Germany-backed AI aims 20% boost in construction waste recycling

Germany’s construction industry generates tens of millions of tonnes of rubble annually, much of which is recycled but often fails to meet quality standards, leading to landfill disposal and increased demand for new concrete. To address this, Tübingen-based startup Optocycle is developing an AI-driven system that uses optical sensors and real-time artificial intelligence to classify construction waste on conveyor belts. Funded with approximately €170,000 by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the system aims to replace subjective, manual inspections and random lab tests with continuous, automated quality monitoring, particularly focusing on recycled mineral aggregates used in concrete and road construction. Optocycle estimates its technology could increase the proportion of high-quality recycled aggregates by about 20% and reduce landfill waste by around 15%, enabling recyclers to intervene during processing rather than after. The system is designed for easy retrofit installation in existing recycling plants, minimizing costs and deployment time. Industry partner Heinrich Feeß GmbH has collaborated on development, highlighting improvements in trace