Smart detection of material contamination for clean collection - L'Arsenal SES

Smart detection of material contamination for clean collection

March 18, 2026

Innovation

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At L’Arsenal, we recognize a reality that affects all organizations involved in waste collection: contamination of recyclable materials poses a major operational, environmental, and financial challenge. When non-compliant materials end up in the recycling stream, it leads to rejections at sorting facilities, increased costs, and a loss of value.

In response to this reality, contaminant detection technologies integrated into collection trucks, developed by McNeilus, are transforming the way we work. They enable rapid identification of anomalies, proactive intervention, and improvement in the overall quality of collected materials. This state-of-the-art system uses artificial intelligence, edge computing, and cloud-based analytics to accurately identify over 80 contaminants at the time of collection.

A CONCRETE SOLUTION TO A MEASURABLE PROBLEM

According to Recyc-Québec, the contamination rate of recyclable materials can range from 10% to 25% depending on the region. This contamination results in:

  • Additional sorting and processing costs
  • A decrease in the value of materials
  • Complete rejection of loads
  • Environmental impacts related to landfilling

On-board detection allows for direct action at the source of the problem: during collection. Rather than discovering errors downstream, teams can intervene immediately.

HOW THE MCNEILUS SYSTEM WORKS

Detection systems generally rely on smart cameras and visual analysis algorithms. These technologies are capable of identifying non-compliant items in collection bins, such as:

  • Plastic bags in the recycling
  • Improperly sorted organic materials
  • Unacceptable bulky items

Once the contaminant is detected, several actions can be triggered:

  • Real-time notification to the operator
  • Image recording for administrative follow-up
  • Report generation for managers

Practical example: An equipped truck detects a black bag in a recycling bin. The operator is immediately notified and can decide not to collect the bin or to flag the address for follow-up.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF COLLECTED MATERIALS

One of the main benefits of this technology is the improved quality of material streams. By reducing contamination at the source, organizations achieve:

  • Higher recovery rates
  • Fewer rejects at sorting facilities
  • Greater compliance with recyclers’ requirements

In the long term, this helps stabilize revenue from the resale of recyclable materials.

TIME SAVINGS AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURING

Automated detection also helps structure collection operations. The data generated provides a clear overview of issues by sector.

Managers can thus:

  • Identify areas with high contamination rates
  • Tailor awareness campaigns
  • Optimize collection routes

Example: A municipality notices that 30% of contamination comes from a specific sector. It can then target its communications and quickly reduce the problem.

A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH

Data collection is at the heart of this technology. Every detection is recorded, which helps build a solid information base.

Organizations can then:

  • Track changes in infection rates
  • Measure the effectiveness of the measures implemented
  • Support their decisions with concrete data

This approach promotes proactive rather than reactive management.

A TOOL FOR CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

Contaminant detection can also be used as a communication tool. By providing citizens with accurate, evidence-based information, it becomes easier to:

  • Raise awareness of proper sorting practices
  • Encourage behavioral improvements
  • Reduce recurring errors

Example: Sending a notification accompanied by an image allows citizens to immediately understand the error and correct their behavior.

OPERATOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Handling non-compliant materials can pose a risk to operators. Certain contaminants may be hazardous or unsuitable for mechanical collection.

Thanks to detection:

  • Operators are notified before picking up the bin
  • Manual interventions are reduced
  • The risk of incidents is reduced

This approach helps create a safer and better-managed work environment.

EASY INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING OPERATIONS

Detection systems are designed to integrate into collection trucks without disrupting operations. They are added to existing equipment and operate in parallel.

The benefits are quickly apparent:

  • Rapid implementation
  • Simple operator training
  • Measurable return on investment

CONCLUSION

Contaminant detection transforms waste collection into a more precise, better-structured, and performance-oriented operation. By acting directly at the source, it reduces errors, improves material quality, and supports field teams.

At L’Arsenal, we believe that integrating smart technologies is a logical step for organizations seeking to improve their operations while strengthening their environmental practices.