Colorado’s trash-sorting robot makes Time’s top inventions list

AMP One — an AI-powered waste-sorting system built by Louisville, Colorado-based AMP — just landed on Time magazine’s list of the 25 best inventions of 2025.

How it works: The system uses scanners trained by artificial intelligence to spot and separate compostable and recyclable materials from regular trash.

  • AMP One can pluck out organics for compost and pull plastics and aluminum for resale.

Why it matters: Even with curbside programs in place, 76% of residential recyclable materials still end up in landfills, according to a 2024 report from The Recycling Partnership.

What they’re saying: “People are lazy — the recycling bin gets full and they put it in their garbage can,” AMP CEO Tim Stuart told Time. “Our technology can extract that.”

What’s next: The company is pursuing a 20-year partnership with Southeastern Public Service Authority in Virginia to process half a million tons of trash a year — a model Stuart says could be replicated by cities nationwide.

Time’s top 2025 inventions include this Colorado-made AI-powered recycler – Axios Denver

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