How can artificial intelligence help in waste sorting?

Correct answer: By identifying and separating items

Direct answer: D is correct. AI can help waste sorting through automated classification. A camera, sensor, or other input device can collect information about an object, and a trained machine-learning system can identify whether it is likely to be paper, plastic, metal, glass, or organic waste. After identification, a conveyor system or mechanical device may direct the item to the appropriate collection stream. This makes recycling more organised and can improve the quality of recyclable material. The system still needs suitable training data, maintenance, and human supervision; AI does not magically solve every waste problem. Option A is wrong because mixing waste makes identification and recycling more difficult. Option B is wrong because putting waste into the sea causes pollution and harms aquatic life. Option C is wrong because stopping recycling removes an important method of recovering useful materials. Option D correctly describes recognition followed by separation. Memory cue: in waste sorting, AI first recognises and then helps route the item.