AI-driven recycling bins placement
Edition
2023
Challenge
Efficient and Low-Carbon Collection Systems
Technology
Artificial intelligence, Geospatial and real-time monitoring, Predictive & data analytics
Value Chain
Selective Disposal, Collection & Sorting
Within the Re_source 3.0 Open Innovation Program, waste management company Algar partnered with NILG.AI to tackle one of its biggest operational challenges: the slow and manual process of deciding where to install new recycling bins across the Algarve.
Together, they developed an AI-powered decision-support tool that analyses geographic, demographic, and operational data to recommend optimal bin locations. Tested in the Municipality of Lagoa, the tool reduced planning time by over 80%, increased accuracy, and improved approval rates from municipalities.
By combining artificial intelligence with real-world waste management expertise, this pilot demonstrated how data-driven innovation can accelerate the expansion of recycling infrastructure, supporting Portugal’s PERSU2030 targets and paving the way for smarter, more sustainable cities.
Key Figures
%
Reduction in time spent executing proposals from 10–12 days to 2 days
%
Reduction in time spent evaluating proposals from 1 month to 8 days
%
savings per recycling bin (from 55,04 to 6,88€/bin)
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CHECK OUT THE PROCESS AND RESULTS
Explore Further
IA reduz em mais de 80% o tempo de planeamento de ecopontos no Algarve
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