This Project submitted to Philly Codefest 2025

Project: GeenSort AI Bin

Project Type: Advanced

Location: E11

Imagine a world where recycling is effortless—no second-guessing, no contamination. GreenSort AI Bin is an AI-powered smart bin that instantly recognizes waste and decides if it’s recyclable. If it is, the bin opens; if not, it stays shut. With real-time waste detection, we turn recycling into a seamless habit, reducing landfill waste and making sustainability smarter. Recycle right, every time—with GreenSort AI Bin.

GreenSort AI Bin is an AI-powered smart trash bin that helps users recycle correctly by detecting waste and determining whether it is recyclable. When a user places an item near the bin and presses a button, a camera captures an image and sends it to a pre-trained YOLOv8 waste classification model to classify waste via cloud-based inference. If the item is recyclable, the bin opens; if not, it stays shut, preventing contamination.

Python Arduino (button, step motor, LED display) OpenCV Roboflow API (YOLO-based waste detection) Serial Communication

Darya Dorash (ddorash@haverford.edu)
Saniya Mukhambetkaliyeva (privatesaniya@gmail.com)

Selected Prizes


  • The Social Impact Innovation Award recognizes the team that has developed a project with the potential to create significant positive change in society. This award celebrates innovative solutions that address pressing social issues, improve quality of life, and promote sustainability.