AI-Powered Waste Bins

The challenge is enormous

For Waste Reduction Week, Tim Hortons is introducing several new initiatives, including the trial of a new hot beverage cup that's compostable and recyclable, as well as smart waste bins to help guests properly dispose of packaging. There are 12 Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada that are receiving this technology, which will help guests identify packaging items with image recognition technology. On-screen, customers will be able to see whether or not their items can be recycled, thrown out or properly sorted into the compost. The AI-assisted recycling technology will help to support the new test cups, which are made with up to 20% post-consumer recycled content and are both compostable and recyclable.

Additionally, Tim Hortons is exploring a pilot project with zero-waste platform Loop featuring packaging that is reusable and returnable.