How is Artificial Intelligence Reshaping the Waste Management Industry? Former WM CEO and AMP Board Member Provide Answers
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technological development means for the operations and profitability of related businesses. He also gave us a "tour" of AMP's material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Please tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia. How does it differ from other waste management projects that use artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclable and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the raw materials.
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclable and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the raw materials.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, and often at a cost lower than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester over one million tons of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP adopts a "sorting-as-a-service model," which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handles hardware and software upgrades, and optimizes the entire plant. With AMP operating the system, customers pay per ton of material processed, reducing labor costs and achieving cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities arise from using artificial intelligence to separate bagged waste?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged garbage, AMP can utilize a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It can even derive value from biochar, which isSure, please provide the content that needs to be translated.
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Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry history of mixed waste processing systems performing poorly or even going bankrupt. Cost issues are related, largely due to the lower reliability of facilities caused by the presence of mixed waste.
Steiner: It involves two aspects, one is environmental, and the other is cost. From an environmental perspective, food waste, yard waste, and wood decomposing in landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These organic materials make up a large portion of our landfill waste, and paper and cardboard add to the total volume of organic waste. If we cannot find alternative uses for these materials, we will not be able to maximize resource utilization or extend the life of landfills.
Steiner: Over the past 15 years, recycling rates have stagnated and even started to decline. Innovative sorting technologies can reverse this trend, creating a new model for recycling that makes it not only feasible but also safe and economical, even in places where consumers don't have access to curbside recycling services.
Steiner: Reflecting on my career in the waste management industry, we have been using the same methods for years, with landfill being the primary choice. But at WM, we realized that every year we were burying materials worth billions of dollars. What if we could divert these materials and unlock their value?
Steiner: AMP's technology can bring about two important changes: one, making the waste management business better; and two, significantly increasing the country's waste diversion rate.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, David Steiner, former CEO of WM and a board member of AMP, discussed what the development of this technology means for the operations and profitability of related enterprises. He also gave us a "look inside" the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste processing projects that use artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenue from the raw materials.
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenue from the raw materials.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the materials that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, and often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP adopts a "sorting as a service" model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, responsible for hardware and software upgrades, and overall plant optimization. With AMP operating the system, customers only pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and achieving cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities arise from using AI to separate bagged waste?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged waste, AMP can leverage various commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It even extracts value from biochar, which is produced through pyrolysis separation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technological development means for the operations and profitability of businesses involved. He also took us on a tour of AMP's material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about AMP’s municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste processing projects that use AI technology?
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While there have been small-scale attempts by others, they were not economically feasible. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While there have been small-scale attempts by others, they were not economically feasible. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the materials that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, and often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but another standout feature is that AMP uses a "sorting-as-a-service model," meaning the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handles hardware and software upgrades, and optimizes the entire plant. With AMP running the system, customers pay only per ton of material processed, with lower labor costs, achieving cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities arise from using AI to separate bagged waste?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
With the ability to directly extract resources from MSW or bagged waste, AMP can leverage a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Value can even be derived from biochar, which is obtained through the pyrolysis of separated organic materials.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, David Steiner, former CEO of WM and a board member of AMP, discussed what the development of this technology means for the operations and profitability of related enterprises. He also gave us a "look inside" the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about the municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility that AMP has in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste processing projects using artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP can directly sort recyclables and organic materials from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other institutions have tried this on a small scale, the economic benefits were not good. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenue from raw materials.
