How can a scrap yard use computer vision to check incoming loads and sort material?

---
title: "How to sort scrap metal loads with computer vision"
description: "Photograph each incoming load from above at the scale or tipping area, then use a model trained on the yard own images to suggest the likely material grade and mark items that need a closer look, such as sealed tanks or cylinders, batteries, electronics, non-metal contamination and anything that may be restricted. The grader sees the marked photo and the suggestion, then makes the grade call and decides how to handle any flagged item. The model only helps graders look faster; it does not test metal composition, make the final grade or clear hazardous items, and all safety and legal intake rules stay in place."
url: https://lidvizion.ai/answers/how-to-sort-scrap-metal-loads-with-computer-vision/
site: Lid Vizion
index: https://lidvizion.ai/llms.txt
---

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# How can a scrap yard use computer vision to check incoming loads and sort material?

Photograph each incoming load from above at the scale or tipping area, then use a model trained on the yard own images to suggest the likely material grade and mark items that need a closer look, such as sealed tanks or cylinders, batteries, electronics, non-metal contamination and anything that may be restricted. The grader sees the marked photo and the suggestion, then makes the grade call and decides how to handle any flagged item. The model only helps graders look faster; it does not test metal composition, make the final grade or clear hazardous items, and all safety and legal intake rules stay in place.

## What this means in practice

- Set up a fixed camera with a clear view of each load at the scale or tipping area
- Collect photos of loads that experienced graders have already graded, for each material type
- Label the grades and the flagged items the yard tracks, such as tanks, batteries and contamination
- Show graders the marked photo and suggested grade, and record their final call
- Add grader-reviewed photos back into training as new material types and suppliers come in

## How Lid Vizion approaches it

We start with the business decision and operating context, define ownership and measurable milestones, then use configuration, integrations, automation, or custom software only where each earns its place.

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