AI recycling just got a major upgrade—and the planet is better off for it. A startup called Glacier has raised $16 million to expand its fleet of AI-powered robots that help sort recyclable materials quickly and accurately. These smart machines are already at work in cities like Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, helping turn everyday waste into reusable resources.
With trash volumes expected to nearly double by 2050, smarter recycling is essential. Glacier’s technology is making it easier than ever to keep valuable materials—like aluminum, paper, and plastics—out of landfills. The robots don’t replace people; instead, they fill a crucial gap in a system that’s long been overworked and understaffed. And because they’re faster and more precise, they help facilities recover more recyclables, reduce contamination, and improve environmental outcomes.
Glacier is also building a data platform that helps cities and companies understand where recyclables are going and how to keep more of them in circulation. By putting technology to work for the planet, this team is showing how AI can be a force for sustainability and a cleaner future.