PROJECT PART 1 - PROJECT PROPOSAL
Group 7 Powerpuff
GreenSort: Sorting Waste, Simply and Smartly
Problem
Improper waste sorting remains a major issue in both residential and public settings. Despite having access to multiple types of bins, many users still throw all types of waste into a single bin. This leads to contamination of recyclable materials, inefficiency in recycling processes, and higher costs for waste management facilities.
Current waste sorting systems are often non-intuitive and lack real-time guidance or feedback, which discourages proper use. These issues make achieving sustainable waste management difficult — a critical part of Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Identified Problems
1. Unclear Labels and Instructions
Usability Goal: Effectiveness
Most bins in public areas or residential blocks have labels that are too small, worn out, or confusing. This causes people to guess where to throw items, often resulting in incorrect sorting.
2. Lack of Real-time Feedback
User Experience Goal: Satisfaction
Users receive no confirmation that they’ve disposed of items correctly, which discourages participation and makes the experience unengaging.
3. No Motivation to Sort Properly
User Experience Goal: Motivation and Engagement
There is little to no incentive or gamification to encourage better sorting practices, especially for children and young adults.
Proposed Solution
GreenSort – Smart Bin with AI Recognition and Gamified Sorting Experience
GreenSort is a smart, AI-powered waste sorting system designed to make recycling easy, educational, and rewarding. It consists of an interactive smart bin and a companion mobile app that work together to recognize waste items, sort them correctly, and engage users in responsible recycling.
Design Features:
• Smart Bin with AI Object Detection
Users place an item near the bin’s sensor, and the system identifies the material (plastic, paper, food, etc.) using a camera and guides them to the correct slot using LED indicators and voice feedback.
• Mobile Companion App
The app tracks a user’s sorting accuracy, provides tips on sustainable habits, and includes a points system for rewards or community achievements.
• Gamified Experience
Especially for younger users, the app offers badges, levels, and challenges to make sustainability fun and engaging.
Target Users
1. Urban Families with Children
Families living in city apartments or housing areas often deal with high volumes of mixed waste. GreenSort helps parents teach children responsible waste habits in a fun, interactive way—making environmental awareness part of daily family routines.
2. Facility Managers in Commercial Buildings
Office towers, shopping malls, and transport terminals have large waste outputs but often suffer from poor sorting practices. GreenSort allows these managers to monitor disposal accuracy, reduce contamination in recycling, and track waste reduction efforts.
3. Local Municipal Authorities and Waste Management Departments
These users are responsible for city-wide waste collection and recycling programs. By deploying GreenSort in public areas, they can improve citizen engagement in waste sorting and gather real-time data to inform sustainable urban planning.
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