Pilot program uses AI to monitor recycling in Davidson County [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new program would use artificial intelligence to make recycling better in Nashville. But first the Metro Council has to give it the OK.

According to the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), roughly $180,000 worth of recyclable materials end up in landfills each year. Nashville Department of Waste Services leaders tell News 2 this pilot program—that would be funded with state money—could help to mitigate that.

So, how does it work?

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There will be a camera set up on waste management trucks, and when material is dumped, the camera can scan the different materials. It then identifies if there is a plastic bag, bagged materials or even something that could tangle later on, slowing down the separation process at the facility.

Leaders say the goal is to educate people more effectively about what can and can’t go into the recycle bin.

“We see a lot of folks bag the recyclable materials, and …