Automated Recycling Item Sorter
Published:
Project Overview
An automated material sorting system designed for recycling facilities that uses sensors and mechanical systems to identify and separate different types of recyclable materials.
| Status: Concept and Prototype | Category: Environmental Engineering and Automation |
Problem Statement
Traditional recycling facilities rely heavily on manual sorting, which is:
- Labor-intensive and costly
- Slow and inefficient
- Inconsistent in accuracy
- Unsafe due to exposure to hazardous materials
System Objectives
- Automated Classification: Identify material types (plastic, metal, glass, paper)
- High-Speed Sorting: Process items at conveyor belt speeds
- Accuracy: Achieve >95% sorting accuracy
- Scalability: Design for integration into existing facilities
System Design
Hardware Components
- Optical Sensors: Color detection for plastic types
- Inductive Sensors: Metal detection (ferrous vs. non-ferrous)
- Weight Sensors: Load cells for mass measurement
- Conveyor Belt System: Variable speed control
- Pneumatic Ejectors: Air jets for lightweight items
- PLC: Main control unit