With global waste production projected to reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050, effective waste screening has never been more crucial. The ability to screen recyclables efficiently not only reduces landfill dependency but also enhances sustainability efforts worldwide. 

Waste screening is a critical process in waste management, involving the screening of waste materials based on particle size to facilitate efficient recycling and disposal. Effective screening enhances the quality of recyclable materials and reduces the volume of waste destined for landfills.  

As global waste volumes continue to rise and recycling regulations become more stringent, companies and municipalities are under increasing pressure to recover more recyclable materials while minimizing landfill use. Poor screening leads to contamination, reducing the value of recyclables and increasing processing costs. 

Advancements in screening technology, such as automated adjustments, improved mechanisms for maximizing uptime, and higher-capacity designs, help waste operators meet these demands while keeping operational costs in check. 

Waste screening is a complex process, with several key challenges that can impact efficiency and operational reliability, including material clogging, varying particle sizes, inconsistent feedstock, and the need for frequent adjustments to accommodate different waste types and end-product requirements.

The increasing diversity of waste streams, driven in part by the rise in separate collection, means that the range of materials requiring processing is broader than ever. This calls for equipment that offers high flexibility and adaptability, ensuring maximum return on investment through versatile performance. 

Overcoming these challenges requires advanced screening technology designed for versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance. To tackle these challenges, Tana is developing advanced screening solutions that enhance both efficiency and adaptability in real-world waste processing environments.

Tana Oy has long been at the forefront of compacting, shredding and screening technologies, developing solutions that optimize waste processing for efficiency and sustainability. With decades of expertise, Tana continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving demands of the waste management industry.  

Among the experts driving this innovation is Eetu Tuovinen, Product Manager of Recycling at Tana, who brings a solid background in mechanical engineering and product development. Together with his team, they’ve been instrumental in ensuring that Tana’s new disc screen – the TANA Raven X550T – effectively addresses some of the biggest challenges in waste screening, from handling diverse and unpredictable waste streams to improving machine adaptability and reducing downtime. 

“Staying true to Tana’s core philosophy – versatility, adaptability, and durability – the machine is highly adjustable, incredibly robust, easy to maintain, and effortless to work with. It’s designed to handle virtually any solid waste material in practical use”, states Eetu Tuovinen. By combining practical field experience with technical expertise, the Tana team ensures that screening solutions are designed not just for performance, but for real-world usability and efficiency.  

Tana has developed screening solutions that incorporate modular designs and smart technologies. These features allow operators to quickly modify settings based on the specific waste stream, minimizing downtime and maintenance needs.​ 

Building on this expertise, Tana introduced the TANA Raven X550T disc screen in February 2025. This innovative machine embodies the principles Eetu champions: versatility, efficiency, and user-friendliness.  

The TANA Raven X550T sets a new benchmark in waste screening with: 

• A patented modular screening deck for on-the-fly adjustments 

• Smart anti-wrapping technology to reduce maintenance downtime 

• Enhanced adaptability for diverse waste streams 

Its modular screening deck allows for quick adjustments to achieve desired particle sizes, and its smart anti-wrapping design by two-patent screening disc design reduces maintenance challenges. The TANA Raven X550T represents a significant advancement in waste screening technology, addressing many of the industry’s longstanding challenges. 

Through close collaboration with partners, machine testing, information exchange between industry experts, and continuous feedback, Tana has deepened its understanding of the recycling industry’s evolving needs – enabling the development of innovative, customizable, and user-friendly solutions that set new standards in waste management.