RecycleHub

Inspiration

Our passion for environmental sustainability and our frustration with the inefficiencies in current recycling systems inspired us to create RecycleHub. We wanted to make recycling not only more accessible but also rewarding, incentivizing people to contribute positively to the environment.

What it does

RecycleHub is an innovative app that enhances the recycling process by allowing users to quickly identify recyclable items through photo recognition, locate nearby recycling facilities, and earn rewards in the form of EcoCoins. These coins can be redeemed for discounts at local grocery stores, encouraging users to recycle more.

How we built it

We begin by creating a server using Python, which allows us to upload images and download text information. Next, we develop an application using Swift and SwiftUI. Subsequently, we integrate the ChatGPT API with our project backend to enable responses from ChatGPT. Finally, we connect to the server to retrieve the text information for front-end use.

Challenges we ran into

One of the major challenges was ensuring accurate image recognition for a wide variety of waste items, as well as integrating real-time data for recycling locations. Another challenge was creating an engaging yet simple user interface that would appeal to all age groups.

We also encountered several technical issues. For example, integrating the ChatGPT API into our backend and testing our server to ensure its functionality required substantial time. As this was our first project integrating backend and frontend components, we faced numerous challenges, including a lack of familiarity with the underlying principles.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are the first-time participants in a hackathon environment and managed to create a fully functional prototype. Our team effectively integrated technologies including AI for image recognition, which was a steep learning curve for us. Additionally, our EcoCoin reward system has already led to a measurable increase in recycling rates among our users. Our ability to forge successful partnerships with local businesses has also been a great achievement.

What we learned

Technically, we learned a great deal about integrating various APIs, managing a backend server, and developing in SwiftUI, which are all skills that will benefit us in future projects.

What's next for RecycleHub

Looking ahead, we plan to expand RecycleHub to more regions and incorporate more advanced AI features to improve item recognition accuracy. We also aim to enhance the reward system to include more partners and diverse incentives. Furthermore, we will explore options for using the collected data to contribute to larger environmental research and advocacy efforts.