Recycling Contamination Reduction Pilot Program Improves Central Okanagan Recycling Efforts
- Source Name
- General District of Central Okanagan
- Source URL
- https://www.rdco.com/en/news/recycling-contamination-reduction-pilot-program-improves-central-okanagan-recycling-efforts.aspx

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) conducted a Recycling Contamination Reduction Pilot Program in partnership with various organizations, utilizing smart cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve recycling efforts. The pilot, which ran for five months from October to March 2024, aimed to reduce contamination levels in curbside recycling carts. The use of smart cameras and AI helped detect when improper materials were placed in recycling carts, leading to a 23% reduction in contamination. The program also provided real-time feedback to residents about their recycling habits.
Key findings from the pilot include:
- Almost half of Central Okanagan residents (45.9%) consistently recycle correctly.
- 35.6% of residents adjusted their behavior after receiving a postcard informing them of recycling errors.
- 6.7% of households were identified as “repeat offenders” responsible for a significant portion of recycling contamination.
- The top three contaminants were flexible plastics, garbage, and Styrofoam.
- RDCO Supervisor of Solid Waste Services, Cynthia Coates, highlighted the effectiveness of the technology in reaching more homes than manual inspections and providing targeted education where needed. The data gathered from the pilot will inform future efforts to improve recycling practices, including the use of Waste Ambassadors to address high-contamination areas.
The innovative technology installed on recycling trucks uses smart cameras with AI-based visual recognition and GPS to identify and track unaccepted items. When improper materials are detected, a photo is taken, and a postcard with educational information is mailed directly to the resident. A total of 8,777 postcards were sent during the pilot, with half of the cost covered by Recycle BC.
The success of the pilot has prompted RDCO to explore permanent implementation of the specialized AI-powered technology on recycling collection trucks. Residents are encouraged to use resources such as the Recycle Coach app or visit the RDCO website for information on recycling guidelines.
On April 11, at the Committee of the Whole meeting, members of the Regional Board will receive an update on the results of the Recycling Contamination Reduction Pilot program.
Read more here: Recycling Contamination Reduction Pilot program improves Central Okanagan recycling efforts – Regional District of Central Okanagan (rdco.com)