Recorra Installs AI-Powered Robotic Sorting Arm at Purfleet MRF

Purfleet, UK – 17 July 2025 – Recorra, a leading UK commercial waste and recycling company, installed and launched a state-of-the-art, AI-powered robotic sorting arm at its Purfleet Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The system is now fully operational and marks the first phase of a £1 million investment aimed at boosting safety, efficiency, and sorting capacity across the site. 

Developed by British technology company Recycleye, the new system combines artificial intelligence, precision robotics, and real-time data analytics to identify and separate materials from the recycling received at the MRF with speed and accuracy. The installation includes a live analytics dashboard that tracks material composition and provides performance data, offering Recorra new insight into waste trends and MRF performance. 

The robotic arm features an AI vision unit, which uses advanced machine learning and camera systems to identify items as they pass under the machine. A high-speed robotic arm equipped with a vacuum extractor unit then uses suction to pick up and sort the items into designated bins. The system processes between 35 and 60 items per minute and operates continuously, improving throughput. 

The technology improves operational safety by reducing manual interaction with waste and machinery, allowing staff to be redeployed to safer, higher-skilled roles. Additionally, while the arm is currently used to sort cardboard, mixed plastics, and coffee cups, the AI can be trained to recognise new materials over time, offering long-term adaptability to changes in waste composition and recycling regulations.  

This investment is part of Recorra’s broader £1 million MRF upgrade, aimed at increasing capacity and accuracy. The arm installation is the first step towards making MRF operations more automated, moving away from manual sorting to increase worker safety and improve material recovery rates.  

Bill Swan, Managing Director of Recorra, said, “It’s exciting to see the new AI sorting arm installed at our MRF this week. This represents a major step forward in how we process recyclables, integrating advanced technology to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of our MRF. It’s a powerful example of how innovation can drive real progress in our industry.” 

The robotic system was developed over the course of seven months, with the AI vision system installed in January, fabrication completed throughout the spring, and full deployment finalised this summer. With the system now live, Recorra is setting a new standard for commercial recycling operations in the UK.

For media enquiries, contact Recorra Marketing at marketing@recorra.co.uk.