Detection of hot objects in recycling streams for enhanced safety using low-cost IR cameras

Hot or smoldering materials in recycling streams pose significant risks of fire, equipment damage, and operational downtime in material recovery facilities. This study investigates the feasibility of using low-cost infrared (IR) cameras for real-time detection of hot objects in mixed recycling streams. A compact micro-thermal camera was integrated into a laboratory-scale sorting system and evaluated under controlled conditions. Temperature thresholds and image-processing algorithms were optimized to differentiate true hot objects from ambient variations and reflective artifacts. Experimental results show that the IR camera system achieved high detection accuracy. These findings demonstrate that IR-based detection offers a robust, non-contact method for early identification of hazardous materials, enabling effective fire prevention in recycling operations.