In a bold step toward cleaner energy and smarter waste management, Grand Rapids has welcomed Michigan’s first facility that transforms wood waste into renewable energy using artificial intelligence. The innovative project, led by startup Woodchuck, represents a unique fusion of technology, sustainability, and community impact, reports Mix957.
The $2 million facility, dubbed the first of its kind in the state, doesn’t just recycle yard waste — it revolutionizes the process. Using AI, the system scans and sorts through wood waste, selecting only clean, usable material for fuel production while monitoring each phase to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions.
“People think of yard waste as just trash, but we see it as power — literally,” said a Woodchuck spokesperson. “This isn’t about big promises for the future. This is happening now, right here.”
The model is simple but effective. The City of Grand Rapids supplies storm debris and yard trimmings at no cost. In return, Woodchuck processes the material into clean biomass fuel — also at no cost to the city. This circular system helps keep waste out of landfills while producing renewable energy.
The facility has already created 14 new jobs and reflects a growing local commitment to sustainability. By turning fallen branches into a community resource, the initiative benefits both the environment and the economy.
“This project shows that clean energy doesn’t have to be complicated,” said another team member at Woodchuck. “We’re proving that even small cities can do big things.”
