Innovation
Innovate: To introduce new methods, ideas, or products.
Innovations in Collections
GreenWaste partners with zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) manufacturers to help create the best possible ZEVs for our communities. In 2017, GreenWaste debuted the world’s first full-sized all-electric side-loading refuse truck, manufactured by BYD, at our GreenWaste of Palo Alto operation. This state-of-the-art vehicle was the Bay Area’s first all-electric collection vehicle and since bringing it into service, GreenWaste of Palo Alto has added 3 more ZEVs to their operation as it moves closer to having an entirely electric fleet.
Innovations in Processing
The GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility is a state-of-the-art high-diversion organics processing facility where recyclables and mixed compostables (MSW) are processed side-by-side. Using a combination of sorting technologies, including AI-enabled optical sorting robots, GreenWaste is able to recover as much as 85% of source separated recyclables. MSW is processed using GreenWaste’s innovative organics extraction method, which is capable of extracting as much as 75% of material from MSW to be composted or recycled. These innovations, among others, make the GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility one of the most advanced in the world.
Innovations in Recycling
GreenWaste piloted one of the first commercial solutions for recycling traditionally hard-to-recycle film plastics. This novel technology recycles film plastics into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a high-performance material known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, that can be utilized in the circular economy production of various products.
Interested in piloting a project at GreenWaste?
GreenWaste is always looking for innovative and sustainable technologies that will help us solve the world’s hardest sustainability challenges. Contact us if you are interested in piloting a project at a GreenWaste recovery or processing facility.
GreenWaste Awards
SWANA Excellence Award
Award for single-stream recyclable materials processing line at the San Jose Materials Recovery Facility, 2017
GEELA
Environmental honor acknowledging the commercial waste management program launched by San José, 2013
SWANA Excellence Award
Award for multi-family MSW processing at the San Jose Materials Recovery Facility, 2009