AI powers Romanian initiative to prevent fires in e-waste recycling

Groundbreaking industrial equipment combining artificial intelligence (AI) with dual-energy X-ray scanning has been officially launched at GreenWEEE’s facility in Buzău, Romania.

The new system, named Grinner, is designed to automatically detect hidden lithium-ion and other batteries inside discarded electronic devices. With more than 30 fires reported weekly across European e-waste plants, it addresses one of the most critical threats facing the recycling industry.

More accurate

The technology can detect batteries at speeds of up to one metre per second, scanning devices regardless of shape, size, or orientation. It identifies batteries based on their material signature, not physical appearance, making it more accurate and adaptable than traditional visual inspection systems. The system is automated and can be integrated into existing recycling lines or operate independently.

‘Grinner is more than just a technology, it’s a safety shield for people, the environment and the infrastructure we depend on,’ says Marius Costache, general manager of GreenWEEE. ‘It brings a replicable and intelligent solution to one of the most urgent risks in our sector.’
The official launch took place on 18 June at Buzău, where the system has been installed and tested under real-world conditions. The system is now poised for wider adoption across the recycling sector.

Partnership

‘This innovation responds directly to industry needs,’ says a representative of the WEEE Forum. ‘It’s a model for how European collaboration and technological leadership can address complex environmental challenges.’Developed through a EUR 3 million international collaboration supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, Grinner is the result of three years of research and development by a consortium of seven organisations:

• GreenWEEE International (Romania)
• WEEE Forum (Belgium)
• LYNQ Poland (Poland)
• Tech Hive Labs (Greece)
• Erion Compliance Organization (Italy)
• Varex Imaging AB (Sweden)
• University of Essex (UK)