The Federal Government is calling on “waste warriors” to download the ‘Recycle Mate’ app, in an effort to increase the apps product catalogue for users.
The Recycle Mate app uses artificial intelligence to classify rubbish and find the best disposal solution for that product. The app’s artificial intelligence is continually improved, with users able to add to the app’s database every time an image is uploaded.
Recycle Mate was developed by ACOR and environment-firm Adaptation with $2 million in funding through the Morrison Government’s Environment Restoration Fund. The app has already been trialled by Brisbane City Council.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the app ‘Recycle Mate’ can already identify thousands of products and tell consumers which bin or where the product can be recycled, no matter where they live in Australia.
“This app is already smart, but like the rest of the recycling sector, we want to turbocharge it and make it smarter,” Ley said. “Recycle Mate uses cutting edge photo recognition and artificial intelligence technology to identify a product and determine the most suitable kerbside bin or disposal location for it.”
“Every time a photo is uploaded to the app, it recognises more and gets smarter, meaning less confusion for users.”
CEO of ACOR Suzanne Toumbourou hoped that those within the waste sector could utilise the app, in order to expand its knowledge base.
“We are now reaching out to all Australian local councils and relevant recycling stakeholders to join our national Recycle Mate collaboration and contribute by checking local data and uploading new information via our national recycling data hub,” Toumbourou said.
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