Denmark opens first robotic C&D sorting facility

Solum, a Danish recycling company, inaugurated the first robotic facility dedicated to sorting construction waste in Denmark. The new plant, located in Roskilde, represents a milestone step forward in the country’s green transition efforts in a sector responsible for almost 40 percent of Denmark’s total waste output. 

Designed to increase recycling rates, the robot, manufactured by ZenRobotics, is set to transform waste management practices by enabling more precise and efficient sorting, reducing landfill waste and significantly cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
The inauguration, held on Oct. 7, was attended by prominent figures including Kaare Dybvad Bek, minister for Immigration and Integration; Deputy Mayor of Holbæk; and Camilla Hove Lund. 

With advanced sensor technology, the robot is capable of sorting waste into specific recyclable fractions, such as wood, plastic, metal and concrete, achieving up to 90 percent purity in separated materials. This is a vast improvement over traditional manual sorting methods, which previously achieved only around 10 percent recycling efficiency.

“This facility is a milestone not only for Solum but for Denmark’s broader vision of sustainability. Solum has always embraced innovation, and today we are ushering in a new era for construction waste management,” says Christian B. S. Christensen, Solum’s CEO and founder. “With the capacity to process 25,000 tons of construction waste annually and perform 40 sorting operations per minute, the robot offers … immediate environmental benefits and long-term adaptability. 

“The robot’s learning capacity enables it to evolve with industry needs, ensuring it remains responsive to future waste management challenges and material advancements.”

During his address, Minister Dybvad Bek commended Solum’s initiative as a leading example of green innovation aligned with governmental climate goals. He highlighted Denmark’s ambitious plans for the green transition, and how Solum’s new robotic plant is a testament to the integration of economic growth and environmental responsibility. 

The event concluded with a tour and Q&A session, where media representatives and industry experts discussed the long-term impacts of robotic sorting on the construction sector.

Rainer Rehn, regional sales manager for ZenRobotics, said, “By embracing our advanced waste sorting robots, Solum is in a position to make a significant contribution to Denmark’s circularity goals and reduce the country’s dependence on raw materials. This inaugural event marks a pivotal step in Denmark’s mission to increase its circularity, which according to the Circularity Gap Report, is only 4 percent—a figure the country aims to substantially improve as it drives sustainable resource utilization.”