Creating A Clean Stream
The Topper Stopper™
Stop Recycling Contamination at the Recycling Bin
Topper Stopper™ is a patent-pending, smart recycling bin retrofit platform that transforms your existing recycling bins into intelligent, data-driven recycling stations. It prevents contamination before it happens, measures what’s being recycled, and delivers real‑time insights to optimize your recycling operations.
There are multiple configurations available for small organizations and community programs, through to large, high‑traffic venues and sustainability‑focused enterprises. The platform fits many current bin types, so you don’t need to buy new bins, and the data it collects puts actionable information at your fingertips.
How Topper Stopper™ Works
Topper Stopper™ works as behavioral architecture by engineering the moment of disposal so the sustainable choice becomes the easiest and most obvious default. Instead of relying on posters and good intentions that people tune out over time, it introduces a simple quality gate at the bin. The opening stays closed until an item is scanned and confirmed, which creates a small and intentional pause that interrupts autopilot behavior. Users then receive immediate and contextual feedback where accepted items are reinforced and rejected items are corrected on the spot. This turns each interaction into micro-learning that improves sorting accuracy over repeated use. By moving quality control to the source, Topper Stopper™ reduces contamination, protects commodity value, and strengthens the credibility of recycling and ESG reporting.
Step 1: Scanning
Step 2: Decision
Step 3: Educate
Step 4: Dataset
Step 5: Reward
Users receive immediate digital points for successful deposits, redeemable for real-world value in rewards ecosystem.
What Topper Stopper™ Does
Retrofits to Existing Recycling Bins
Prevents Contamination at the Source
Using barcode scanning and on‑board machine learning, Topper Stopper™ determines whether an item is recyclable before it enters the bin. If the item is acceptable, the access door opens; if not, the item is rejected and the user receives clear visual feedback. This three‑stage Recycling Inhibition Design™ protects the recycling stream and dramatically reduces contamination.
Collects Real‑Time Recycling Data
Each Topper Stopper™ unit measures the types, quantities, and weight of materials deposited in the bin and tracks bin fullness via the Recycle Smart Monitoring System™ (RSMS). Data is transmitted to TS Analytics™ dashboards for customized visualization, giving you:
- Volume and material breakdown by bin, location, or time period
- Contamination trends and diversion performance
- Service and hauling optimization insights
Intelligent Bin Management
Enhances Human Interaction & Engagement
Topper Stopper™ integrates with a rewards app so users earn instant points after successfully recycling accepted items. This gamified experience increases participation and reinforces correct recycling behavior at the point of disposal.
Branding & Marketing Opportunities
The V5 and V3 units include integrated screens and physical surfaces that can present:
- Sustainability and recycling education
- Venue, sponsor, or campus branding
- Dynamic promotional campaigns via over‑the‑air (OTA) content updates
Over‑The‑Air (OTA) Updates & Plug‑and‑Play Operation
Topper Stopper™ is plug‑and‑play: mount the unit, power it on, and connect. Firmware and content updates are delivered over‑the‑air, ensuring your devices always have the latest features, detection logic, and messaging.
Branding & Marketing Opportunities
The V5 and V3 units include integrated screens (800×480) and physical surfaces that can present:
- Sustainability and recycling education
- Venue, sponsor, or campus branding
- Dynamic promotional campaigns via over‑the‑air (OTA) content updates
The Topper Stopper™ Platform
Topper Stopper™ is cutting‑edge retrofit equipment that turns standard recycling bins into smart recycling stations.
Topper Stopper™ V5
Each unit includes:
- Sensors: Barcode scanner, machine‑learning–based material detection, and fill‑level sensing
- Processing: Edge AI computing (local processing) for ultra‑fast detection
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi and optional 4G / 5G LTE cellular
- Higher Resolution Screen
- Privacy & Security: Enterprise‑grade local encryption
Performance Highlights
- Detection Speed: ~0.02 seconds
- Scanning Distance: Up to 3 ft
- Active Monitoring: 24/7
- Data Security: 100% encrypted data path
With easy installation and seamless integration, the Topper Stopper™ platform gives organizations complete visibility into recycling behaviors, material flows, and bin service needs, making sustainability efforts more effective and more measurable.
Topper Stopper™ V3
Designed to both protect the recycling stream and present rich, dynamic messaging to consumers about proper recycling and sustainability goals.
- Larger, high‑resolution screen for brand and sustainability content
- Ideal for organizations focused on both contamination reduction and audience engagement
- Integrates RSMS and TS Analytics™ for end‑to‑end monitoring
The rugged predecessor to the V5, this unit established the faster scanning and larger screen platform. It was the introduction of the larger screen for media display that created the potential for more visible sustainability messaging.
Features Overview
Included with All Core Configurations
- Over‑The‑Air Firmware Updates
- Standard TS Analytics™ Dashboard – 1‑Year Membership
- Smart Scan, Fixed Scan, and Open Scan capability (configuration dependent)
- 1‑Year Warranty
- Recycle Smart Monitoring System™ integration
- Sustainability & Brand Messaging via integrated screens (V5 and V3)
Optional Upgrades (Contact for Pricing)
- Additional or enhanced RSMS capabilities (where not already included)
- 1‑Year Extended Warranty
- Unit Setup & Installation Services
- On‑Demand OTA Marketing & Branding Content Updates
- Certified Quarterly / Yearly Recycling Reporting
- Custom Marketing Assets for Cerobins (with dual systems)
Recycle Smart Monitoring System™
The Recycle Smart Monitoring System™ provides continuous measurement of bin fullness by automatically determining the empty-bin depth after each servicing or replacement. The system checks bin levels at scheduled intervals and sends real-time alerts via text or email once defined fullness thresholds are reached. Because it utilizes automatic depth calibration, the technology works seamlessly across varying bin sizes and styles. This intelligence enables facilities to schedule fewer unnecessary pickups, which directly lowers hauling and labor costs while maintaining cleaner sites with fewer overflowing bins.
Item Barcode Scanning
The Topper Stopper™ units are capable of differing speeds and methodologies of processing the barcodes of scanned items.
Smart Scan
The power of AI is used to gather data about each item scanned.
Rapid Response
The scan process is very quick. The protection of the recycling stream is immeasurable.
Fixed Scan
Defined set of acceptable barcodes based on the known types of bottles and cans on-site.
Controlled Collection
This scan method is well suited for stadiums, corporate offices, and event venues.
Open Scan
The simplest form of item barcode scan.
Stream Protection
Keeps non-beverage product items such as food or other landfill waste out of recycling bins.
Interested in Adding Topper Stopper™ to Your Recycling Program?
Our team is ready to discuss your specific needs and show how Topper Stopper™ can:
- Reduce recycling contamination
- Improve recovery of high‑value recyclable materials
- Lower hauling and labor costs
- Enhance sustainability reporting and ESG performance
Use the form below, call us, or submit a product request to begin deploying Topper Stopper™ at your facilities.
Request A Demo of The Topper Stopper™
Please provide your information and the question(s) you have about the Topper Stopper™ below.
