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Step-by-Step Process for Sorting Plastics Using Available Sensors

Step 1: Initial Identification (Image Recognition)

  1. Image recognition identifies the item based on its shape and common plastic objects (e.g., packaging, plastic container).

    • The system can recognize typical plastic items like food containers, and plastic packaging.

  2. System prompts the user to remove any non-plastic components if needed (e.g., metal caps, labels, or attached non-recyclable parts).

Step 2: Detect Plastic Type Using Optical and Image Recognition

  1. Optical sensors and cameras equipped with AI-based pattern recognition can analyze the item's surface characteristics, color, and possibly the recycling symbol or plastic resin code (1 through 7).

    • Plastic Resin Codes:
      • 1 (PET): Polyethylene Terephthalate – common in beverage bottles and packaging.
      • 2 (HDPE): High-Density Polyethylene – used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc.
      • 3 (PVC): Polyvinyl Chloride – found in pipes and some packaging.
      • 4 (LDPE): Low-Density Polyethylene – used in plastic bags, some packaging.
      • 5 (PP): Polypropylene – used for food containers, bottle caps.
      • 6 (PS): Polystyrene – used in foam cups, disposable cutlery.
      • 7 (Other): Various plastics, including bioplastics.

  2. System Feedback:

    • Based on the resin code or visual properties, the system provides feedback:
      • If the code or type is recognized: The system instructs the user on which specific plastic bin to place the item (e.g., "Place this PET bottle in the Plastics Type 1 bin").
      • If unrecognized or damaged symbol: The system may prompt the user to manually check and confirm the recycling symbol before proceeding.

Step 3: Sorting Plastics by Weight (Optional)

  • Weight sensor can be used to verify the type of plastic based on the item’s weight:
    • Lighter plastics like LDPE (4) and PS (6) would weigh less compared to heavier plastics like HDPE (2) or PET (1).
    • System Feedback: If the item weighs more or less than expected for its type, the system might prompt the user to check the recycling symbol or place it in a separate bin for manual review.

Step 4: Sorting by Color (Optional)

  • Optical sensors can also detect the color of plastics, which is particularly important for recycling facilities that may separate plastic by color.
    • Clear plastics (e.g., PET bottles) are more valuable in recycling than colored plastics, so the system can identify if a bottle is clear, green, or brown.
    • System Feedback: The system may guide the user to sort clear plastic separately from colored plastics if the recycling stream demands it (e.g., "Place clear plastics in the designated bin").

Step 5: Final Sorting

Once the plastic type and color have been identified:

  • The system directs the user to place the plastic item into the appropriate bin based on the identified plastic type and characteristics.
  • Plastic types (bins) could include categories like:
    • PET (Plastic #1)
    • HDPE (Plastic #2)
    • Other Plastics (#3-7).