South Korea, one of the world's major plastic consumers per capita, is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to tackle plastic pollution, which is playing an increasingly important role in waste recycling.
At a residential quarter in Seoul Metropolitan Area, a new type of recycling bin is gaining popularity. Powered by AI, the bin can identify almost all kinds of plastic bottles available in South Korea within a matter of seconds. Each machine can process up to 600 kilograms of plastic a month.
More than 1,000 AI-powered recycling bins have been set up in communities, parks, and other public spaces across South Korea, retrieving at least 500 million plastic bottles in just over a year. In return, residents can earn points redeemable for money.
"I often use [recycling bins.] There are fewer people today because of the snow, but usually, people have to line up for their turn. Someone around here has earned up to 180,000 Korean won (about 130 U.S. dollars) worth points, which not only protects environment but is also a way to make extra money," a resident told CCTV.
A recycling factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province processes those collected plastic bottles. Here, large bundles of compressed plastic wastes are sorted and cleansed. The AI system removes impurities, and the plastic is then cleansed in hot water and shredded into small chips. After about 25 minutes, plastic granules that can be used to make fibers or containers are generated.
"Currently we can produce around 10,000 tons of processed plastic granules a year, which are mainly supplied to petrochemical, fiber, and plastic container manufacturing companies," said Hong Seong-en, planning department manager at a local recycling company.
In South Korea, recycled plastic finds commercial applications in various industries such as automotive and home appliances. Commodities made from recycled plastic are also increasingly seen in consumers' daily life.
One fashion store in Seoul specializes in eco-friendly products made from plastic. For example, a backpack is crafted from 16 plastic bottles, making it both a sustainable and stylish option for consumers.
"I never expected this was made from plastic bottles. It looks pretty, and light in weight. More importantly, it's environmentally friendly and it's functional," said a shopper.
Data from South Korea's Ministry of Environment showed that more than 12 million tons of plastic waste were generated across the country in 2021, with plastic bottles and bags making up over 40 percent of the total.
AI tech supports plastic waste recycling in South Korea
Residents in the Iranian capital Tehran have been forced to abandon their homes due to the continuing aerial bombardment from U.S. and Israeli attacks, with many worried about the damaging impact a prolonged war could have on their families.
The U.S. and Israeli began striking Iran on Saturday, with the attacks killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials, and claiming the lives of more than 1,200 Iranians as of Thursday.
Iran has retaliated with a series of counterattacks against U.S. and Israeli targets across the Middle East region, as concerns now mount about the conflict widening.
Amid the intensifying attacks, residents of Tehran felt they were left with no choice but to get out of the capital as missiles continued to rain down.
Among them was a local woman named Nahid, who, after reaching a safer location, shared her experience of fleeing the city, describing the fear and urgency that drove her decision.
"We left Tehran because of the war. We heard that Israel had attacked, and there were loud sounds and heavy bombardments. We left the city because we have children, and we were afraid they might get hurt or become terrified," she said.
Despite the current crisis, Nahid also spoke of a sense of resilience which remains among the people.
"There was absolutely no shortage of food. The shops and chain stores were all open and fully stocked. There was no shortage of food supplies. But we say that now we must stand firm and respond to Israel and foreign countries, so that it won’t be the case that whenever they wish, they can attack our homeland. We must show greater endurance and patience for the sake of our country," she said.
Another resident, Ensie, also recalled the sense of horror as missiles struck near her home.
"It was one of the most terrifying memories of my life. Because of the intense anxiety, I just kept running and trying to escape. I was coughing and my heart was racing. I didn't know what had happened. I just couldn't stop running," she said.
Ensie also spoke of the far-reaching impacts of the war, highlighting its toll on both the economy and people's mental health.
"War is terrible in every way. Financially, in terms of economic losses, and psychologically, especially because of its effects on adults and children. These are impacts whose consequences might only appear years later. No one likes war," she said.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said on Thursday that 105 civilian sites and facilities in the country had been attacked by the U.S. and Israel since the outbreak of the conflict.
The IRCS also noted 1,332 attacks had been recorded at 636 locations across Iran since Saturday, with damage reported at 14 medical and pharmaceutical institutions.
Iranian families forced to evacuate Tehran as US-Israeli strikes continue
