AI controls organic waste: fewer false throws in the Hohenlohe district from 2026!

AI controls organic waste: fewer false throws in the Hohenlohe district from 2026!

From January 1, 2026, a new technology to control organic waste disposal will be used in the Hohenlohe district. Artificial intelligence (AI) is then used to monitor and improve waste separation. Loud Voice.de The main goal is to reduce the number of missed throws to less than three percent. The modernized processes focus on both environmental and cost aspects.

In addition, stricter handling of contaminated organic waste will be introduced from May 1, 2025. Recyclers are then allowed to reject such loads, which could result in significantly higher disposal costs for those affected and fee payers. In order to comply with these requirements, a new system for detecting contaminants called “Top-View” is used for garbage collection.

AI-powered waste monitoring

The development of AI technology is being driven forward by the Kurz company, which equips the garbage trucks with appropriate cameras. These cameras inspect the contents of the organic waste bins during the emptying process. Since October 22, 2024, more intensive manual controls have also been carried out to minimize the proportion of foreign substances. In 2024, 35 percent of the organic bins tested were filled incorrectly, but this was reduced to 21 percent in 2025.

Statistics show that in 2024 around 40 percent of incorrectly filled bins were fined, while 60 percent had to undergo special emptying. The average fines were around 130 euros in 2024, but fell to around 120 euros in 2025. Another company that plays a role in this process is the company BEM Umweltservice, which processes organic waste into compostable material, electricity and heat.

Future technologies and their importance

Another significant step will be introduced with the automated system “C-Detect” in 2026. This AI-based system detects contaminants during the loading process and can assign contaminated organic waste bins to those responsible. The aim is to use precise real-time data to create a holistic solution to improve citizens' waste disposal behavior. The system has already delivered promising results in initial practical tests and could also contribute to minimizing the amount of residual waste.

Implementing these technologies not only improves recycling rates. In addition, CO2 and fine dust pollution is reduced due to lower levels of impurities in the organic waste. Cities such as Bremen and Kleve have already put systems similar to “C-Detect” into operation, which underlines the successful application of these technologies. The demand for more environmentally friendly and efficient disposal methods is unbroken and is being further driven by technological innovations.