Vision Techniques<\/a>, are launching a new product designed in direct response to the increasing number of bin lift incidents.<\/h4>\nThe LoadSafe system prevents loaders from being injured when operating rear bin lifters by actively monitoring the working area using AI-based pedestrian detection.<\/p>\n
An intelligent camera continuously detects the presence of people within configurable safety zones around the bin lifter. The detection zones can be precisely refined to ensure accurate monitoring, minimising false lift inhibitions and avoiding unnecessary disruption to workflow.<\/p>\n
When a person is detected and the lift is inhibited, a flashing amber light indicates that the system is active.<\/p>\n
The system ensures that bin lifters cannot operate while a pedestrian is present in the detection zone, significantly reducing the risk of injury, while optimising worker efficiency.<\/p>\n
As well as the safety benefits included, the system also comes with data logging for lifter activity and detection events via Vision Techniques telematics platform, VT Connect.<\/p>\n
Mikaeel Koornhof, Technical Specialist at Vision Techniques, shares what inspired the innovation.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cLoadSafe has been developed in direct response to the increasing number of bin lift incidents seen across the industry in recent years, including those in Coventry, Scottish Borders and the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy using advanced AI pedestrian detection, the system delivers a far more refined and accurate safety zone, significantly reducing false lift inhibitions while maintaining maximum protection for operators.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis ensures safety improvements do not come at the cost of efficiency, supporting both worker wellbeing and operational productivity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vision Techniques are the innovative driving force in vehicle safety and security systems, protecting not only vehicles but also the lives of employees, the public and the environments they operate in.<\/p>\n
Chosen by some of the largest fleets in the UK, Vision Techniques\u2019 products are influencing and changing safety and security standards across industries daily.<\/p>\n
Greyparrot | Global waste leaders share AI\u2019s role in protecting MRF pro\ufb01tability and compliance in 2026<\/h2>\n
<\/h4>\nA global panel of waste sector leaders joined Greyparrot\u2019s recent webinar to explain how AI waste analytics is helping them protect pro\ufb01ts, adapt to regulatory change, and attract a new generation of talent.<\/h4>\n
The webinar gathered facility operators and technical leaders from USA Waste & Recycling, GreenTech and KSI Recycling, with each sharing their AI strategies for 2026.<\/p>\n
Despite differences in local regulation and material streams, the panellists shared similar priorities for 2026: adapting to changing infeed material, maximising sorting efficiency, and meeting evolving compliance requirements.<\/p>\n
Data-driven consistency is critical to pro\ufb01tability<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen asked about the challenges facing MRFs in 2026, speakers agreed that inconsistent infeed material continues to put pressure on margins. Whether in the USA, EU or UK, efficient sorting remains a facility\u2019s most valuable pro\ufb01t lever.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a \ufb01nancial perspective, even a 1 to 2 percent decrease in capture rate or purity can make a meaningful margin impact\u201d, said Brian Popovich, Senior Financial Analyst at USA Waste & Recycling. \u201cWe can measure it much better now, but preventing [purity dips] upstream is still one of the biggest challenges we face every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Facilities are turning to AI in response, using data-driven material blending to balance \ufb02uctuating infeed composition. That data-led approach is helping operators reach their purity targets while monitoring supplier material quality and getting more from existing infrastructure and staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like having a thousand eyes on your material\u201d, said GreenTech CTO Alan Smith. \u201cThere\u2019s no other technology that gives us this level of accuracy \u2013 we shape our recipes using the information we get live.\u201d<\/p>\n
AI is supporting compliance as regulation evolves<\/strong><\/p>\nWaste policy varies by region, but speakers from the EU and UK in particular agreed that AI has a growing role to play in helping facilities meet reporting and quality requirements.<\/p>\n
Greyparrot has previously shared that they are working to help facilities automate UK Regulations reporting, and European operators are following suit.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery month, we report on material quality to our local government\u201d, shared<\/p>\n
Foppe-Jan de Meer, Plant Manager at KSI Recycling. \u201cBy the end of this year, I expect to have automated reporting up and running.\u201d<\/p>\n
At GreenTech, automated reporting is already a reality. Smith and his team use Greyparrot Analyzer data to prove that food-grade material meets European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) standards, arguing that AI provides a more detailed and accurate measure of product purity.<\/p>\n
