RECYCLEMATE

Problem and significance

Unrecyclable items are wrongly disposed into recycle bins. RecycleMate aims to tackle the issue at the source. This is a key objective towards Singapore's sustainability goals.

Inspiration

In the world of LumiHealth, our journey took an unexpected turn when the app's success sparked a new mission. The same passion that fueled the health-focused endeavor now set our sights on a different challenge: the alarming state of recycling. Thus, RecycleMate was born – an ingenious fusion of technology, AI, and gamification aimed at addressing a pressing environmental concern.

How the solution is unique

Current similar methods of recycling for rewards like the reverse vending machines only accept very select recyclable items which have barcodes on them. Our machine aims to accept all types of recyclables. The gamification and leaderboards incorporated into our app will also bring out the competitiveness in people that will encourage even higher rates of recycling.

How the product is meant to be used

With the simple addition of our motor-powered bin lid to the recycling bins in Singapore, all our users have to do is to scan the QR code on the bin and log-in on their browser and the rest is just the normal process of recycling like before.

Technologies used

Drawing from our expertise, we harnessed the power of ESP32 microcontrollers and cutting-edge AI models. Machine learning algorithms became our allies, allowing RecycleMate to automatically sort recyclables with unparalleled accuracy. This fusion of technology transformed a simple idea into an innovative reality.

Challenges we ran into

Challenges emerged as we stepped out of our comfort zone. Learning new technologies and concepts demanded persistence and adaptation. Integrating AI into hardware was a unique venture that required relentless problem-solving. Yet, these obstacles were the crucible in which our innovation truly thrived.

The product at scale

The new National Steps Challenge but for recycling. All recycle bins around Singapore and perhaps around the world will be able to implement this simple and cheap mechanism, improving recycle rates through incentives and rewards, and also helping reduce recycling contamination at the same time.

Built With

• angular.js
• esp32
• firebase
• machine-learning
• microcontrollers
• tensorflow