Recycling contamination isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s one of the biggest operational and financial hurdles for cities, campuses, and businesses. In this episode of Waste World, host Gage Edwards is joined by Nik Balachandran, CEO and founder of Zabble. Zabble utilizes mobile AI tools and real-time data to address contamination from the bin to the truck.

Nik shares how his unique background in machine learning, digital health, and environmental engineering led him to the world of waste—and how a pile of trash in the San Francisco Bay became the spark that launched Zabble.

Zabble helps organizations like campus-based generators, haulers, and municipalities reduce recycling contamination and improve diversion rates through its Zabble Zero platform with products Mobile Tagging and Invoice Analytics. The Mobile Tagging product uses computer vision AI to identify contamination at the point of disposal, even without internet access, from a mobile app and engages stakeholders with real-time notifications and automated mailers. Invoice Analytics aggregates hauler invoices and reports using AI to extract granular insights and makes recommendations on rightsizing and flags billing inconsistencies.

One of Zabble’s most impressive recent partnerships was with the City of San Jose, which launched a contamination monitoring project across more than 60,000 residential carts. The study showed a strong correlation between the number of tagged carts and contamination reduction, reinforcing the power of behavioral nudges and real-time feedback.

Nik envisions a future where AI is seamlessly embedded in waste systems, not as a buzzword, but as a force multiplier that saves time, informs better decisions, and builds transparency.

And while Zabble continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: reduce contamination, close the loop, and empower people across the waste value chain.

Visit https://www.zabbleinc.com/ to learn more about the platform.

Zabble San Jose webinar: https://www.zabbleinc.com/2025-csj-webinar

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Waste World - Episode 26: Nik Balachandran on Recycling Contamination

Waste World