PureCycle
Overview :
Our innovative idea focuses on revolutionizing the waste recycling process by
introducing a dual-tiered system that automates waste sorting. First, households
will use color-coded bags to separate waste into three categories. At the waste
sorting facilities, AI-powered cameras in the rst tier will detect the color of the
bags to categorize the waste accordingly. In the second tier, advanced AI and
machine learning technologies will further identify and segregate speci c
materials such as plastics, metals, paper, and organic waste.
This system automates and improves the accuracy of waste classi cation,
reducing the need for manual sorting, saving time and resources, and
encouraging more e cient recycling practices. Ultimately, it contributes to
environmental sustainability by reducing land ll waste and promoting better
resource utilization.
Problem :
• Manual Sorting: Current recycling processes rely heavily on manual
sorting, which is:
• Time-consuming
• Labor-intensive
• Prone to errors
• Ine cient Resource Use:
• Inaccurate sorting leads to wasted resources and ine ciency.
• Low Recycling Rates:
• Households often fail to sort waste properly, leading to:
• Lower recycling rates
• Contamination of recyclable materials
• Environmental Impact:
• Ine cient waste management increases:
• Land ll use
• Pollution
Innovated Solution :
Our innovative idea aims to revolutionize the waste recycling process by
distribution of colored bags to households for garbage sorting in 3 categories
and installing smart surveillance cameras equipped with arti cial intelligence and
advanced technologies at waste sorting facilities in 2 tiers of recognition. In the
rst tier, cameras alongwith intelligent sensors can distinguish between the
colors of waste bags, with each color representing a speci c type of waste. In
the second step with a second tier of cameras and sensors equipped with ML/AI
technologies, we distinguish speci c materials such as plastics, paper, metal etc
and segregate them. This system allows for easy and accurate sorting, making
the recycling process smoother and more e cient. By automating the
classi cation of waste, we can reduce the need for manual sorting, save time
and resources, and ultimately contribute to a cleaner environment and a more
sustainable future.
Solution Overview :
Our Innovative Waste Sorting System:
• Household-Level Sorting:
• Distribution of color-coded bags for households to sort garbage into 3
categories.
• Facility-Level Automation:
• Tier 1: AI-equipped cameras detect and distinguish waste bag colors,
each representing a speci c type of waste.
• Tier 2: Advanced AI and machine learning (ML) technologies identify and
segregate speci c materials like:
• Plastics
• Paper
• Metals
• Organic waste
Key Bene ts :
• E ciency:
• Automates sorting at both household and facility levels, reducing manual
intervention.
• Accuracy:
• Precise classi cation of waste improves recycling rates and reduces
contamination.
• Resource Savings:
• Minimizes time, labor, and costs by streamlining the sorting process.
• Environmental Impact:
• Promotes a cleaner environment by reducing land ll waste and
enhancing recycling e ciency.
Next Steps :
• Prototype development
• Pilot testing in select communities
• Expansion to larger urban areas
Conclusion :
In conclusion, our innovative waste sorting system o ers a comprehensive
solution to the ine ciencies in current recycling processes. By automating waste
classi cation at both household and facility levels through AI and machine
learning, we signi cantly reduce the need for manual sorting, improve accuracy,
and save valuable time and resources. This approach not only simpli es
recycling but also promotes higher participation rates, resulting in cleaner waste
streams and more e cient recycling operations. Ultimately, our system
contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing land ll waste, minimizing
environmental impact, and supporting a circular economy.
