Curbside recycling in Grand Rapids goes high-tech. (07-13-24)

WYCE's Community Connection (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

On this weeks episode, we speak with John Gorney, Director of Public Works for the City of Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), The Recycling Partnership, and Prairie Robotics to launch a six-month pilot project. This innovative initiative utilizes high-tech cameras, global positioning systems, and computers on city recycling trucks. The aim is to revolutionize our recycling process, making it more efficient and effective.

In this project, Grand Rapids will utilize the technology provided by Prairie Robotics to retrofit the city’s recycling collection trucks with camera technology, global positioning systems, and computers to scan material as it is mechanically dumped from each recycling cart into the truck. The technology recognizes unacceptable items, such as plastic bags, polystyrene foam, yard waste, and trash. The truck flags such items in real-time, allowing the City of Grand Rapids to send customized feedback via a postcard or digital notification to individual households with information about how they can recycle properly.

Recycling Fun Facts: The national average recycling rate is 32%. Michigan's current recycling rate is at 21% and the City of Grand Rapids recycling rate is at 30%.

Residents can learn more about the program here