Intelligent Waste Sorting brought to you by BIC Consolidated

BIC Consolidated is trialing AI robotic waste sorting units designed to improve the accuracy of waste sorting.


AI waste sorting machine in a shopping center by the escalator

BIC Consolidated is trialing AI robotic waste sorting units, across selected commercial buildings.

These units are designed to improve the accuracy of waste sorting by using computer vision technology to automatically identify and direct waste into the correct stream.

Robotic waste sorting in lunch room

Two machine types are being used in this trial, selected based on location and waste volumes.

 

Two robotic waste sorting machines side by side

 

Larger Hoooly Indoor90

Hoooly!® Indoor90

Location: Retail food environments within commercial towers

The Hoooly!Indoor90 is a self-contained intelligent waste sorting station designed for high-volume, shared public areas.

Key characteristics:

  • Fully enclosed, free-standing unit
  • Identifies waste items using computer vision technology
  • Automatically sorts waste into four separate internal containers
  • Handles multiple items in quick succession via an internal buffer system
  • Touchscreen display provides user guidance and feedback
  • Internal fill-level sensors report when bins need emptying

Capacity:

  • Four internal containers, 50 litres each (200 litres total)

Power & connectivity:

  • Connected to mains power (220V)
  • Internet connectivity via Wi-Fi or 4G for monitoring and reporting

Hoooly!® IndoorSmall

Location: Commercial tenancies within office towers

The Hoooly!IndoorSmall is a compact intelligent lid that retrofits onto existing bins, making it suitable for office and tenancy spaces.

Key characteristics:

  • Installed on top of a standard bin without changes to room layout
  • Uses a smart camera to recognise waste items
  • Automatically unlocks the correct disposal opening
  • LED indicators guide the user to place waste correctly
  • Presence sensor activates the system when a user approaches

Compatibility:

  • Adaptable to a wide range of bin formats
  • Configurable based on tenancy waste streams

Power & connectivity:

  • Connected to mains power (220V)
  • Wi-Fi and/or 4G connectivity for monitoring

Smaller robotic Hoooly Indoor Unit

What is this Trial Testing?

This trial is designed to assess:

  • Accuracy of automated waste identification
  • User experience in real commercial environments
  • Impact on contamination rates in recycling and organics streams
  • Operational considerations, including emptying frequency and servicing
  • Suitability of intelligent bins for different building contexts

Findings from this trial will inform future waste management decisions across BC Consolidated service sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each unit uses computer vision technology. When an item is presented, the system analyses the visual characteristics of the waste and assigns it to a predefined waste category before directing it to the correct internal bin.

The Hoooly!Indoor90 is configured with four waste streams, typically used for general waste, recycling, organics and a site‑specific stream. The Hoooly!IndoorSmall supports waste streams based on the bin configuration it is installed on.

No personal identification is intended or required. The system is designed to identify objects, not people. Cameras are positioned to support waste recognition while minimising capture of surrounding environments.

The system performs real-time analysis before allowing disposal. In higher traffic areas, the Indoor90’s internal buffer allows multiple items to be loaded in sequence, reducing waiting times.

The trial is designed to identify errors and common mis‑classifications. These learnings form part of the evaluation and ongoing improvement of the technology.

No. Bins still require regular emptying and cleaning. These machines aim to improve sorting accuracy and provide better data visibility, not replace cleaning or waste services.

Depending on the unit, monitoring may include fill levels, usage frequency and waste stream distribution. Data is used for operational planning and evaluation of the trial.

The trial is managed by BIC Consolidated in collaboration with building stakeholders and the technology provider.

Why BIC Consolidated is Trialling this Technology

BIC Consolidated is exploring how intelligent waste technologies can support improved waste outcomes in complex commercial environments, reduce contamination in recycling and organics streams, and provide better data to inform operational and sustainability decisions.

This trial forms part of BIC Consolidated’s broader approach of testing practical, evidence‑based solutions in real‑world settings before wider deployment.