How a Hong Kong start-up’s AI-powered smart bin plans to tackle recycling

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Green AI’s smart collection bin can sort waste into four categories – plastic bottles , aluminium cans, drinks cartons and general refuse

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Cola Lam, CEO of Green Al Technology, gives a demonstration of the smart sorting bin at the company’s offices at Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Photo: Edmond So

Eric Ng

Published: 12:30pm, 17 Nov 2024

Green AI Technology, the first company in Hong Kong to develop an artificial intelligence-driven waste sorting system, will launch a smart collection bin early next year that could help boost recycling in the city.

The Hong Kong Productivity Council-backed start-up said the smart bins would be initially targeted at owners and tenants of shopping centres, hotels and commercial buildings, many of which are owned by listed companies.

Hong Kong stock exchange rules require companies to disclose data on waste generated from their operations and set targets to reduce them as part of their sustainability reporting.

“These companies need to know the composition of their waste for reporting purposes, which isn’t possible with traditional bins,” said Cola Lam, co-founder and CEO. “Smart bins enable accurate waste segregation and enhance the value of the waste collected for recycling.”

Green AI was spun off in June last year from Hong Kong Productivity Council’s Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre. Photo: Hong Kong Productivity Council

Green AI said it was working with potential customers to test its sorting bins, which are equipped with scanners and conveyor belts, allowing each piece to be separately deposited into four containers – plastic bottles, aluminium cans, drinks cartons and general waste.

The bins are also equipped with a digital scale to weigh the waste, and can compress it to maximise storage capacity.