Envac - Optical Sorting System

The Optical Sorting system can seamlessly integrate with Envac’s smart waste collection system or a municipality’s existing infrastructure, enhancing recycling rates while optimising waste management. Using advanced cameras, sensors, and colour recognition programs, this cutting-edge system swiftly and accurately identifies and sorts waste materials, ensuring maximum resource recovery with minimal environmental impact.

• Recycling
• Multiple waste fractions
• Cut collection costs
• Saves space

Envac’s Optical Sorting system seamlessly integrates with the pneumatic waste collection system but can also be implemented to modernise traditional waste collection methods. In both cases, this market-leading solution offers a cost-effective and straightforward approach while significantly improving recycling rates.

The system operates using colour-coded bags, with each recyclable material assigned a specific colour. This simple method makes recycling accessible for everyone, even those unfamiliar with the process. Users dispose of all bags in the same waste bin or inlet, where they are transported to a sorting plant. There, the bags are automatically identified by colour and directed to their corresponding containers. By optimising waste transport, the system reduces both operational costs and carbon emissions, making waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly.

As with any waste management system, the separation of waste from recyclable materials begins at home. Engaging residents in proper sorting and recycling can be challenging, particularly when introducing a new system. Clear communication and **making the process simple and accessible** are essential for success.

With decades of experience, Envac’s local teams work closely with system owners to tailor information campaigns that encourage user participation. This approach is effective in projects like GrowSmarter at Valla Torg, Sweden, where households reduced general waste by 65% after switching to Envac’s system, replacing outdated recycling methods with a more efficient, user-friendly solution.

The colour-coded system facilitates efficient optical sorting at the collection station and enables advanced data collection and analysis using AI. This technology provides valuable insights into waste volumes, recycling accuracy, and disposal patterns, helping to optimise operations beyond conventional waste management systems.

AI is used to adjust system capacity, optimise collection intervals, and analyse user behaviour, allowing for targeted initiatives that encourage better recycling habits. By leveraging real-time data, the system continuously improves efficiency, making it an essential tool for advancing sustainability and supporting the circular economy.

Recycling is essential to a circular economy, but traditional methods can be complex and expensive. Optical Sorting solutions offer a smarter, more efficient alternative for cities and communities of all sizes, significantly reducing transport and collection costs compared to conventional systems.

Each facility is customised to meet a municipality’s specific needs, with capacity tailored to waste volumes. The system can process a wide range of materials, including food waste, paper, plastic packaging, metal, textiles, newspapers, and both coloured and clear glass.

Optical Sorting is compatible with both pneumatic waste collection systems and manual collection, allowing cities to upgrade their recycling capabilities without replacing existing infrastructure. With this level of flexibility, a tailored solution can be designed for any municipality, regardless of size or waste management needs.

Cities of any size can use Envac Optical Sorting, which can be done either by traditional manual collection or by an automated waste collection system.