Methods and arrangements for identifying and sorting items

An apparatus comprising:

• a camera system configured to capture image data of a conveyor;
• a diverter mechanism configured to divert waste items on the conveyor;
• one or more processors configured for:
• determining identification information for a waste item on the conveyor, by processing image data captured by said camera system that depicts the item on the conveyor;
• obtaining metadata associated with the item by using the identification information, the metadata indicating that the item originally comprised a first portion comprising a first plastic, and a second portion comprising a second, different plastic, wherein the metadata further includes template data specifying expected spatial locations of plural regions of the item;
• and
• generating a diverting signal to control said diverter mechanism to divert the item from the conveyor to a destination;
• detecting an area of the second, different plastic on the conveyor;
• determining a frame of reference for the item as depicted in the image data;
• evaluating whether said detected area of the second, different plastic comprises part of said item, in which said evaluating utilizes the determined frame of reference;
• identifying a constellation of plural image zones corresponding to portions of the item;
• determining one or more possible placements of the constellation of plural image zones that are consistent with the template data;
• and
• establishing an ejection target based on the determined possible placements in accordance with an outcome of said evaluating, and actuating said diverter mechanism in accordance with the established ejection target.