FROM THE EDITOR THE BENEFITS AND CONCERNS OF AI IN RECYCLING

Technology is advancing rapidly, and it’s undeniable that artificial intelligence has been one of the biggest driving factors behind the recent revolution. AI has emerged as a game-changer for the recycling industry by addressing key issues such as efficiency, sustainability, and versatility in the face of mounting environmental challenges.

By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI recycling systems can accurately identify, sort, and process recyclable materials at a pace that has never been seen before in the industry. Traditional recycling methods relied heavily on manual sorting, a time-consuming and error-prone process. AI-powered systems can accurately recognize different types of materials such as plastics, metals, and paper, which has not only sped up the sorting process, but has also improved the quality, and therefore the value, of recycled materials. AI algorithms can also forecast demand for certain materials, optimize collection routes for haulers, and even predict equipment maintenance –resulting in reduced costs and improved efficiency.

Even with so many advantages, it’s still important to weigh the pros and cons of AI’s integration into the recycling industry. While AI brings major benefits and potential, it also presents challenges when it comes to responsible deployment across the industry.

One notable concern regarding artificial intelligence is the effect it could have on human workers. Since AI enables a high amount of automation, this could lead to major job losses in the recycling sector. It’s crucial to make sure that as AI is integrated, training opportunities are provided to workers who could be displaced by it.

Data privacy is another concern associated with AI. The collection of such massive volumes of data leaves room for a potential breach that could reveal sensitive information, and security measures need to be taken accordingly.

Additionally, the potential for developing a reliance on AI introduces a technological dependency which has its own set of risks. Malfunctions, system errors, and power outages can disrupt operations and even stop recycling processes altogether. When adopting these technologies, recyclers should have solid plans in place to prepare for AI failures.

The development of artificial intelligence is an incredible opportunity for the recycling industry and is already transforming day-to-day operations. As the industry embraces the potential of AI, it’s vital to take the necessary steps to make sure that people and technology can coexist by mitigating job displacement, addressing data privacy concerns, and managing technological dependencies. By embracing AI while ensuring responsible practices, we can harness its benefits while minimizing potential risks.

ISRI has called for the U.S. Congress and state legislatures to pass stronger laws to help curb the theft of catalytic converters while supporting the legal recycling of them. ISRI has worked with law enforcement and other stakeholder groups to identify potential legislative solutions that would deter the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts.

More than 30 million catalytic converters are legally recycled every year – mainly through the recycling of end-of-life automobiles. Catalytic converters contain critical minerals the U.S. Department of Interior deems essential to national and economic security. These materials are used in making electronics, new converters, catalysts, medical devices, and other consumer products.

ISRI’s desired catalytic converter requirements include:

An identification and national registry for catalytic converters: ISRI wants to mark and track attached and functioning catalytic converters through state and national registries. This would involve marking the devices with an identifying number in a permanent manner at the time of the initial sale of the vehicle.

Proof of catalytic converter legitimacy: ISRI wishes to restrict the possession of detached catalytic converters or catalytic converter substrate to entities who should reasonably be in possession through their normal course of business, or individuals who can provide proof of legitimate ownership. This would provide law enforcement with the necessary information to identify entities that would be allowed to legitimately purchase detached catalytic converters.

Increased catalytic convertor record keeping: Requiring a record for all purchases of detached catalytic converters at every level of purchase would also help to decrease the theft of catalytic converters. Records should be required for individual and business-to-business transactions, including the date of sale, the entities involved in the sale, and the volume of converters sold.

ISRI’s policy recommendations came from member volunteers working in ISRI’s Catalytic Converter Theft Working Group established in 2020 when the U.S. began to see a sharp increase in this type of crime.

Li-Cycle and Glencore have signed a letter of intent to jointly study the feasibility of and later develop a battery recycling hub facility in Portovesme, Italy. The Portovesme Hub would produce critical battery materials, including nickel, cobalt, and lithium, from recycled battery content.

The Portovesme Hub will leverage Li-Cycle’s hydrometallurgical technology and Li-Cycle expects the hub to be the largest producer of sustainable battery-grade products in Europe.

Located in Sardinia, Italy, the Portovesme metallurgical complex consists of a lead-zinc smelter and hydrometallurgical facility which first started operations in 1929. The Portovesme site has substantial existing infrastructure, including access to a port, utilities, processing equipment from the hydrometallurgical plant, and an experienced workforce.

