Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Waste Management

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Written by Aminu Mohammed

The increase in income and economic growth in many countries has led to a rise in consumption and waste generation. This includes various types of waste such as household waste, electronic, industrial and chemical waste. Effective waste management is essential for a healthy and safe environment, and it plays a central role in environmental sustainability. Municipalities and local authorities in many developing countries are facing the challenge of managing waste collection and disposal, while ensuring a safe environment. To tackle this challenge, it is essential to implement effective waste management to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases.

Developed countries have seen an increase in waste generation compared to developing countries, due to higher income rates and consumption patterns. According to the World Bank, waste generation is estimated to reach 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050, continuing the trend of growth across the world.

Waste management involves the process of collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste. Effective waste management procedures are crucial in combating air and water pollution, which reduces the impact of human activities on the environment. This, in turn, helps in reducing harmful substances in the environment and preventing contamination and air-borne diseases. Artificial intelligence is changing the procedures of waste management and has the potential to transform activities in the sector, starting from waste collection, disposal, and treatment, as well as recycling.

Artificial Intelligence can help curb emissions and contamination

Artificial intelligence is considered a revolutionary development in waste management. Its adoption can significantly reduce the cost of operations associated with waste transportation. Heavy-duty trucks are often used for waste collection and disposal, leading to the burning of fuel while travelling across cities and municipalities. This has a negative impact on the environment.

By using AI integrated into cameras and sensors mounted on large waste bins, waste managers can easily determine when a disposal bin in a particular area is full and requires evacuation. This will reduce the need for trucks to travel around and burn fuel. In the long run, it will not only reduce operational costs for local authorities but also significantly improve environmental protection.

Artificial intelligence in waste management is viewed as a transformational process in the way waste is segregated. Unlike the traditional manual system of separation by individuals for recycling, the use of AI systems such as AI-enabled robots, sensors and cameras as well as machine learning can assist greatly in separating waste faster than humans. Effective waste segregation by machines can prevent individuals from being contaminated by harmful chemicals, thus curbing the risk of air borne diseases.

Impact of AI on waste segregation.

For example, Recycleye is an environmental services company that has designed artificial intelligence tools to detect and sort waste materials. They have created an automated system, which makes use of cameras and robots to separate plastic waste. This device for separating waste has been effectively deployed in the United Kingdom. The process of sorting waste by AI has reduced human contact and contamination from plastic waste. The adoption of machine learning has helped in efficient waste management and a reduction in cost.

Many countries, such as China, are grappling with massive production of waste arising due to high population rates. These countries have seen the need for the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to tackle these challenges. A Chinese company, Ali Baba, through its innovative labs has created Ali Baba cloud, an artificial intelligence and machine learning tool that helps in reducing carbon emissions during incineration. The local authorities and cities in China adopted the method of burning garbage and waste materials in an incinerator due to the dearth of landfills. The process of burning waste causes the release of toxic substances and harmful chemicals, polluting the environment.

However, with the introduction of artificial intelligence laced with cameras in many waste treatment plants by many cities in China, the process of burning waste is carried out optimally and effectively, with less emission and low environmental impact. This goes a long way in enhancing efficiency in waste management. Similarly, the introduction of artificial intelligence-driven waste bins in China by Ali Pay to separate waste and aid recycling has assisted local authorities in managing waste. The smart bins which have in-built camera and machine learning algorithms, enable it detect cans, plastic bottles and other types of waste. It also separates the waste efficiently when compared to being carried out manually. The municipal waste after being separated are then recycled.

Challenges

The cost of acquiring waste management technologies is often considered expensive and can put a strain on the finances of local authorities who are struggling with limited budgets for municipal waste management. Moreover, it is believed that artificial intelligence tools like robots may consume more energy during their usage, which could contribute to emissions. In the long run, used robots may end up as electronic waste, negatively impacting the environment.

However, with new technological innovations in machine learning, the cost of acquiring these devices is expected to decrease, making them more affordable. The good news is that the issue of astronomical costs associated with acquiring AI devices for managing solid waste will soon be a thing of the past and accessible to many.

Also MI4People in partnership with Alexander Thamm, is working on an artificial intelligence system that uses satellite imagery to identify plastic waste in oceans. The marine litter detection tool will help identify waste and toxic materials in the ocean, allowing environmentalists to effectively clean it up. This will help reduce marine pollution, protect ocean-dwelling organisms from extinction, and enhance biodiversity.

Future prospects

Change is a constant part of life and achieving a circular economy and a safe environment is dependent on technology and innovation. The potential of AI cannot be overstated in accomplishing this goal. In the future, the use of Artificial intelligence and machine learning will optimize resources, improve operations, and reduce carbon emissions, thus promoting environmental sustainability.

To achieve the objectives of waste recycling, it is necessary to have an environmentally friendly AI devices. Adopting new technologies for waste management is a significant step towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

With greetings

MI4People team