Innovative Waste Technology Tackles Rising Threat of Nitrous Oxide Cartridges in Waste Management
Growing Problem with Nitrous Oxide Cartridges in Waste – We Take Action!
Nitrous oxide cartridges have become an increasing challenge in waste management. Improperly handled containers can cause explosions during energy recovery, damage facilities, and pose a significant risk to both staff and the environment. In collaboration with Litech and the Waste Management and Recycling Agency – Oslo Municipality, we are now testing an innovative solution to identify and remove the cartridges before they reach incineration.
How the Technology Works
Litech’s sensor uses electromagnetic induction and AI to detect nitrous oxide containers – even when they are hidden within other waste. Envac initiated the project in Mjölby, where, together with Litech, we conducted the first tests of the technology at our test facility.
To carry out this pilot project, we have optimised Envac’s vision technology and added multiple parameters to the rejection units in the waste stream. Envac’s technology connects to the sensor, which then activates our ejectors to automatically sort out the bottles at the waste facility before they reach energy recovery. As a result, the designated reject units are now dedicated solely to sorting out gas bottles.
“Every sorted bottle reduces the risk of operational disruptions and damage to both machines and people – each rejected bottle is a win!” says Henrik Reutgard, Automation Engineer, who has been instrumental in making the project possible from Envac’s side.
Testing in Oslo, Norway, underway
Right now, the system is being tested at the Haraldrud facility in Oslo, Norway, and the results look promising! This week, two additional sensors are being installed to further enhance safety and efficiency.
“Litech has developed what we like to call ‘the world’s smartest metal detector’,” says Synne Sauar, CEO & Co-founder Litech. “By combining sensor technology with Envac’s automation, we can now quickly and efficiently remove hazardous objects from the waste stream.”
NRK (Norways largest news outlet) has highlighted the issue and our efforts to find solutions – watch the report here and watch Litech explain the technique here.
For more information on this exciting project, please contact
Niklas Karlsson, Envac or Synne Sauar, Litech.
How Envac Sorting Solutions work
Envac’s optical sorting solutions can be used by cities and regions of all sizes but especially useful in sparsley populated areas. It can also reduce transport and collection costs by over 50% compared to competing systems.
Our optical sorting can be combined with our smart automated waste collection system or with the municipality’s existing collection method for cost-effective handling that also increases the recycling rate. With our technology, it is easy to meet all the requirements of the new packaging regulation. The system is based on color coding where users sort the waste into bags with a specific color for each type of waste. It makes sorting easy, even for inexperienced recyclers.
All bags are disposed of in the same bin or automated waste collection system inlets. The bags are then optically sorted, based on color, in the sorting facility. This means fewer transports, which leads to both reduced costs and lower emissions of greenhouse gases.
The fact that all the bags are disposed of in a single bin also saves space for the end users, who do not have to make room for several different bins outside.
Benefits of the system include:
- Compatible with existing collection method and equipment.
- One bin for all bags creates happier end-users and increases recycling rates.
- Helps you reach your environmental goals and contribute to the green transition.