Public gets first look at AI, robotics that could someday process much of Lane County’s organic, recycled waste

The company that hopes to someday process Lane County’s organic waste and recyclables opened their doors for a tour recently.

At a Bulk Handling System’s facility in Eugene, the company displayed a giant metal screen that can separate fiber – like paper – from containers. Small objects, such as bottle caps or grit, fall through.

The company also showed off an arm-claw robot, along with an AI quality control system that can scan objects, and made its staff available to answer the public’s questions.

All that equipment was built for the CleanLane project, a $150 million facility that will process organic waste and recyclables diverted from the landfill.

Bulk Handling Systems CEO Steve Miller said the equipment the public saw Thursday is just a sample of what the company plans to build.