Brief description of the organisation/initiative
EasyTrash is a project aimed at creating a domestic collector which autonomously detects waste thrown into it and separates the products into their correct categories. The goal of this initiative is to simplify and optimise the recycling process using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. Created by Giuseppe Carone and Gennaro Storelli and based in the Apulia Region, EasyTrash takes the burden of users to separate products while at the same time advancing the overall process of the routine daily task.
The collector uses an automatic learning algorithm for analysing images. When an object is allocated for that space, a camera placed inside takes a picture of the object. Using AI, the image is analysed to recognise and classify the item. The waste is then sorted into a basket compatible with its material. The user is only required to throw away that they do not need anymore and let EasyTrash take care of the rest.
Challenge overview
The project officially started in October 2020, at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though it did not prevent Giuseppe and Gennaro from continuing working, the development process of EasyTrash slowed down. Fortunately for the two creators, their project was one of the chosen ones for financial support by the PIN initiative, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. Due to the application process being completely online and the continued efforts from both developers, the prototype of EasyTrash became a reality in April 2021. Only four months later, EasyTrash reached its intermediate goal and created its first working prototype.
Establishment of the organisation/initiative/enterprise
The idea of EasyTrash was born from one of Guiseppe’s university projects. He first followed his lifelong passion for computers and studied computer engineering at the Polytechnic of Bari. There he gained knowledge in the field of information technology and automation. Guiseppe then decided to pursue a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence at the Politecnico di Milano. During his studies, he learned about the limitless possibilities that technology can offer and realised how much of a positive impact it can have, especially on the environment and sustainability.
Guiseppe’s attitude and passion were shared with Gennaro. Gennaro graduated with a business management and economics degree from Pegaso Telematic University. However, he was also interested in AI and followed a specialisation in digital mechatronics and industrial automation.
After graduating, Guiseppe and Gennaro realised that they would like to do something good and use what they have learned to improve the lives of everyday citizens. Due to the growing attention towards the need for new eco-friendly and innovative ideas and the difficulties that can arise in correctly disposing of waste by citizens, EasyTrash was born. In addition, the support from the PIN initiative further facilitated the realisation of the working prototype.
Management structure and governance
The management board is composed of Giuseppe Carone (Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer) and Gennaro Storelli (Administrative Commercial Technical Consultant). Giuseppe has come up with the project idea and is responsible for programming, machine learning and software development. Gennaro’s main tasks include management of public administration practices, accounting, customer analysis and more.
Principles of work, objectives and activities
The main objective of EasyTrash is to create a more sustainable future by simplifying recycling. Both developers strongly believe that combining technological innovation and environmental protection with the help of AI is the way to achieve that. Correctly separating products can be difficult, thus becoming a daily burden on people. EasyTrash aims at removing that burden, making it simple and easy for everyone.
Additionally, the use of AI leads to an increase in the efficiency and accuracy of the whole separation process. The initiative can lead to an improvement of the overall recycling operation and its different activities.
Target groups
At the start of the idea for a domestic collector, the primary target group for EasyTrash were citizens, especially the elderly and those who have difficulties with waste collection. During the developing process, the target groups have expanded and now included enterprises, educational institutions, public institutions, business operators and tourism operators. Currently, the focus is on placing collectors in busy public areas and further developing the image-recognising software by introducing it to more data.
Innovation
EasyTrash created a waste collector that, using artificial intelligence-based software, autonomously recognises the waste thrown in it to increase the effectiveness of waste separation directly at the source while easing the burden of this task on individuals.
Key partners
Until now, EasyTrash has no business partners except citizens who want to recycle correctly without effort.
Impact and Evaluation
Recycling plays a key role in creating a sustainable future for everyone. As a society, we need to preserve our world and find ways to live an eco-friendly life. A problem arises, however, when it is challenging to sort correctly, thus demotivating people to do so. Making the process incredibly simple with minimal effort required encourages more citizens to separate their waste. Additionally, it can optimise and innovate the overall recycling operations.
Recommendations
Although created in Italy, the domestic collector and its developed software can be adopted in multiple countries and regions. The initiative is not region specific, making it suitable for different locations. All that is needed is a passion for innovative sustainability and a desire to make a change.
Lessons Learned
Never give up on the first attempt, and keep looking for solutions to the problems you encounter daily. The unexpected is part of a company’s work, especially when trying to innovate and create something new.
References
EasyTrash website.
EasyTrash profile in PIN program.
Racconti di Comunità (2022). Easytrash: due giovani pugliesi inventano la nuova raccolta differenziata, 9 May.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.