Steiner: AMP can directly sort recyclables and organic materials from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other institutions have tried this on a small scale, the economic benefits were not good. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenue from raw materials.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, and often at a lower cost than transporting the material to a landfill. Large projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP uses a "sorting as a service model," which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handles hardware and software upgrades, and optimizes the entire plant. With AMP operating the system, customers pay only for the amount of material processed per ton, resulting in lower labor costs and thus achieving cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does separating bagged garbage with AI bring?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged garbage into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged garbage into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to directly mine resources from municipal solid waste or bagged garbage, AMP can utilize a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It can even derive value from biochar, which is produced by pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Th
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technological advancement means for the operations and profitability of related businesses. He also gave us a “look inside” the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Please tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia. How does it differ from other waste management projects that use artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, and often at a cost lower than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but another standout feature is that AMP uses a "sorting as a service model," meaning the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, manages hardware and software upgrades, and optimizes the entire plant. With AMP operating the system, customers pay only per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and greater cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using AI to separate bagged waste present?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged waste, AMP can leverage various commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It can even derive value from biochar, which is produced by the pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Biochar can replace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technology's development means for business operations and profitability. He also took us "inside" AMP’s material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste processing projects that use artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable way to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, it was not economically feasible. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenues from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable way to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, it was not economically feasible. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and higher revenues from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP uses a "sorting as a service" model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handles hardware and software upgrades, and optimizes the entire plant. With AMP operating the system, customers pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using AI to separate bagged waste bring?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged waste, AMP can utilize various commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Value can even be extracted from biochar, which is produced by pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to make carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can replace coal as a clean fuel in industrial production.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed the implications of this technology's development for business operations and profitability. He also gave us a "look inside" the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about AMP’s municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste processing projects that use AI?
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While there have been small-scale attempts by others, they were not economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the raw materials.
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While there have been small-scale attempts by others, they were not economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the raw materials.
This technology can convert up to 60% of what would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but another standout feature is that AMP uses a “sorting-as-a-service” model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handling hardware and software upgrades, and optimizing the entire plant. With AMP operating the system, customers pay only for each ton of material processed, leading to lower labor costs and cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using AI to separate bagged waste present?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged garbage, AMP can leverage a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Even biochar, produced from the pyrolysis of separated organic materials, has value. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to produce carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can replace coal as a clean fuel in industrial production.
Waste360: What challenges are associated with large-scale sorting of mixed waste?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, David Steiner, former CEO of WM and a board member of AMP, discussed what this technological development means for business operations and profitability. He also took us on a tour of AMP's material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Could you tell us about AMP’s municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste management projects that utilize AI?
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from MSW or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, it has not been economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the materials.
Steiner: AMP is capable of sorting recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from MSW or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, it has not been economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and increased revenue from the materials.
This technology can convert up to 60% of materials that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a cost lower than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester over one million tons of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP employs a "sorting as a service" model, which means their team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handling hardware and software upgrades as well as overall plant optimization. With AMP operating the system, customers pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and greater cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does AI-powered separation of bagged waste present?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from MSW or bagged waste, AMP can leverage a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Even biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of separated organic materials, can be valuable. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to produce carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can substitute coal as a clean fuel in industrial processes.
Waste360: What are the challenges of large-scale sorting of mixed waste?
Steiner: It’s not a simple issue, as the mixed waste processing system
Steiner: It’s not a simple issue, as the mixed waste processing system
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technological advancement means for the operations and profitability of businesses involved. He also gave us a look inside AMP's material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Please tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia. How does it differ from other waste processing projects that use artificial intelligence?
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, it has not been economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and greater revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution to extract value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. Although other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, it has not been economically viable. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage through higher diversion rates and greater revenue from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester over one million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there is another standout feature: AMP adopts a "sorting as a service" model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, responsible for hardware and software upgrades, as well as overall plant optimization. With AMP operating the system, customers pay only per ton of material processed, leading to lower labor costs and cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using AI to separate bagged waste present?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged garbage, AMP can utilize a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Even value can be extracted from biochar, which is produced by pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to manufacture carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can act as a clean fuel substitute for coal in industrial production.
Waste360: What challenges are faced when sorting large volumes of mixed waste?
Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as poor performance or even failure of mixed waste processing systems can
Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as poor performance or even failure of mixed waste processing systems can
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed what this technological advancement means for business operations and profitability. He also gave us a look inside AMP's material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about AMP's municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste management projects that utilize AI?
