Revised Problem Statement
The gathering step in the recycling process is flawed in the sense that recyclables go directly from consumers to the MRFs. Consumers do not have the proper resources to sort recyclables and the trucks only provide the service of transportation. The lack of presorting upon arrival to the MRF decreases efficiency and does not allow small formats to be recycled.
Helpful research information
https://www.materialsrecoveryforthefuture.com/wp-content/uploads/MRFF-Pilot-Report-2020-Final.pdf
https://www.materialsrecoveryforthefuture.com/research-results/2020-research-results/
https://www.wastedive.com/news/phoenix-Public-Works-Department-north-gateway-MRF/549708/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-12/mit-launched-a-fleet-of-smart-garbage-trucks