Dragonfly, an award winning Cape Town-based start-up, has developed an AI integrated material recovery system that uses advanced cameras and data analytics to optimize material recovery at material recovery facilities (MRFs).
In the circular economy, efficient material recovery systems are critical to preserving the value of products and components while simultaneously reducing landfill waste. One of the key challenges remains how to manage waste efficiently and cost-effectively.
Dragonfly’s system identifies and classifies materials by type, shape, and colour; improving sorting and overall efficiency. Additionally, the system provides remote monitoring, automated reporting, and actionable insights through a user-friendly interface. Critically, the pay-as-you-go model ensures affordability, which means that there’s no need for upgrades. The system is revolutionizing the collection and sorting of products and components whilst reducing landfill waste.
The start-up has made significant progress at recycling centres in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. An extra 640 tonnes of waste is diverted from landfill every year, with the recovered materials generating about R400 000 in additional revenue, and waste sent to landfills dropped by 22%-30%, saving R440 000 in disposal fees. Consequently, it has improved efficiency, secured long-term jobs and even increased wages by 10%-15%.
To find out more, download the free case study PDF above. The writing and publication of this report has been made possible thanks to City of Cape Town. GreenCape also thanks Dragonfly and its clients, Resource Innovations Africa and WasteWant, for providing valuable inputs and insights.