United StatesProfessional services2025 – ongoingRepublic Services
AI identification and robotic sorting at recycling centers
Republic Services reported nearly 70 AI-powered robots across 26 recycling sites
Problem
Republic Services wanted to recover more valuable recyclable material and reduce contamination. Sorting also exposed employees to higher-risk work areas.
Approach
The company installed AI and robotics systems from multiple manufacturers at its recycling centers. AI identified targeted materials, and robotic sorters separated them. Operational data supported improvements to the sorting process.
Results
Takeaway
The company reported material recovered alongside deployment scale. It did not disclose a comparable recovery figure without the technology.
Categories
- Size
- Large enterprise
- Industry
- Professional services
- Business function
- Production and quality
- Innovation type
- Process innovation
- AI technology
- Computer visionRobotics and automation
- Adoption
- Vendor solution
- Evidence
- Company's own claim
Sources
Source summaries
Republic Services reported nearly 70 AI-powered robots across 26 sites, including additions during 2025. It attributed recovery of about 3,000 tons of recyclables in the past year to the technology.
Full details are in the original sources.
