City of Tacoma’s Solid Waste Management Launches Smart Camera Pilot to Reduce Contamination in Recycling
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~ The City of Tacoma is taking steps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its recycling program. The Environmental Services Department's Solid Waste Management Division, in collaboration with Prairie Robotics, has announced the launch of a two-year pilot project aimed at reducing contamination in the residential recycling stream.

Thanks to a generous $1.8 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency's Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program, this project will focus on educating residents about what can and cannot be recycled in Tacoma's curbside program. The use of smart camera technology will play a crucial role in detecting contamination as it is collected from homes.

When contamination is identified, residents will receive educational postcards highlighting which items are not accepted in Tacoma's curbside recycling system. According to Solid Waste Management Division Manager Lewis Griffith, this initiative is essential as contamination can have a significant impact on the delivery and cost of services for all residents.

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Prairie Robotics, a Canadian software development and engineering firm, has been selected to support this project. Their artificial intelligence-powered platform has already been successfully implemented by waste providers and municipalities across the United States and Canada. This includes companies like Waste Connections and GFL, as well as cities like Greensboro, N.C., and East Lansing, Mich.

Prairie Robotics CEO Sam Dietrich expressed excitement about partnering with the City of Tacoma on this project. He believes that their platform can effectively reduce contamination in recycling across Tacoma. Dietrich also stated that they are committed to working closely with the city throughout the pilot's duration to ensure that their services meet the needs of Tacoma residents.

The pilot will be rolled out in phases over the next year, starting with selected areas receiving postcards this month. It is important to note that this is an educational initiative, so no fees or penalties will be issued for contamination identified during the pilot period. The project will continue until June 2027 when it will be reviewed for its effectiveness.

Residents can find more information about this project and recycling in Tacoma at tacoma.gov/recycle. The City of Tacoma is dedicated to improving its recycling program and encourages all residents to participate in this initiative to reduce contamination and promote a more sustainable community.

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