Milieu Service Nederland has equipped its rear-loading refuse collection vehicles with Rematics artificial intelligence (AI) cameras. Mounted at the rear of the trucks, the cameras automatically recognize more than twenty different waste streams during container emptying. This makes Milieu Service Nederland one of the first companies in the Netherlands to use AI to gain insight into waste streams at customer and collection level. At Rematics, we are proud to support this innovation.
From camera images to customer insights
During the collection process, the AI cameras continuously monitor and register which waste fractions are deposited from each container. Milieu Service Nederland analyzes this data to identify contamination patterns and opportunities for improved waste separation.
Based on these insights, the company engages customers in advisory discussions about improving source separation, selecting the right collection solutions, and optimizing collection frequencies.
While drivers cannot always see exactly what is inside a container during collection, the camera system provides a clear and objective view. This delivers valuable insights into contamination that would otherwise go unnoticed. Customers receive concrete recommendations to improve separation at source, resulting in higher-quality waste streams and increased opportunities for recycling and reuse within the circular economy. “Within the commercial waste market, we are the first to do this,” says Amer Tihic, Logistics Director at Milieu Service Nederland. “It fits perfectly with our vision of waste logistics: data-driven and AI-powered. This is a logical next step in our continuous efforts to optimize our operations.”
Dennis Ostendorf, Commercial Director, adds:“With these smart cameras from Rematics, we can provide our customers with a much clearer understanding of their waste profiles, enabling us to offer even more targeted advice on waste separation and reducing residual waste.”
Transparency as the foundation for collaboration
Milieu Service Nederland uses the insights generated by the AI cameras to facilitate transparent and data-driven conversations with customers about the contents of their containers.
Customers gain a better understanding of why certain recommendations are made and can take targeted actions to improve their waste management practices.
This data-driven approach creates a win-win situation. Customers gain better visibility into their waste streams and can achieve their sustainability goals more effectively, while Milieu Service Nederland can offer tailored solutions that truly match customer needs, such as additional waste streams, adjusted collection frequencies, or targeted support at locations where separation performance can be improved.
Leading through innovation
By deploying AI cameras on its collection vehicles, Milieu Service Nederland is taking an important step toward making waste collection more innovative, transparent, and efficient.
The combination of intelligent technology and personalized customer advice helps organizations achieve their sustainability objectives while contributing to a more circular waste ecosystem where valuable resources are reused to their fullest potential.