Automation in Waste Management

Missed our last chat on Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)—what they do, the challenges they face, and how we can help? No worries, you can catch up here. Today, we’re going a step further, diving into the world of automation in waste management, with a special focus on MRF centres. We’ll unpack the major challenges these facilities face and explore the measures being taken to tackle them.

Automation in MRF Centres: What’s the Big Deal?

When you hear “automation,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most of us, it’s probably the idea of machines and systems doing tasks that humans usually handle, but faster and with fewer errors. And you’re right—that’s exactly what’s needed to make MRF centres more profitable, reliable, and clean. To break it down, let’s first understand what MRF centres are currently doing, what kind of automation is already in place, and what the future holds.

How MRF Centres Work: The Ground Reality

MRF centres are where the magic—or rather, the hard work—happens when it comes to sorting our waste. Every day, these facilities handle tons of waste collected from different parts of the city, town, or even your neighbourhood. The waste is sorted based on where it comes from and what it’s made of. For instance, if an aggregator sends in a batch of hard plastics, it’s sorted into either HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) and placed on a specific conveyor belt.

Now, imagine this: about 10-12 workers stand along each conveyor, about a meter apart. Their job? To carefully pick out the HDPE, LDPE, and remove any contaminated or mixed plastics from the pile. The conveyor belts usually move at a pace of 10-15 meters per second, giving the workers just enough time to sort through the materials. Ideally, by the time an item reaches the end of the belt, it’s been correctly sorted. If it hasn’t, it gets sent back to the start of the line to go through the process again.

On an average day, a worker can handle about 200 kg of solid dry waste, making 15-20 picks per minute. Depending on the size of the MRF, the number of workers needed can vary. For instance, a facility dealing with 5 tons of waste a day would need around 25 workers. Each worker earns roughly Rs 25,000 per month, so the total employee cost for such a facility is about Rs 6.25 lakh a month.

Automation in MRF Centres: What’s Happening Right Now?

So, what’s happening on the automation front? Well, in India, the story of automation in MRF centres is still in its early chapters. Most of the automation that exists today is in the form of IoT (Internet of Things) systems that track and analyze data on the trash collected and segregated. This data is used mainly for government compliance reports, but it doesn’t do much to make the day-to-day operations of MRF centres easier or more efficient.

You might wonder, “Why isn’t there more automation, especially when it comes to sorting waste?” The answer lies in two big challenges:

1. The Technology Challenge: While it’s technically possible to create a robotic system that can sort waste on a conveyor belt using AI and machine learning, this technology is expensive. Such a system could cost upwards of Rs 1 crore in the Indian market. And even if you could afford it, making it adaptable to the specific needs of Indian MRFs is another big hurdle.

2. The Business Challenge: The business model of MRF centres is the other major roadblock. Most MRFs barely make a profit, operating on shoestring budgets. After covering the costs of waste acquisition, logistics, segregation, employee salaries, and other operational expenses, there’s very little money left over. Investing in expensive automation technology would take years to pay off, and for most MRF owners, that’s a risk they can’t afford to take. As a result, they stick to the traditional, manual methods that, while not perfect, are at least affordable.

The Future of Automation: What Could Be?

So, where do we go from here? The future of automation in MRF centres is full of potential, but it depends on overcoming the challenges we’ve discussed.

One solution could be the development of more affordable, scalable robotic systems designed specifically for India. These systems could handle the unique types of waste we generate and could be customized to meet the needs of Indian MRFs. As AI and machine learning technology continue to evolve, the cost of these systems might come down, making them more accessible.

Another key factor is support from the government and private sector. If MRF centres received financial assistance or incentives to invest in automation, it could encourage wider adoption of these technologies. Public-private partnerships could also play a big role in developing and implementing these solutions on a larger scale.

But here’s the thing—automation isn’t just about technology. It’s also about us, the consumers. By practicing better waste segregation at home, we can make the job of MRF centres easier and more efficient. This, in turn, could help them become more profitable and more likely to invest in automation. A simple rule to follow is “AMG”: Avoid, Minimize, Generate. Avoid buying things you don’t need, minimize what you take, and generate as little waste as possible. Every small effort counts, and together, we can make a big difference.

Wrapping Up

Automation has the power to transform MRF centres into cleaner, more efficient, and more profitable operations. While the challenges are real, they’re not impossible to overcome. With the right combination of technology, strategy, and consumer behavior, we can move towards a more sustainable and efficient waste management system in India.

So, the next time you’re about to throw something away, remember—you have a role to play in this journey towards a more automated and sustainable future. Let’s work together to make it happen.