An exploratory study on the automated sorting of commingled recyclable domestic waste

Abstract

In material recovery facilities (MRFs) the sorting of waste is typically carried out predominantly manually. In this work, the MRF in Marsaskala, Malta is used as a case study to explore ways in which more automation can be employed to the sorting of commingled recyclable domestic waste. The work addresses first the conceptual design of the process layout and methods. This is followed by the detailed design and development of a universal gripper to replace the human sorter, aimed at removing contaminants from a stream of already sorted material, increasing the purity of the baled material and thereby increasing profits.