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from MSW or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP can sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged waste. This is the only viable solution to extract value from MSW or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have attempted this on a smaller scale, the economics did not work out. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of materials that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a lower cost than transporting these materials to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester one million tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
The technology itself is unique, but there's another standout feature: AMP employs a "sorting as a service" model, which means their team staffs and operates the sorting equipment, handling hardware and software upgrades, as well as optimizing the entire plant. With AMP running the system, customers pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and overall cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using AI to separate bagged waste offer?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system uses AI sorting technology to identify and separate bagged waste into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residue.
With the ability to extract resources directly from MSW or bagged waste, AMP can leverage a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. Even biochar, which is produced through the pyrolysis of separated organic materials, has value. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to produce carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can be used as a clean fuel alternative to coal in industrial processes.
Waste360: What are the challenges associated with large-scale sorting of mixed waste?
Steiner: It's not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry's history of poorly performing and even bankrupt mixed waste processing systems. Cost is a significant factor, largely because
Steiner: It's not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry's history of poorly performing and even bankrupt mixed waste processing systems. Cost is a significant factor, largely because
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed the implications of this technological development for business operations and profitability. He also gave us a "look inside" the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the material recovery facilities (MRFs) as we know them. In an interview with Waste360, former WM CEO and AMP board member David Steiner discussed the implications of this technological development for business operations and profitability. He also gave us a "look inside" the AMP material recovery facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, where an AI-driven system is extracting value from mixed waste and recyclables.
Waste360: Can you tell us about the municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility that AMP has in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste management projects using AI technology?
Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
Waste360: Can you tell us about the municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility that AMP has in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste management projects using AI technology?Waste360: Can you tell us about the municipal solid waste (MSW) processing facility that AMP has in Portsmouth, Virginia? How does it differ from other waste management projects using AI technology?Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
Steiner: AMP is able to sort recyclables and organic materials directly from bagged garbage. This is the only viable solution for extracting value from municipal solid waste or mixed waste and recyclables. While other organizations have tried this on a smaller scale, the economic benefits were not significant. AMP's technology creates a competitive advantage by achieving higher diversion rates and generating more revenue from the feedstock.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a cost lower than transporting the material to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester one million metric tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
This technology can convert up to 60% of the material that would otherwise be landfilled into recyclable products, often at a cost lower than transporting the material to a landfill. Large-scale projects can avoid or sequester one million metric tons or more of CO2 equivalent.
This technology is unique in itself, but there's another standout feature: AMP adopts the "sorting as a service" model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment for the facility, taking responsibility for hardware and software upgrades as well as overall plant optimization. With AMP operating the system, customers only pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and thus achieving cost-effectiveness.
This technology is unique in itself, but there's another standout feature: AMP adopts the "sorting as a service" model, which means the team staffs and operates the sorting equipment for the facility, taking responsibility for hardware and software upgrades as well as overall plant optimization. With AMP operating the system, customers only pay per ton of material processed, resulting in lower labor costs and thus achieving cost-effectiveness.
Waste360: What opportunities does using artificial intelligence to separate bagged waste bring?
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
Waste360: What opportunities does using artificial intelligence to separate bagged waste bring?Waste360: What opportunities does using artificial intelligence to separate bagged waste bring?Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
Steiner: The AMP ONE system, through AI sorting technology, can identify bagged waste and separate it into mixed recyclables, organic materials, and residuals.
Due to its ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged waste, AMP can utilize a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It can even derive value from biochar, which is produced by pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to make carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can also be used as a clean fuel in industrial production, replacing coal.
Due to its ability to extract resources directly from municipal solid waste or bagged waste, AMP can utilize a variety of commodities, from reusable plastics to processable organic materials. It can even derive value from biochar, which is produced by pyrolysis of separated organic materials. Biochar can replace soil or ash as daily cover in landfills; it can be used to make carbon-negative concrete; it serves as a high-quality soil amendment; and it can also be used as a clean fuel in industrial production, replacing coal.
Waste360: What challenges are faced in large-scale sorting of mixed waste?
Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry history of mixed waste processing systems performing poorly or even going bankrupt. Cost issues are related, largely due to the lower reliability of facilities caused by the presence of mixed waste.
Waste360: What challenges are faced in large-scale sorting of mixed waste?Waste360: What challenges are faced in large-scale sorting of mixed waste?Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry history of mixed waste processing systems performing poorly or even going bankrupt. Cost issues are related, largely due to the lower reliability of facilities caused by the presence of mixed waste.