Regulators soon agreed: \u201cWe did have to show the technology to regulators and explain what it does, but once that was understood, they accepted the systems\u2019 data”.<\/p>\n
Technology is attracting new talent<\/strong><\/p>\nAlthough the speakers have made AI waste analysis a pillar of their 2026 strategy, they stressed that technology is most effective when paired with skilled staff that can act on AI insights. Each acknowledged initial skepticism amongst their teams, and found that a period of hands-on validation actually fostered trust in AI recognition, and an enthusiasm for adoption.<\/p>\n
Enthusiasm isn\u2019t limited to internal teams. Some have found that AI is helping to address the waste sector\u2019s longstanding labour shortages by attracting a new generation of leaders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019ve seen across the board is people interested in working for companies investing in this modern technology\u201d, said Popovich. We\u2019ve been able to use Greyparrot and other advancements as a recruitment tool.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adaptability will de\ufb01ne success in 2026<\/strong><\/p>\nThe panel concluded that adaptability will be the mark of a successful facility in 2026, and in the years to come. For each speaker, the ability to prepare for \u2013 and react to \u2013 changing material streams, market conditions and regulatory demands is fundamental to MRF pro\ufb01tability.<\/p>\n
None of the leaders are waiting for the recycling landscape to become more complex:<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the next \ufb01ve years, the sites that stay ahead will be the ones built to adjust quickly\u201d, said Popovich. \u201cThat means investing in new technology now, training people to use and understand data, and designing operations that can absorb change, rather than be disrupted by it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dennis Eagle | Dennis Eagle Blackpool wins Digital Award at the Red Rose Awards 2026<\/h2>\n
<\/h4>\nDennis Eagle\u2019s Blackpool facility has been named winner of the Digital Award at the Red Rose Awards 2026, recognising its industry leading approach to digital innovation and transformation within UK manufacturing.<\/h4>\n
Presented at a black-tie ceremony held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, the award celebrates Dennis Eagle Blackpool\u2019s transformation of its production and warehouse operations through a bespoke, digital system \u2013 designed and developed in-house \u2013 to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability at its Lancashire facility.<\/p>\n
Dennis Eagle is a world leader in the design and manufacture of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) with its Blackpool site manufacturing RCV cabs for local authorities and private waste contractors across the UK and overseas, producing more than 1,400 hand-built units annually. Facing increasing production volumes and operational complexity, the business identified the need to move away from disconnected, paper based processes towards a fully integrated digital approach to connect people, systems, and performance.<\/p>\n
Its digital transformation centred on a major redesign of its Finishing Department to improve workflow, stock organisation, and efficiency, while futureproofing the facilities for increased production. It introduced a digital inventory management system, fully synchronising physical and digital environments for faster, more accurate material picking that has improved production efficiency.<\/p>\n
Alongside the introduction of digital dashboards, telematics, and automated reporting, wearable monitoring technology has enhanced the wellbeing of the team. The wearables track movement patterns, environmental factors, and fatigue, helping reduce risk and fostering a more supportive environment for employees, empowering them with better tools and insights.<\/p>\n
The new digital infrastructure has reduced Takt time, improved stock accuracy, and created a safer and more efficient working environment. Paper use has been cut by approximately 180,000 sheets per year, delivering environmental, cost, and operational benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201cDigital thinking at Dennis Eagle Blackpool is now a mindset embedded into how we plan, innovate, and invest for the future,\u201d said Oli Minett, General Manager, Dennis Eagle Blackpool.<\/p>\n
\u201cDennis Eagle\u2019s history spans over 130 years and we want the business to remain an agile industry leader as technology evolves. We\u2019re thrilled that our investment in this area has been recognised by the Red Rose Awards. Our success to date has positioned our digital system for rollout across other Dennis Eagle sites, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and a connected, future-ready business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plan B | Plan B Awards for Excellence Shortlisting<\/h2>\n
<\/h4>\nPlan B Management Solutions (Plan B) is delighted to share that we have been shortlisted in all three categories we entered at this year\u2019s Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management.<\/h4>\n
Our shortlisted entries are:<\/p>\n