Tiffany Ho Yi SMJK HUA LIAN
EcoSort Core is a low-cost, Arduino-powered smart recycling system that transforms waste sorting into an interactive climate action. While global waste generation exceeds two billion tons annually, recycling rates remain critically low, primarily due to lack of motivation and immediate feedback. EcoSort Core addresses this behavioral gap rather than merely providing infrastructure.
The system integrates RFID-based object identification with a servo-controlled mechanical gate, automatically directing waste into the correct compartment. Upon sorting, the embedded microcontroller calculates estimated carbon savings and rewards users with eco-points in real time. Gamification principles—including levels, points, and consecutive-action bonuses—reinforce positive environmental habits.
Unlike expensive camera-based AI, EcoSort Core is affordable, simple, and scalable, with a prototype cost under $100. It is designed for deployment in schools, community centers, and public spaces, demonstrating that accessible technology can create measurable impact by redesigning human behavior. EcoSort Core shows that even small everyday actions, when incentivized, can contribute to meaningful climate solutions.
