C2G6_TRASH2CASH

About the project (proposal)

Inspiration

The inspiration for Trash2Cash stemmed from the critical inefficiencies in Malaysia’s waste management system and the lack of public motivation to recycle. We identified three key problems:

-Operational Inefficiency: Current logistics are reactive rather than data-driven, with 40% of collections occurring prematurely and 25% late, leading to overflows.

-Low Engagement: Without direct financial incentives, recycling rates remain below 30% as citizens see no immediate benefit to their efforts.

-Technology Deficit: Reliance on manual sorting reduces material value and lacks transparency, eroding public trust

What it does

-Trash2Cash is an AI-driven smart waste management system that turns recyclables into financial rewards for communities. Key features include:

-AI Smart Bins: Users can throw mixed waste (recyclable and non-recyclable) into a single bin, where AI automatically tracks, identifies, and sorts the items.

-Automated Rewards: The system calculates the market value of the recyclables and instantly credits earnings to a community dashboard.

-Predictive Logistics: It predicts bin fill-levels to suggest optimal collection times, preventing overflows and reducing unnecessary trips.

-Real-Time Data: Residents and municipalities can view real-time data on recycling progress and environmental impact via a web dashboard.

How we built it

We developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using a combination of hardware simulation and software:

-AI & Computer Vision: We utilized Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) trained on thousands of images to detect and classify waste types (plastic, paper, metal, organic) in real-time. We also employed Google AI Studio and OpenAI APIs for generative and analytical tasks.

-Backend & Database: The logic and user authentication were handled using JavaScript and secured with cloud storage (Firebase/MySQL) for transaction logs and user data.

-Hardware Simulation: We simulated the smart bin experience using camera feeds for visual recognition and sensors for weight logging.

Frontend: We built web interfaces for both community members (to track rewards) and administrators (to manage routes and prices).

Challenges we ran into

-Contamination: "Dirty" items can confuse AI models, making accurate identification difficult.

-High Costs: The smart bins require a large initial investment, which could be a barrier to widespread adoption.

-Technological Barriers: There is a potential tech barrier for certain user demographics who may struggle with using the digital interface or smart features.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

-Environmental Impact: Our dynamic routing model is projected to reduce waste collection vehicle mileage by 30%, significantly lowering CO2 emissions.

-MVP Success: We successfully demonstrated a prototype that verifies deposits, calculates rewards, and updates a dashboard in real-time.

-Circular Economy Model: We designed a system that ensures high-purity sorting and creates a transparent financial loop, effectively turning waste management into a rewarding activity rather than a chore.

What we learned

-Environmental Impact: Our dynamic routing model is projected to reduce waste collection vehicle mileage by 30%, significantly lowering CO2 emissions.

-MVP Success: We successfully demonstrated a prototype that verifies deposits, calculates rewards, and updates a dashboard in real-time.

-Circular Economy Model: We designed a system that ensures high-purity sorting and creates a transparent financial loop, effectively turning waste management into a rewarding activity rather than a chore.

What's next for TRASH2CASH

-Blockchain Integration: We plan to implement an immutable ledger for all recycling transactions to ensure total transparency and prevent data manipulation.

-Government API Integration: Seamlessly connecting with municipal GIS systems to automate city-wide logistics and route planning.

-Gamification: Enhancing the user experience with leaderboards, goals, and simple impact displays to make recycling more fun and competitive.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17_MelJKp7P2inW3-Mz56SqfblKnojbFN/view (Please refer to this)