Steiner: This is not a simple issue, as evidenced by the industry history of mixed waste processing systems performing poorly or even going bankrupt. Cost issues are related, largely due to the lower reliability of facilities caused by the presence of mixed waste.
AMP's technology has led people to rethink the design of mixed waste processing facilities, replacing various traditional equipment that was necessary before the advent of artificial intelligence. This means lower manpower requirements, higher reliability, better quality control, and overall, a reduction in the cost structure of mixed waste processing projects.
AMP's technology has led people to rethink the design of mixed waste processing facilities, replacing various traditional equipment that was necessary before the advent of artificial intelligence. This means lower manpower requirements, higher reliability, better quality control, and overall, a reduction in the cost structure of mixed waste processing projects.
Waste360: Why is it so important to separate organic materials before they enter landfills?
Steiner: It involves two aspects, one is environmental, and the other is cost. From an environmental perspective, food waste, yard waste, and wood decomposing in landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These organic materials make up a large portion of our landfill waste, and paper and cardboard add to the total volume of organic waste. If we cannot find alternative uses for these materials, we will not be able to maximize resource utilization or extend the life of landfills.
Waste360: Why is it so important to separate organic materials before they enter landfills?Waste360: Why is it so important to separate organic materials before they enter landfills?Steiner: It involves two aspects, one is environmental, and the other is cost. From an environmental perspective, food waste, yard waste, and wood decomposing in landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These organic materials make up a large portion of our landfill waste, and paper and cardboard add to the total volume of organic waste. If we cannot find alternative uses for these materials, we will not be able to maximize resource utilization or extend the life of landfills.
Steiner: It involves two aspects, one is environmental, and the other is cost. From an environmental perspective, food waste, yard waste, and wood decomposing in landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These organic materials make up a large portion of our landfill waste, and paper and cardboard add to the total volume of organic waste. If we cannot find alternative uses for these materials, we will not be able to maximize resource utilization or extend the life of landfills.
In many regions, the cost of waste transportation represents a significant portion of the expenses for waste management companies and municipal departments. From a cost-saving perspective, diverting organic materials is crucial for effectively reducing processing costs.
In many regions, the cost of waste transportation represents a significant portion of the expenses for waste management companies and municipal departments. From a cost-saving perspective, diverting organic materials is crucial for effectively reducing processing costs.
《Waste360》: How do you think advancements in sorting technology will drive the development of a circular economy?
Steiner: Over the past 15 years, recycling rates have stagnated and even started to decline. Innovative sorting technologies can reverse this trend, creating a new model for recycling that makes it not only feasible but also safe and economical, even in places where consumers don't have access to curbside recycling services.
《Waste360》: How do you think advancements in sorting technology will drive the development of a circular economy?《Waste360》: How do you think advancements in sorting technology will drive the development of a circular economy?Steiner: Over the past 15 years, recycling rates have stagnated and even started to decline. Innovative sorting technologies can reverse this trend, creating a new model for recycling that makes it not only feasible but also safe and economical, even in places where consumers don't have access to curbside recycling services.
Steiner: Over the past 15 years, recycling rates have stagnated and even started to decline. Innovative sorting technologies can reverse this trend, creating a new model for recycling that makes it not only feasible but also safe and economical, even in places where consumers don't have access to curbside recycling services.
Advancements in technology can address not only technical issues but also systemic problems, such as recycling in multi-family dwellings, or establishing recycling channels in sparsely populated or rural areas. More importantly, it allows us to rethink the core challenges, making these recycling projects sustainable rather than relying on municipal, state, or other subsidies.
Advancements in technology can address not only technical issues but also systemic problems, such as recycling in multi-family dwellings, or establishing recycling channels in sparsely populated or rural areas. More importantly, it allows us to rethink the core challenges, making these recycling projects sustainable rather than relying on municipal, state, or other subsidies.
