2025 TiC100 環保小尖兵

(I) Motivation
With the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability in recent years, reducing plastic and recycling has become an indispensable part of life. However, the recycling classification system in Taiwan is not perfect enough, resulting in people's unwillingness to actively cooperate. For example, incorrect resource classification, failure to properly clean containers, etc. make it impossible to effectively reuse resources.
(II) Concept
Therefore, we decided to launch a resource recycling station that can be integrated with the social community, design an interactive recycling station system, with an interactive approach as the main axis, add a reward mechanism, and environmental education promotion pages to increase the public's sense of participation and achievement, thereby increasing the correct recycling rate and realizing a society with sustainable resource reuse.
(III) Purpose
We hope to solve and achieve the following goals by setting up interactive recycling exhibitions through linkage with the community:
1. Increase the recycling participation rate of the public: Provide an interactive and feedback-based operation mode so that residents are more willing to actively participate in recycling activities.
2. Reduce the error rate of recycling classification: Guide residents to recycle resources in the correct way through intelligent identification and educational information promotion.
3. Sustainable recycling stations that can be replicated and promoted: We hope that after successful implementation in community points, they can be easily introduced to other communities to improve recycling efficiency across Taiwan.
4. Improve Taiwan's recycling and reuse rate: By implementing correct education and promotion and increasing participation rates, Taiwan's resource recycling and reuse rate can be maximized.
 

In Nantou County, the lack of waste separation at the household level has placed an additional burden on waste disposal facilities. Staff at the disposal site have to do extra work to sort the unsorted waste, which is not only time-consuming but also reduces the efficiency of the overall waste management system. Nantou's system is less efficient compared to Taipei and other cities, which have more organized garbage sorting systems.

Program objectives:

1. Year 1: 
• Complete at least 1 community survey report
• Identify and obtain consent for more than 1 suitable location
• Complete the installation of 2 smart recycling machines
• Submit a subsidy application or obtain preliminary approval
2. Year 2:
• The number of households participating in recycling reaches more than 150
• The accuracy of recycling classification is increased to more than 80%
• The number of educational promotion materials distributed reaches 300
• More than 3 recycling knowledge promotion activities are held
3. Year 3:
• The total annual recycling volume increases by more than 100% compared to the first year
• The number of resident participation households reaches more than 300
• Complete an achievement report and model replication manual
• Strive for at least one sustainable operating resource or cross-community cooperation invitation

Action method:

1. Project schedule: Estimated (3 years)
Community: Shalu Lufeng Community
Year 1 January-April: Market research, assess the overall community environment and needs
Year 1 May-October:
• Contact with the community, apply for space, coordinate the location of the recycling station
• Community benefit description of the project goals
• Subsidy application
Year 1 November-December: Physical equipment installation
Year 2:
• Community promotion, teach local residents the correct recycling concept
• Educational manuals or flyers (content includes: recycling station location, usage process, accumulated points feedback)
Year 3: Results evaluation, continuous optimization and continuous improvement

2. Solution:
• Everyone is lazy and not wanting to recycle is a common problem. However, if it is combined with an interactive recycling station, for example, accumulating a certain amount of recycling can be exchanged for a merchant's gift certificate, or exchanged for a gift, it will enhance residents' motivation to recycle.
• Teach residents the correct concept of recycling. In addition, the machine is equipped with intelligent identification of recyclables, and there will be a sound reminder if the classification is wrong.
• Add elements such as touch and voice.
• Connect to the cloud system to upload accurate recycling data instantly.
• Educate local residents through educational brochures or information leaflets.

3. Marketing model:
• Social media management: Establish a social platform, regularly publish recycling knowledge and residents' stories, hold online interactive activities, and set up a "Recycling Expert List" to encourage participation.
• Physical promotion activities: community briefings, distribution of lazy bags and flyers to promote the use of recycling machines.
• Word of mouth and online marketing: Cultivate green community leaders, work with local key figures to promote, and build community trust and acceptance.

4. Business and Profit Analysis:
• Revenue from sales of recyclables: After sorting, high-quality recyclables will be sold in cooperation with recyclers to establish a stable sales model and reduce logistics costs.
• Points economy × business district cooperation: Establish a digital points platform and a business district redemption discount system to attract residents and businesses to form a recycling consumption cycle.
• Stabilize the recycling supply chain and data value: Create an efficient recycling logistics system and data platform that can be applied to policy, ESG or research.
• Resource integration and external cooperation: apply for government subsidies, corporate CSR resources and cross-industry cooperation to introduce funds and technology.
• Brand and market expansion: Create replicable models and local sustainable brands, and develop consulting services and sustainable solutions.

Feasibility analysis:

1. Key core technologies
a. Waste detection and identification sensors (smart detection technology)
Technology types:
• Weight sensors, motion sensors (PIR), color sensors and material sensors (such as metal and plastic).
• Computer vision or image recognition using cameras and artificial intelligence to identify waste types (organic, plastic, paper, etc.).
Purpose:
• To detect the type of waste inserted.
• Assess whether waste is being disposed of correctly.

b. Monitor screen and user interface (Display & UI)
Technology type:
• Touch screen or LED display.
• User interface systems based on lightweight operating systems (such as Raspberry Pi OS or Android Things).
Purpose:
• Display instructions, feedback, warnings and user points.
• Provides real-time interaction with users.

c. Automatic Alert System (Feedback and Alert System)
Technology Type:
• AI-based behavior recognition (optional if using cameras).
• Speakers with pre-recorded or dynamic voice responses.
• Text-to-speech module.
Purpose:
• To alert or warn users when waste is improperly disposed of.

d. Rewards and Points System (Rewards and Backend Integration)
Technology Type:
• QR code or NFC scanner for user identification.
• Backend database for tracking and storing user points.
• Points redemption system integrated with rewards or discount platforms.
Purpose:
• To reward users for proper waste separation and disposal.
• Encourage repeat engagement and responsible waste behaviour.

2. Challenge Assessment
a. Technical Challenges
• Machine reliability: paper jams, misreading or failure to recognize certain containers (e.g. wrinkled or dirty items).
• Sensor accuracy: Misidentification of recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
• Capacity limitations: Limited storage space leads to frequent emptying.
• Integration with recycling streams: Compatibility with local waste management systems.
• Power and Maintenance: Requires regular repairs, power supply and technical support.

b. Operational Challenges
• User Behavior: Improper use (e.g., insertion of non-recyclable items), vandalism, or general misuse.
• Placement and accessibility: Look for the best high-traffic yet secure location.
• Logistics: Schedule timely collection times and monitor fill levels.
• System updates: Keep software and databases up to date (eg, adding new container types).

c. User Engagement and Social Challenges
• Awareness and Education: Users may not know how or why to use the machine.
• Attractiveness of the incentive: The incentive may not be attractive enough to drive adoption.
• Inclusiveness: People with disabilities or those who are not familiar with technology may not be able to use the machine.
• Cultural resistance: In areas where recycling habits are not strong, adoption may be slow.
 

3. Simple Financial Analysis
Simple Financial Analysis – Smart Recycling Machine (Based on Ecoco’s estimated price)
a. Initial cost estimate (Capital Expenditure/CapEx) – per machine

b. Monthly operating cost (Operating Expenditure/OpEx) – per machine

c. Monthly potential revenue (per machine)