Case Study: Optimising Paper & Cardboard Recycling with SmartEnds Vision AI
- Joe Leech
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Overview
Paper and cardboard recycling centres face ongoing challenges in managing contamination, monitoring container fill levels, and ensuring efficient collections. Contaminants such as plastic, food waste, and non-recyclable materials lower the quality of recycled paper and reduce revenue. SmartEnds Vision AI provides an advanced solution that automates contamination detection, optimises waste collection, and improves overall recycling efficiency.
Challenges in Paper & Cardboard Waste Recycling
High Contamination Rates – Plastic, food waste, and other impurities frequently mix with paper and cardboard, reducing the quality and recyclability of the materials.
Inefficient Collection Schedules – Without real-time monitoring, waste collection was often mismanaged, leading to unnecessary pickups or overflowing bins.
Missed Revenue Opportunities – Poor material quality resulted in lower payouts from recycling facilities, affecting profitability.
SmartEnds' Solution: Camera Vision AI Implementation
Deployment of 210 AI Cameras - SmartEnds installed 210 cameras across the recycling center, ensuring complete visibility of waste containers and sorting areas. The system continuously monitors for contamination and fill levels, providing instant updates.
Real-Time Fill Level Monitoring - Our Battery-powered Vision AI cameras installed in waste containers detect when bins are full, ensuring timely pickups.
Advanced Contamination Detection - AI algorithms identify incorrectly disposed materials such as plastics, food waste, and non-paper items, allowing operators to take corrective action.
Automated Mobile Notifications - When a bin reaches capacity or contamination is detected, the system sends real-time alerts to the waste management team via a mobile app. This enables quick decision-making and immediate corrective actions.
Route Optimisation & Fleet Management - SmartEnds Vision AI integrates with fleet management systems, optimizing collection routes based on real-time data. This reduces unnecessary trips, cuts fuel costs, and ensures the most efficient pickup schedules.
Data-Driven Decision Making - A cloud-based dashboard provides real-time analytics on waste composition, allowing recycling centers to refine sorting processes.
Results & Key Achievements
30% Reduction in Unnecessary Pickups - By optimising collection schedules, waste trucks no longer service half-empty containers, cutting costs and emissions.
40% Decrease in Contamination-Related Issues - AI-powered detection has significantly improved material quality, leading to higher acceptance rates at recycling plants.
25% Increase in Revenue from Recycling Factories - Higher-quality paper and cardboard result in better payouts, maximising profitability.
What Our Clients Say
"Before using SmartEnds Vision AI, we faced constant rejections due to contamination. Now, with real-time tracking and AI-powered sorting, our recycling quality has improved, and we're seeing higher revenues." - Recycling Facility Manager
Future Outlook & Next Steps
With SmartEnds Vision AI, paper and cardboard recycling centers are achieving higher efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved recycling rates. As the industry continues to evolve, more facilities are adopting AI-driven solutions to:
Further reduce contamination through automated sorting.
Expand AI monitoring to additional waste streams.
Enhance sustainability efforts by minimizing landfill waste