Osan City Installs AI-Based Recycling Vending Machine 'Nephron'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Do-young] Osan City will begin operating 'Nephron,' an AI-based recycling vending machine, from the 23rd to increase recovery rates of recyclables such as plastics.

The city will install a total of 8 machines—2 units each—at high-traffic locations including the Central Library, South Social Welfare Center, Segyo Social Welfare Center, and Smart City Center to begin pilot operations.

'Nephron' is a recycling vending machine developed by combining artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. When users insert a plastic bottle or can and enter their mobile phone number, the machine automatically classifies and stores the items by category and accumulates points as a reward.

Points (1 point = 1 won) are awarded as 7 points for cans and 5 points for plastic bottles. Starting from 2,000 points or more, users can transfer the points to their personal accounts and use them like cash.

Points can be checked and transferred through the Superbin website (www.superbin.co.kr).

Kim Hong-gi, head of the city's Sanitation and Resources Division, said "We expect that operating the recycling vending machine will help improve separate collection culture and increase the recovery rate of recyclables," adding "We plan to expand installation locations after analyzing usage patterns and satisfaction levels."

The city is currently operating dedicated single-use cup recycling bins at bus stops including Osan Station Transit Center.