Recology Partners with IBM for Zero Waste in San Francisco

Recology Inc. is partnering with IBM to improve recycling, reduce landfill disposal and achieve zero waste in San Francisco by 2020.

The San Francisco-based waste and recycling firm Recology said in a news release it is using Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM’s Smarter Computing approach to information technology to manage data and better analyze the composition and quantity of San Francisco's waste stream. Using IBM's power system, Recology can pinpoint the location, types and amount of waste that need to be collected for sorting or composting. This allows Recology to identify the most effective recycling programs for different business districts and neighborhoods.

Recology is working on the project in collaboration with IBM business partner Key Info Systems.

San Francisco’s diversion rate has reached 78 percent, which it claims is the highest in the country. Recology offers 20 recycling programs in San Francisco, which it said is more than is offered in any other city.

"Cities are struggling with a wide range of challenges and threats to sustainability in their core operations," said George McGrath, Recology chief operating officer. "Our collaboration with IBM has helped us transform the programs we provide in San Francisco and, in turn, the very way people view bottles, coffee grounds, packaging, plastic bags, and other materials they generate every day."