Germany launches new technology for sorting waste packaging

The RWE environmental company in Essen, Germany, is experimenting with a waste sorting system worth €4.5 million that can automatically sort all kinds of useful materials such as cans, packaging cartons, and various plastic products.

According to reports, labor can only sort up to 3 tons of waste per hour. Automatic sorting equipment can sort 14 tons per hour per system. It uses optical technology when sorting garbage. With the light source illuminating the trash, the sensor records the reflection spectrum of the trash. The computer uses the spectrum to determine which way to handle the trash. The various materials that are sorted out are of high purity and are very popular with companies that have renewable materials.

At present, this automated waste sorting system can only supplement the existing waste treatment equipment. The German municipal administration calculated that at least 100 sets of garbage sorting equipment are still missing and it is estimated that it will need to invest 1 billion euros.