The definitive feasibility study is expected to be completed by mid-2024. Subject to a final investment decision by the parties, the project will proceed to construction with the commissioning of the Portovesme Hub expected to commence in late 2026 to early 2027.

Li-Cycle and Glencore also anticipate forming a 50/50 joint venture that would repurpose part of the existing Glencore metallurgical complex in Portovesme to create the Portovesme Hub. This would enable a cost-efficient development plan. The project also contemplates competitive long-term financing from Glencore to fund Li-Cycle’s share of the capital investment.

Once operational, the Portovesme Hub is expected to have a processing capacity of up to 50,000 to 70,000 tonnes of black mass annually, or the equivalent of up to 36 GWh of lithium-ion batteries. The black mass processed at the Portovesme Hub is expected to be supplied from Li-Cycle’s growing network in Europe and through Glencore’s commercial network. Together with Li-Cycle’s battery recycling network, and Glencore’s battery circularity platform, this facility will enable Europe to get one step closer to closing the loop in manufacturing scrap, as well as end-of-life batteries, fully within Europe.

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and all of its aluminum beverage can manufacturer and can sheet producer members have endorsed Mission Possible Partnership’s (MPP) transition strategy for a net-zero, 1.5-degrees-Celcius-aligned aluminum industry. These endorsements reflect the aluminum beverage can industry’s aim to reduce the carbon footprint of primary aluminum in beverage cans.

Since the 1990s, the carbon footprint of aluminum beverage cans made in North America has dropped by nearly half. Endorsing and acting on the MPP strategy will result in further reductions in the carbon footprint of the aluminum beverage can since the primary aluminum incorporated into aluminum beverage cans would have a reduced carbon profile.

Transitioning the aluminum industry to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while complying with a target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius from pre-industrial levels will require a variety of actions including deploying new technologies, decarbonizing power supplies, and increasing material and product efficiency.

Enacting the sector transition strategy will take time and large investments. MPP believes cumulative investment of approximately $1 trillion across the primary production value chain will be needed to deliver a net-zero sector or a 1.5 degrees Celcius pathway. CMI, its aluminum beverage can manufacturer members, its aluminum beverage can sheet producer members, as well as The Aluminum Association will be working with a variety of stakeholders inside and outside of the industry to catalyze the necessary actions and investments to pursue this transition strategy.

Key technological advancements, such as AI, smart equipment, and advanced robotics, are unlocking new possibilities for the metals recycling industry.

Read more on page 20.

Epiroc has signed a delivery agreement with Swedish steelmaker SSAB for SSAB Zero. SSAB Zero is fossil carbon emission-free recycled steel produced using sustainable energy sources. The steel will be used in Epiroc’s battery-electric range of underground mine trucks and loaders that will be introduced as soon as the third quarter of 2023.

The partnership with SSAB is part of Epiroc’s long-term commitment to halve carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2019.

Casella Waste Systems has signed an equity purchase agreement to acquire the collection, transfer, and recycling operations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland from GFL Environmental for $525 million. The proposed acquisition includes nine hauling operations, one transfer station, and one material recovery facility with aggregate annualized revenues of approximately $185 million. The acquisition is expected to close by the third quarter of 2023.

Cyclic Materials has raised $27 million in an oversubscribed Series A financing round. This funding round brings the company’s total capital raised to over $30 million and will contribute to scaling up its technologies.

Cyclic Materials is creating a domestic supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other metals through a recycling process that recirculates REEs back into the manufacturing process, reducing the environmental impact of the global energy transition. REEs are key components of electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and consumer and industrial appliances and are among the least recycled metals due to the difficulty of separating the various magnetic materials in end-of-life products. However, with the global market for REEs forecast to increase three-fold by 2030, establishing new sources of REEs is needed.

Cyclic Materials’ process recycles copper, aluminum, steel, cobalt, and nickel – metals that are also required for electrification and decarbonization. Cyclic Materials has also successfully developed pilot plants and distributed high-quality REE samples to prospective clients, secured supply chain agreements with internationally recognized companies, and obtained Sustainable Development Technology Council of Canada funding.

Covanta has agreed to acquire Circon Holdings, marking the largest single acquisition for Covanta in two decades and bringing with it more than 600 new employees and 2,500 customers. The addition of Circon’s services doubles Covanta’s wastewater footprint and grows its engineered fuels business five-fold. It also expands the company’s footprint in the Gulf Coast and Midwest regions.

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