Tim Barry

Battery Detection and Removal in Material Streams: A Multi-Sensor Approach for Enhanced Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Tim Barry, Waste Recycling Market Manager, STEINERT US, Inc.

This presentation will discuss an integrated sorting system utilizing X-ray transmission, color recognition, 3D detection, and induction sensor technologies for efficient battery detection and removal from material streams. The multi-sensor approach demonstrates effectiveness in mitigating lithium battery fire hazards within material recovery facilities while enabling compliance with extended producer responsibility (EPR) standards for end-of-life material management. The system's implementation addresses critical safety concerns in material sorting operations while advancing sustainable waste management practices.

Tim Barry is the Waste Recycling Market Manager at STEINERT US, overseeing operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His division supports a wide range of recycling applications, including C&D, single-stream, plastics, MSW, and glass. With more than seven years of industry experience, Tim has developed deep expertise in advanced sorting technologies from hyperspectral NIR and AI-driven systems to magnetic separation solutions for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. He is committed to helping recycling operators optimize performance, maximize material recovery, and adopt innovative, data-driven solutions.