Inspiration
Recycling rules can be confusing, and a wrong guess can contaminate a batch of recyclable materials. We wanted to make it easier to answer a simple everyday question: “Where does this go?”
What it does
Sortwise provides sorting guidance for common household items. Search for an item or choose a suggested example to see whether it is usually recyclable, needs special handling, or depends on local collection rules. Each guide includes preparation steps, where to take the item, and a practical tip. Users can also upload a photo to preview it while identifying the item. The app does not automatically recognize images yet.
How we built it
We built Sortwise as a responsive, single-page web app using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A curated set of common items powers the search and sorting recommendations. The interface works in a browser without a build step, and the photo preview stays on the user’s device.
Challenges we ran into
Recycling rules vary between cities, apartment communities, and waste collectors. Some items are made from multiple materials, so a simple “recyclable” or “not recyclable” answer can be misleading. We addressed this by using qualified guidance, adding preparation tips, and reminding users to check local rules.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We created a clean, mobile-friendly experience that turns a quick item search into practical next steps. Sortwise covers common items such as bottles, cartons, batteries, paper, and takeaway containers, including reminders for items that need special collection.
What we learned
We learned that useful waste guidance needs to explain the conditions behind an answer—not just assign an item to a bin. Clear caveats and simple preparation instructions can help people make better sorting decisions.
What's next for sortwise
Next, we’d like to add image-based item recognition, expand the item catalog, and provide location-specific guidance using verified municipal and waste-collector information.
