Suffolk ending curbside recycling next month, switching to AI waste-sorting system

Suffolk, Virginia, will discontinue curbside recycling beginning July 1, eliminating the need for residents to separate recyclables from household trash. All waste will now go into a single bin, with the city relying on the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) to manage the transition. The SPSA, which coordinates regional trash for Hampton Roads, has partnered with AMP, a Colorado-based company specializing in AI-driven waste sorting. Trash collected from homes will first be sent to an SPSA transfer facility before being transported to AMP’s facility. There, an automated system—including video cameras and AI technology—will identify and separate recyclables and organic materials like wood from the waste stream. SPSA officials expect the new system to recover more recyclable material than the previous curbside method, reducing landfill waste and extending the landfill’s lifespan. Deputy Executive Director Kyle Strickland emphasized that the approach allows for smarter waste diversion while maintaining efficiency. Household hazardous waste, such as batteries and paint, will still require proper disposal and cannot be thrown in the trash. Residents can begin placing all waste in a single bin starting July 1, though recycling containers will remain available at the SPSA transfer station for those who prefer to separate materials. The change aims to improve waste management by leveraging technology to process mixed waste streams more effectively. SPSA anticipates the AI system will enhance recycling rates and reduce environmental impact in the long term.