Trash Collection Goes Automated

Trash collection — one of the messiest and logistically complicated aspects of society — is in the midst of getting a big upgrade with new technology and clean energy.

The Big Picture: Americans produce a lot of trash. In 2018, the average American produced a literal ton of trash, according to the EPA. Figuring out how to get rid of that waste in a smarter and more efficient way could have major benefits for both public health and the environment.

Between The Bins: There are several ways your trash pickup is about to get disrupted.

• Many cities are experimenting with “containerization” — “large, centralized bins shared by a street or neighborhood,” per The WSJ. NYC is testing them as an alternative to curbside piles and individual bins.
• AI-powered bins and dumpsters could also alert sanitation crews when they’re full or emitting odors, streamlining pickups and reducing wasteful trips.
• Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corp built an EV garbage truck that has “an advanced driver-assistance system — including 360-degree cameras, pedestrian detection, and automated braking.”
• The company is also piloting a self-driving robot named “Harr-e,” which can come directly to homes, collect trash, and deliver it to central drop-off sites.

Last Bag: Other than basic trash collection, recycling remains a headache for most Americans. Many households still struggle to figure out what can and can’t be recycled. Cities like NYC, Chicago, Denver, and LA are adopting a “single-stream model,” which lets residents toss all potentially recyclable items into one bin. AI-equipped cameras and robots then sort through the pile, directing each item to its proper place. They can also handle the disposal of harmful materials (like batteries) and harvest valuable metals (like copper).

Hopefully, all of these changes make our communities just a little less stinky.

Next Pickup: One day, a company will finally figure out how to build a robotic system that not only takes out the trash for you but also brings the bins all the way to the curb.