ZoneSafe Proximity Warning Systems in Recycling
- John Buttery
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
How smart detection systems are transforming safety and scalability in waste and recycling environments
Vehicle-pedestrian collisions remain one of the most pressing risks in the waste and recycling industry. With 53% of sector fatalities caused by moving vehicles and an injury rate far higher than other industries, it's clear that traditional safety measures are no longer enough. Shared workspaces, poor visibility, and unpredictable environments demand smarter solutions.
ZoneSafe proximity warning systems in recycling are designed specifically for this challenge.
Using RFID and AI, these systems detect pedestrians and vehicles in real time, even when obstacles or blind spots are present. As you'll discover in this article, they’re not just safety tools—they're enablers of compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term business growth. Companies like Recresco and Thamesdown Recycling are already seeing significant results, and it's clear that proximity detection is becoming a standard for future-ready EHS programs.
“It’s not just about alerts and detection,” according to Riodatos. “It’s about building safer, more confident, and more productive workplaces.”
Author's Perspective
In working with industrial businesses around the world, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: operations that prioritize safety are more likely to succeed when entering new markets, building partner ecosystems, or expanding product lines. And safety isn’t just about avoiding injuries. It’s about building trust—with employees, stakeholders, and regulators.
ZoneSafe proximity warning systems in recycling give companies a powerful advantage. Not only do they help prevent pedestrian-vehicle collisions, but they also show partners and clients that you take safety seriously. That makes you more competitive, more investable, and more prepared for strategic partnerships and long-term growth.
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Relevance
If your business operates forklifts, shovel loaders, or excavators near foot traffic, this technology is no longer optional. Recycling environments change constantly, and no amount of signage or cones can guarantee safety. RFID-based systems like ZoneSafe create dynamic, real-time detection that is both proactive and scalable.
“This is not just safety—it’s strategy,” according to Riodatos. "The ability to demonstrate robust safety systems is becoming a key differentiator in dealer and distributor negotiations alike."
1. Full-surround vehicle detection
Smarter vision around your fleet
Blind spots are one of the biggest threats on recycling sites. Forklifts and heavy vehicles often operate near piles of waste, narrow alleys, or low-light areas where pedestrians can’t be seen. ZoneSafe creates a 360-degree detection zone using RFID antennas mounted on the vehicle and tags worn by workers.
Unlike camera-only systems, it works even through physical obstacles like skips, walls, or metal containers. This kind of forklift pedestrian detection system significantly reduces collision risks and near misses.
2. Two-way alerts build active awareness
Engaging both driver and pedestrian
When a worker enters a vehicle’s danger zone, the driver is alerted via an in-cab alarm, while the worker receives a vibration alert through their tag. This dual feedback system creates active awareness on both ends and helps build a stronger EHS culture. It also reduces reliance on drivers’ visibility and reaction time, filling a critical gap in high-risk zones.
3. AI-enabled EHS for changing environments
Built for dynamic operations
Every recycling facility is different. Some use hand-sorting, while others deal with mixed materials, large machines, and frequent layout changes. ZoneSafe is designed to adapt. The system includes AI-based safe zone masking to reduce over-alerting in shared work areas. This makes it a practical choice for EHS forklift safety systems across paper, wood, compost, and glass recycling.
4. Smarter site access and collision avoidance
Control who goes where—and when
ZoneSafe includes access control and vehicle-activated signage to limit site entry and improve on-the-ground awareness. Workers and visitors must wear RFID tags to access certain zones, reducing the chance of unauthorized entry. Signs only flash when a vehicle is approaching, which prevents visual overload while still warning pedestrians at the right time. These features are key components of a modern forklift collision avoidance system.
5. Insights through safety data
Use data to predict and prevent
ZoneSafe’s cloud-based platform, My.ZoneSafe, captures event data including near misses, detections, and repeated zone violations. Health and Safety managers can use this data to target improvements, update training, and report to stakeholders. It moves safety management from reactive to predictive and supports long-term EHS strategy.
6. Real-world success stories
Results from companies like Recresco and Thamesdown
Recresco, a glass recycling company, implemented a full-site ZoneSafe system, including RFID-based access control. Their outcome: a 100 percent improvement in pedestrian safety and full compliance with internal safety protocols. Thamesdown Recycling deployed 27 antennas across their high-traffic site to eliminate blind spots and improve visibility. Both companies saw better safety, stronger team confidence, and positive feedback from regulators.
ZoneSafe proximity warning systems in recycling create scalable safety
More than protection—an operational foundation
ZoneSafe proximity warning systems in recycling are not just about short-term injury prevention. They provide the infrastructure needed to support safer operations at scale. As businesses expand across multiple sites or pursue new contracts, safety protocols need to be both consistent and adaptive. These systems help teams avoid disruption, maintain EHS compliance, and reduce downtime caused by preventable accidents.
Call to Action
Start building a safer, smarter worksite today
Assess your collision risk areas. Map where pedestrians and vehicles intersect and identify high-priority zones for detection.
Talk to a ZoneSafe expert. Get a tailored solution for your unique operational needs.
Pilot a forklift proximity warning system. Start with your highest-risk vehicles or areas to prove effectiveness quickly.
Leverage safety data. Use My.ZoneSafe to make informed improvements and support EHS reporting.
Conclusion - From risk reduction to business growth
Forklift-related collisions are one of the biggest risks in the waste and recycling industry, but they don’t have to be. RFID-based systems like ZoneSafe give operators the visibility and intelligence they need to stay safe without slowing down. These technologies are already helping industry leaders protect workers, meet EHS compliance, and scale confidently into new markets.
“Your safety system shouldn’t stop your operations—it should power them,” according to Riodatos. "Smart safety is the foundation of smart business."
About Riodatos
Riodatos partners with industrial businesses to unlock market expansion through smart operational strategies and integrated safety systems. Our focus on sales channel development, dealer relationships, and data-driven safety tools like forklift collision avoidance systems enables companies to scale responsibly and competitively. With deep experience in high-risk industries like recycling, we support both local growth and international market penetration.
ZoneSafe Proximity Warning Systems in Recycling
Why it matters
💡 Vehicle-pedestrian collisions are a major safety risk in recycling operations
💡 Traditional visibility tools aren’t enough — blind spots are everywhere
What ZoneSafe does
🧍♂️ Uses RFID and AI to detect pedestrians — no line of sight required
🧍♂️ Provides two-way alerts to both drivers and workers
🧍♂️ Supports forklifts, shovel loaders, excavators, and other industrial vehicles
🧍♂️ Adapts to busy, high-traffic environments with dynamic workflows
Why it works
🔧 My.ZoneSafe delivers real-time data for EHS managers
🔧 Built-in access control, safe zone masking, and vehicle-activated signage
🔧 Trusted by Recresco and Thamesdown Recycling for full-site safety coverage
🔧 Reduces downtime, supports compliance, and builds a strong safety culture
🔧 Safety isn’t just protection — it’s your foundation for smarter growth
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#wastesafety #recyclingsafety #zonesafe #proximitywarningsystem #pedestriansafety #forkliftcollisionavoidance #rfidtechnology #ehssolutions #EHS
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