Lead With AI

Episode: AI Predicts Dumpster Fires Before They Happen: The Smart Waste Revolution Saving Millions
Host: Dr. Tamara Nall
Guest: Sandeep Sankarani Kutty, VP of Operations at RTS Recycle Track Systems
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction: Revolutionizing Waste Management with AI

In this enlightening episode of Lead With AI, Dr. Tamara Nall engages in a compelling conversation with Sandeep Sankarani Kutty, the Vice President of Operations at RTS Recycle Track Systems. With over a decade of experience in launching tech-driven ventures across various industries, Sandeep brings invaluable insights into how AI is transforming the traditional waste management sector into a data-driven, efficient, and sustainable industry.

Company Origins and Vision

Sandeep begins by sharing the inception story of RTS Recycle Track Systems, highlighting his role as the company's first employee since its founding in 2015.

“[...] our goal was to really solve this problem of like electronic waste recycling and organics recycling and seeing how we can bring some transparency into that world.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [02:38]

He emphasizes the convergence of technology with real-world applications as the driving force behind RTS's mission to enhance transparency and efficiency in waste management.

AI-Powered Technologies Transforming Waste Management

The core of RTS's innovation lies in their integration of AI and IoT devices to monitor and manage waste effectively. Sandeep details their proprietary Pelo sensors, which are installed in large garbage bins to detect the type of waste and identify contamination.

“[...] we can tell like what sort of waste is going in there. Is there contamination? [...] we’re able to really optimize routing as well as educate folks on site.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [06:32]

These sensors enable RTS to gather actionable data, allowing for optimized waste collection routes, reduced truck emissions, and enhanced sustainability outcomes for their clients.

Real-World Applications and Customer Successes

RTS serves a diverse clientele, ranging from large sports stadiums to commercial real estate portfolios. Sandeep recounts the success story of partnering with Citi Field, where their technology increased diversion rates by 55%.

“When we started servicing them, we were able to increase their diversion rates by 55%. And so it's a lot of work that goes into it.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [19:29]

He elaborates on how their solutions not only manage waste more effectively but also engage communities, as seen with their cycle vending machines at sports venues that incentivize fans to recycle.

Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment

Addressing the ethical dimensions, Sandeep underscores the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in AI applications within waste management.

“[...] waste management, it's a people business, it's a community business. There's someone at the end that's a stakeholder that really has an issue that needs to be serviced.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [15:30]

He stresses that AI should enhance transparency and efficiency without replacing essential human interactions, ensuring that the technology serves to benefit both businesses and communities.

Future Outlook: A Sustainable and Transparent Recycling Ecosystem

Looking ahead, Sandeep envisions a future where recycling becomes deeply ingrained in everyday life, driven by transparent data and proactive management.

“In 2030, what I see is us moving incrementally closer to a world where, you know, the realities of recycling become more tangible.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [17:51]

He anticipates that advancements in self-supervised learning will address current data challenges, further optimizing AI's role in creating a circular economy.

Engaging with RTS: Call to Action

Dr. Nall wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners to experience RTS's innovations firsthand, particularly at sporting events like those at Citi Field.

“If you really want to feel it, I encourage that.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [19:25]

For those interested in implementing AI-powered waste management solutions, Sandeep provides contact information, inviting commercial inquiries via email and professional connections on LinkedIn.

Final Thoughts: The Human-AI Synergy

Sandeep concludes by reflecting on the inevitable complexity of AI models, expressing optimism that future tools will enhance our understanding and harness AI's potential for humanity's benefit.

“We're going to build tools that help us gain the insights into how the model is working. And people that are way more focused on this are working on this.”
— Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [21:28]

Rapid Fire Highlights

• Most Overrated Tech Trend: “VR. I mean I've tried it, it's great, it's a lot of fun. But I don't think anyone really wants to sit around with something covering their face for hours at a time.” — Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [21:35]

• Most Underrated AI Breakthrough: “Self-supervised learning [...] as that gets better, a lot of the data challenges that we face around AI will start to dissipate.” — Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [21:51]

• Book Recommendation: “Competing in the age of AI” – A must-read for understanding how traditional companies can transform by embracing AI.” — Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [22:13]

• Bold AI Prediction: “30% or more of the back end low hanging fruit office tasks are going to go to agentic systems. [...] it's a really positive thing to unlock the opportunity for people to spend time on things that really matter.” — Sandeep Sankarani Kutty [22:43]

Conclusion: Leading with AI for a Sustainable Future

This episode of Lead With AI sheds light on how RTS Recycle Track Systems is at the forefront of integrating AI into waste management, driving significant environmental and operational impacts. Sandeep Sankarani Kutty's insights reveal a future where AI not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a more transparent and sustainable world. For listeners keen on pioneering AI-driven solutions in their industries, RTS offers a visionary model of what’s achievable when technology meets purposeful innovation.

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