Wastek

Wastek is a modular waste processing system and accompanying software platform designed to improve efficiency in municipal and industrial waste management. The hardware component typically includes automated sorting conveyors, optical sorters, and sensors to assess material composition, along with energy recovery units such as anaerobic digestion or pyrolysis modules. The software component provides asset management, route optimization, real-time monitoring, and analytics for material recovery rates, contamination levels, and emissions.

Wastek systems are integrated into existing facilities or deployed as turnkey plants. They employ machine vision and spectrometry to identify plastics, metals, organics, and electronic waste, enabling higher recovery of recyclables and diversion from landfills. Data platforms collect telemetry from equipment, enabling predictive maintenance and performance dashboards for operators.

History and deployment: The technology emerged from engineering and research programs in the early 2010s as part of a broader push toward smarter waste infrastructure. Commercial deployment began in the late 2010s, with subsequent generations incorporating AI-driven sorting and energy recovery integration.

Applications: Municipal curbside programs, construction and demolition debris, commercial waste streams, and controlled electronic waste programs. Wastek aims to increase recycling rates, reduce contamination, and recover energy from non-recyclables where permitted by regulation.

Environmental and policy context: Wastek emphasizes compliance with environmental regulations, lifecycle analysis, and worker safety. Critics note high upfront capital costs and the need for consistent feedstock composition to achieve optimal performance.

See also: Waste management, Recycling, Circular economy.