How Walmart plans to use AI to reduce waste  

Picture a future where waste is not just managed, but predicted and intelligently handled even before it happens. Walmart plans to pilot an AI-powered solution to do just that. 

Predictive, proactive, preventative

Walmart’s AI-powered waste management solution identifies key waste reduction opportunities and key drivers of waste, then recommends ways to reduce waste, taking the guesswork out for associates.

For example, if 10 bags of lettuce are nearing their expiration date or have a few blemishes, the solution might recommend the associate lower the price or move the lettuce. It could also recommend the associate send the lettuce back to the supplier or donate it.

AI is also used to determine which items contribute the most waste in a particular store, considering if the item is in stock everyday or if it’s a seasonal item. With these insights, associates are empowered with data and insights to drive maximum impact.    

Waste management made simple

All recommendations are made clear and simple with the help of GenAI, appearing within an easy-to-read dashboard, which in the future, will live within the Walmart associate app. Associates will also be able to see how other stores are managing waste, enabling them to learn and integrate additional best practices.

While Walmart plans to begin piloting this tool in Canada soon, the technology is designed as a platform that can be extended to other parts of the company. Someday, participating stores and clubs from all over the world may be able to trade waste management insights with each other.  

Walmart’s AI-powered waste management tool is not just about managing waste but predicting, preventing and proactively handling it in an intelligent and simple way.

With this, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future—one algorithm at a time.