project at McCarty Road Landfill in Houston. The company says it has 17 more RNG projects in development that are expected to begin operations in the next couple of years.
Additional highlights from the report:
announced development of the nation's first Polymer Center to advance plastics circularity and support recycled content goals.
recorded 38 percent better safety performance than the industry average over the past 10-year period; and,
recognized by the industry's Driver and Operator of the Year awards.
made notable strides with women in management, with top leadership positions more than doubling between 2019 and 2021; and,
unveiled two talent retention and development programs: the Tech Institute and Leadership Academy.
Republic Services is committed to transparency and disclosure through its sustainability reporting. In conjunction with the 2021 Sustainability Report, the company issued its 2021 Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Report, 2021 Global Reporting Initiative Report and an updated report aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. The company will publish its 2021 CDP Climate Change response later this month.
“We've made ambitious, industry-leading commitments across our business to reduce emissions and decarbonize our operations,” Vander Ark says. “Not only are we making significant progress toward these 2030 goals, but we're helping our customers reach their own sustainability goals."
To learn more about Republic Services' sustainability work and to download the 2021 Sustainability Report, click here.
Hygiene products maker says it used 24 percent recycled content in its tissue last year and boosted plastic scrap use.
Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark Corp., as part of its newly published annual report on sustainability, included a 24 percent figure for the recycled content of its tissue products globally.
In its recap on the company’s impact on forests, Kimberly-Clark says recycled fiber comprised 24 percent of its tissue products feedstock. The company says it “achieved 87 percent environmentally preferred fiber use” status globally by also using 63 percent virgin wood fiber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
In terms of its plastics use, Kimberly-Clark says last year it “continued its work to explore more sustainable, commercially viable and scalable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics.”
That meant in 2021 it doubled the percentage of recycled content in its plastic packaging, and it “further increased the amount of packaging globally that is reusable, recyclable, or compostable to nearly 84 percent, as it strives for 100 percent by 2025,” the company says.
“We will remain steadfast in our efforts to reach our goals because we believe it’s the best way to care for the people we serve, it’s the right thing to do for our planet, and it helps us deliver on our purpose,” says Lisa Morden, vice president with Kimberly-Clark.