Managing waste in remote areas or in circumstances where waste generation temporarily increases can be challenging. Building large waste processing facilities is often not practical. To address this, the RECLAIM project has created a low-cost, portable recycling plant powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This system will first be tested in the Greek Islands, where it is expected to be fully operational soon.
The RECLAIM system uses several robots, each with different tools, to efficiently sort and handle various types of waste based on its composition. With AI-powered vision, these robots can accurately identify and sort materials, making the process highly effective. Housed in a portable container, this setup greatly improves local recycling efforts and material recovery.
This mobile plant can be set up anywhere, making it easier to recycle waste materials close to the source. This approach supports a circular economy by increasing recycling opportunities, particularly for plastics. Spanish Technological Institute of Plastics Aimplas has been involved in ensuring the plant meets specific operational needs, choosing the best technologies, overseeing key performance indicators (KPIs), and proposing solutions and adjustments to ensure that the established objectives are met.
Javier Grau, a mechanical recycling researcher at Aimplas, noted that this equipment is especially useful in remote islands, rural areas, or any region with limited infrastructure. It also works well for events like festivals and concerts, where a lot of waste is generated quickly and needs immediate processing. Additionally, the equipment can support existing recycling facilities in tourist areas that experience significant seasonal visitor numbers, he said.
This portable recycling equipment is designed for easy transport and quick setup, making it highly adaptable for use in diverse locations. Its compact design allows for rapid deployment almost anywhere.
“As recycling needs change, this portable solution opens up new opportunities,” said Javier Grau. “For instance, it could improve marine waste management in port areas by enhancing material sorting and separation while minimising environmental impact. Additionally, it could support existing sorting facilities in processing bioplastics, which are becoming more common. These materials pose challenges for current recycling systems, but recovering them could have a significant positive impact in the future.”
The RECLAIM project is supported by the EU Horizon 2020 program and comprises a consortium that includes three research and technology organisations, two universities, a regional authority, a producer responsibility organisation, a robotics company, an innovation management firm, and an international association. The consortium, led by FORTH – Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas in Greece, features partners such as Aimplas, Axia Innovation (Germany), ION (Greece), IRIS (Spain), HRRC – Hellenic Recovery and Recycling Corporation (Greece), KU Leuven (Belgium), Robenso – Environmental Robotic Solutions (Greece), ISWA – International Solid Waste Association (Netherlands), and the University of Malta (Malta). The project has received funding through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No: 101070524.