AI-driven waste management systems can also help communities address long-term cost issues. Manual sorting for recycling is both expensive and inefficient. Well-designed AI models are less costly and more effective, helping to achieve ambitious diversion goals. And diversion is the ultimate goal. While it may sometimes be cheaper to landfill items, preserving landfill space is crucial.
AI-driven waste management systems can also help communities address long-term cost issues. Manual sorting for recycling is both expensive and inefficient. Well-designed AI models are less costly and more effective, helping to achieve ambitious diversion goals. And diversion is the ultimate goal. While it may sometimes be cheaper to landfill items, preserving landfill space is crucial.
《Waste360》: You have worked in the waste management industry for a long time. What do you think has been the most meaningful change in terms of methods and technology?
Steiner: Looking back at my career in the waste management industry, we have used the same methods for many years, with landfills being the primary disposal option. But at WM, we realized that every year we were burying billions of dollars worth of materials. What if we could divert these materials and unlock their value?
《Waste360》: You have worked in the waste management industry for a long time. What do you think has been the most meaningful change in terms of methods and technology?《Waste360》: You have worked in the waste management industry for a long time. What do you think has been the most meaningful change in terms of methods and technology?Steiner: Looking back at my career in the waste management industry, we have used the same methods for many years, with landfills being the primary disposal option. But at WM, we realized that every year we were burying billions of dollars worth of materials. What if we could divert these materials and unlock their value?
Steiner: Reflecting on my career in the waste management industry, we have been using the same methods for years, with landfill being the primary choice. But at WM, we realized that every year we were burying materials worth billions of dollars. What if we could divert these materials and unlock their value?
We invested a lot of time and money trying to find alternatives to landfills. We invested in technologies that convert waste into syngas or other chemicals; technologies that convert waste into energy or pellets as a substitute for coal; and various other technologies. These technologies worked, but they couldn't be scaled up enough to make a significant impact on waste management.
We invested a lot of time and money trying to find alternatives to landfills. We invested in technologies that convert waste into syngas or other chemicals; technologies that convert waste into energy or pellets as a substitute for coal; and various other technologies. These technologies worked, but they couldn't be scaled up enough to make a significant impact on waste management.
Single-stream recycling has had some success, but contamination rates continue to rise. Foreign markets have led to significant fluctuations in material prices. Of course, organic waste has always been a challenge, and there hasn't been a good solution for this large portion of waste. So, while we have made some progress, it has been incremental.
Single-stream recycling has had some success, but contamination rates continue to rise. Foreign markets have led to significant fluctuations in material prices. Of course, organic waste has always been a challenge, and there hasn't been a good solution for this large portion of waste. So, while we have made some progress, it has been incremental.
Applying artificial intelligence to waste management is a revolution for this industry. The technology now exists, and the interesting part is to spread it around the world!
Applying artificial intelligence to waste management is a revolution for this industry. The technology now exists, and the interesting part is to spread it around the world!
Waste360: What changes will technologies like AMP bring?
Steiner: AMP's technology can bring about two important changes: one, making the waste management business better; and two, significantly increasing the country's waste diversion rate.
Waste360: What changes will technologies like AMP bring?Waste360: What changes will technologies like AMP bring?Steiner: AMP's technology can bring about two important changes: one, making the waste management business better; and two, significantly increasing the country's waste diversion rate.
Steiner: AMP's technology can bring about two important changes: one, making the waste management business better; and two, significantly increasing the country's waste diversion rate.
In terms of the first point, low-cost, comprehensive recycling is not only beneficial to the environment, but it also allows for the diversion of most mixed waste without adding new cost burdens, which brings new strategic advantages to transfer stations and landfills.
In terms of the first point, low-cost, comprehensive recycling is not only beneficial to the environment, but it also allows for the diversion of most mixed waste without adding new cost burdens, which brings new strategic advantages to transfer stations and landfills.
I haven't seen any other initiatives besides AMP that can truly change the trajectory of recycling rates in the US, or even just stop them from declining. New methods brought by new technologies have changed this situation.
I haven't seen any other initiatives besides AMP that can truly change the trajectory of recycling rates in the US, or even just stop their decline. New methods brought by new technologies have changed this situation.
Compiled by: Lily
Compiled by: Lily
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