Contamination in the recycling stream remains a persistent operational and economic challenge facing the waste industry. Improperly sorted materials can increase processing costs, reduce commodity value and can ultimately lead to entire loads being rejected costing time, money and impacting organizational reputation.
To address this challenge at its source, McNeilus has introduced AI-enabled material contamination detection technology; an integrated solution that brings real-time material intelligence directly to the point of collection without interruption to the operator. McNeilus has partnered with Lixo, a global leader in intelligent waste analysis to accelerate this technology in North America.
Let’s explore this technology and the impact it can have on fleets and communities of all sizes.
The McNeilus material contamination detection system utilizes a combination of:
As materials are tipped into the hopper, the system captures and analyzes visual data in real time. The onboard AI model classifies materials into predefined categories such as acceptable recyclables, organics, or contamination without interrupting collection operations. Fleet staff can assess the data via a proprietary dashboard to understand trends and key themes. Collectively, the system can detect 90 contaminants and advances over time as it collects more.
The integration of AI at the point of collection represents a fundamental shift in how waste streams are managed. Rather than relying solely on downstream processing, fleets can now capture and act on material data in real time.
“McNeilus’ material contamination detection technology, that’s leveraging expertise from Lixo, brings a solution that’ll revolutionize the refuse industry,” said Fenster, Connected Solutions Product Manager at McNeilus. “This intelligent solution detects 90 contaminants without requiring anything from the driver. This lets the driver focus on safely collecting materials while the system focuses on sustainability and compliance.”
With McNeilus material contamination detection technology, organizations are better equipped to:
Contamination in the refuse and recycling stream has direct financial implications, including:
By identifying material contamination at the point of collection, fleets of all sizes can take proactive measures to help manage these risks. Over time, this can support:
This can help lead to a positive recycling operation, and overall positive reputation management.
Material contamination detection is one component of a broader McNeilus strategy to deliver connected, intelligent refuse and recycling collection solutions.
“At McNeilus and across Oshkosh Corporation, we continue to focus on developing solutions that promote safety and productivity for our customers,” said Fenster. “Our material contamination detection technology is a perfect example of a system that delivers actionable data to our customers to help them achieve their goals and requirements.”
When combined with technologies such as ClearSky™ Intelligence for fleet performance and diagnostics, fleets gain a comprehensive, data-driven approach to optimizing operations, safety and sustainability.
As regulatory requirements and sustainability targets continue to evolve, access to accurate, real-time data is becoming increasingly critical.
The McNeilus material contamination detection system enables:
By shifting contamination management upstream, fleets can improve diversion rates while managing environmental impact.
Key design considerations include:
“In collaboration with Lixo, this solution is designed so that it could be retrofitted to different makes of refuse and recycling vehicles; including non-McNeilus vehicles,” said Fenster. “Whether a brand-new truck or a 10 year-old side loader from another manufacturer, McNeilus’ material contamination detection technology can be installed so all your vehicles are providing the same level of data.”
This allows fleets to adopt advanced material intelligence capabilities without disrupting existing workflows. This is not just an incremental improvement, it is a step toward a fully connected, intelligent refuse and recycling collection ecosystem. At McNeilus, we’re proud to be driving the refuse and recycling industry forward.
Ready to learn more? Explore our website, reach out to your local dealer or McNeilus sales leader today.