2026 Thought Leaders: Jimmy Martin

What growth opportunities do you predict for your industry in 2026?

The biggest growth opportunities in waste and recycling lie in the intersection of artificial intelligence and the circular economy. AI enables our customers to use resources efficiently, automate processes, and create smarter systems for waste and recycling management. By leveraging AI, our customers ensure that products and materials circulate at their highest possible value, extending their life cycle and minimising environmental impact.

In 2026, I see more operators embracing the power of AI-driven analytics for predicting material flows, automating sorting, and creating more transparent supply chains. This is a combination of technology and sustainability which not only reduces costs but also unlocks new business models and revenue streams that thrive on efficiency and environmental responsibility. AMCS customer Auckland Council reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating landfill disposal by 2040 by adopting AMCS Vision AI to replace manual identification and reduce contamination of recycling collections. The council has recognised that this technology is a key enabler of its zero-waste strategy.

In the face of current global uncertainty, what are the three biggest challenges or threats facing your industry?

There are three big challenges we’re watching closely. Firstly, economic ups and downs like market swings and inflation make it harder to plan and invest in circular infrastructure and new technologies. But they also remind us why these investments pay off over time. Circular systems keep resources circulating within communities, providing stability and making them less dependent on volatile global supply chains.

Second, regulations are continuously changing. This can feel complicated and tiring but it’s a sign we’re moving toward a more consistent approach to tackling climate and waste, which is a positive step. Sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s a performance strategy that improves operations while meeting environmental goals, delivering real business results.

The third challenge is the rapid rise of AI. Up to 90% of AI projects fail to deliver real business value, usually due to poor planning, unclear goals, and integration complexity. That’s why AMCS is building agentic AI as a complete system: governance and compliance for trust, agentic layers for scalability, and ROI discipline to ensure every project drives measurable value.

What plans have you implemented to progress artificial intelligence solutions in 2026?

AMCS has been enabling waste operators with Vision AI, which is fully integrated into the AMCS Platform. This technology records overfill and contamination events and enters them into the platform workflow. A Vision AI dashboard then provides actionable, up-to-date insight on overfill and contamination trends and sources.

Vision AI also detects other exceptions like gas canisters, resulting in improved safety and financial outcomes for our customers.

We use AI machine learning when selecting parameters to optimise route planning and schedules, which is more accurate than a traditional consultant lead approach. A prime example of performance sustainability in action; optimising routes delivers significant fuel, driving time and emissions savings.

In 2026, we are also looking to adopt agentic AI automation in our core enterprise management system. Agentic AI is a growing type of AI that can autonomously reason, plan and act towards goals, making it promising for enterprise software as it supports workers in their daily tasks.

What’s your outlook for the industry in 2026?

The outlook for Australia’s waste and recycling industry in 2026 is one of transformation and opportunity. Major regulatory changes will reshape how businesses operate and national packaging reforms are moving toward mandatory design standards and extended producer responsibility that will push companies to adopt more sustainable practices. In New South Wales, for example, food organics and garden organics (FOGO) mandates will start applying to large businesses from mid-2026, accelerating the shift toward circular solutions.

At the same time, consolidation is picking up pace. I expect we’ll see more mergers and acquisitions as companies look to scale, optimise routes, and invest in advanced infrastructure. This trend is already visible with major players acquiring specialist waste firms to strengthen service offerings and improve efficiency.

Technology will be a game changer. AI and automation are moving from pilot projects to mainstream adoption, whether it’s smart bins, AI-driven sorting systems, or predictive analytics for fleet management.

Overall, 2026 will be about collaboration and innovation. Businesses that embrace regulatory change, invest in technology, and build strong partnerships will be well-positioned to lead in a market that’s becoming more competitive, more sustainable, and more data-driven.

Jimmy Martin is the CEO and co-founder of AMCS, headquartered in Limerick, Ireland. AMCS is a leading global technology provider in the waste, recycling and resource industries, and aims to help customers digitise their businesses to improve operational efficiencies, drive margin expansion, reduce business and operational risk, enhance their customer experience, and deliver environmental sustainability.

Top image credit: iStock.com/inkoly