Change

Urban Transformation Starts with Smarter Recycling Solutions

As World Cities Day approaches on October 31, the global spotlight is on urbanization, sustainability, and how cities are evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, World Cities Day aims to foster global collaboration in addressing urbanization challenges and contributing to sustainable urban development.

Urbanization offers opportunities for increased social inclusion, access to services, and greater equality. However, the reality is often starkly different—inequality and exclusion are frequently more pronounced in urban areas than at the national level, hindering efforts toward sustainable development that benefits all citizens.

In alignment with this year’s World Cities Day theme, Urban October has been highlighting the importance of sustainable development throughout the month. Launched by UN-Habitat in 2014, Urban October emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to solve the world’s urban challenges, encouraging the global community to embrace the New Urban Agenda—a blueprint for sustainable urban development.

Amid these discussions, the topic of waste management has emerged as a critical element in sustainable urban living. Studies reveal that “open-system” landfills allow microplastics and toxic chemicals to leak into the ground and water systems, further contributing to pollution and endangering ecosystems. As urban centers expand, the need for efficient waste management grows, driving interest in technologies that can minimize environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

This is where companies like EverestLabs are making a difference. Headquartered in California, EverestLabs is revolutionizing the recycling industry with its AI-driven solution, RecycleOS, which enhances recycling operations in material recovery facilities (MRFs). The AI system identifies over 50 types of materials, ensuring accurate sorting and processing of recyclables. As EverestLabs founder JD Ambati explains, “CPG companies often focus on recycling as a box to check, but this approach misses the bigger picture, especially the end-of-life cycle of their products. True sustainability requires not just better recycling, but a commitment to redesigning products for longevity, reducing waste at the source, and adopting more efficient packaging.”

RecycleOS can adapt to various conveyor belt conditions, accurately identifying materials—even if they’re crushed, folded, or dirty. This ensures that what’s recyclable is properly processed and reintroduced into the economy, minimizing waste. The AI software, compatible with various robotic systems, has over 95% accuracy, helping to recover more materials and increase revenues for recycling facilities while supporting urban sustainability goals.

Ambati emphasizes the urgency of creating a circular economy: “Companies need to look beyond short-term profits and invest in circular processes that minimize their product’s environmental impact. Leveraging AI and data-driven solutions can help track materials, ensuring that what’s recyclable gets properly processed and reintroduced into the economy, leaving nothing behind to waste.”

The circular economy concept is pivotal to World Habitat Awareness Month, which runs throughout October. This observance calls for urgent action to protect our environment. EverestLabs is among the organizations that embody the principles of World Habitat Awareness Month year-round by continually working to improve recycling processes and sustainability through AI technology.

Urban development plays a central role in tackling the waste problem. As more people migrate to cities, there is an opportunity to reshape urban living to be more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Sustainable cities can support green infrastructure, smarter waste management systems, and greater social equity. However, realizing this vision requires a fundamental shift toward sustainable practices across industries, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), which must redesign products to be more durable and recyclable, reducing waste at the source.

AI-driven recycling solutions like EverestLabs’ RecycleOS can accelerate this shift by increasing the efficiency of material recovery and supporting sustainable packaging production. By improving recycling rates, these innovations align with the goals of World Cities Day and Urban October—supporting a sustainable urban future where resources are maximized, waste is minimized, and inclusivity is prioritized.

As World Cities Day reminds us of the potential for positive change through sustainable urbanization, companies like EverestLabs are leading the charge. Their work demonstrates that with the right investment in AI technology and circular processes, cities can achieve not just economic growth, but also a healthier, more sustainable environment.

With a continued focus on improving recycling and reducing waste, EverestLabs and similar innovators play a crucial role in making sustainable urbanization a reality—one city, and one recycled item, at a time. As Ambati puts it, “We need to make sustainability a priority on all fronts if we are to fully protect our planet.”

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Alex

Alex is the co-author of 100 Greatest Plays, 100 Greatest Cricketers, 100 Greatest Films and 100 Greatest Moments. He has written for a wide variety of publications including The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
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