Daijiworld Media Network - Ohio

Ohio, Jul 11: In a unique tech-driven initiative, the city of Centerville in Ohio, USA, has rolled out artificial intelligence-powered garbage trucks that scan residents’ waste to ensure items like food waste and batteries aren't being dumped in recycling bins. The move, officials say, is aimed at streamlining recycling and reducing contamination.

“Reducing contamination in our recycling system lowers processing costs and improves the overall efficiency of our collection,” said City Manager Wayne Davis, as quoted by Dayton Daily News. The city serves about 6,500 customers and collects over 8,000 tons of waste annually. The Rs 64 lac ($74,945) project is being funded through a Montgomery County Solid Waste District grant.

Improperly sorted trash items will now trigger educational reminders. Residents will receive personal-sized postcards explaining what they shouldn't be placing in their recycling bins — from plastic bags and styrofoam to used paper towels.

According to city spokesperson Kate Bostdorff, some of the trucks have already been gathering baseline data as part of software training. The pilot project will be evaluated to determine its long-term effectiveness and whether it should be expanded.

However, on social media, the initiative sparked sharp criticism. Several users questioned the environmental priorities of the project, pointing out that individual recycling habits are often overshadowed by large-scale corporate pollution.

“When will we get AI that scolds billionaires for private jets and mega yachts?” one user posted. Another remarked, “They're using an ecologically disastrous technology to tell me I’m not helping the environment enough?”

While the city insists the goal is education and efficiency, critics argue the broader focus should be on industrial-scale environmental damage rather than household recycling errors.