Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to reduce waste and boost recycling capacity in Victoria’s container deposit scheme (CDS)- the first time the technology has been used in the southern hemisphere.
CountAIner, the AI powered recycling machine is now in operation at the CDS Vic Depot in Dandenong South. Using advanced AI machine learning to count, identify and process eligible returns in bulk at speeds of up to 1500 containers per minute.
Over the past three years, managing and recycling operations experts for the CDS Return-It, have worked with Canadian engineering company Machinex to develop and refine the CountAIner technology for use in Australia. The machine at CDS Vic’s depot is the only unit to be deployed outside of North America.
Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, said the advanced AI technology will drive smarter, more efficient waste management.
“This technology brings incredible speed and precision that will transform how we recycle in Victoria,” he said.
Gabrielle Williams, Member for Dandenong said the Dandenong South manufacturing precinct is the heart of innovation in Victoria.
“It’s wonderful to see AI technology like the CountAIner being deployed for both environment and economic benefit for all Victorians,” she said.
More than one billion containers have been returned in the first year of the Victorian scheme, putting $100 million back in the pockets of Victorians and reducing litter to landfill by half.
More than $950,000 has been donated through the scheme to more than 4200 charities, community groups and local sports clubs – supporting great cause across the state.
For more information, www.returnit.com.au/vic/
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