Reconnecting with nature
TrashCloud
TrashCloud: AI-Powered Platform for Sustainable Resource Sharing
One person's trash is someone else's treasure! TrashCloud combines artificial intelligence and vision technology with the power of community, transforming local waste collection points into hubs of redistribution and creativity. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also fosters new opportunities, championing the spirit of a circular economy for the benefit of both people and the planet.
Poland
National
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Prototype level
No
No
As an individual
Upcycling is growing in popularity, showing how we can live more consciously by reducing consumerism, waste and promoting creative solutions. Many people find valuable items at neighborhood waste collection points—from furniture to appliances that get a second life. I myself have saved numerous items that were just waiting for disposal. These experiences inspired the creation of TrashCloud—a concept that combines cameras integrated with AI-powered analysis and a mobile application to support and promote the sustainable redistribution of items found in public spaces. Cameras installed at local bulky waste collection points identify and analyze unwanted objects and materials, while the app helps users locate the items they need.
Specific Objectives:
- Automate Waste Identification: Install cameras at collection points to periodically capture images, which are then sent for AI analysis to classify items and share the information with users.
- Improve Access to Available Items: The app lets users search by location, category, and preferences. Users can also upload photos, increasing resource availability.
- Boost Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement: Encourage item exchange and eco-friendly behavior via app features supporting circular economy practices.
Target Groups:
- City and neighborhood residents looking for useful items at no cost.
- Local authorities and municipal enterprises aim to reduce waste and processing costs.
- Environmental organizations and local communities advocate for upcycling and sustainability.
The project is in the concept development and prototyping phase. So far:
- An initial version of the system with AI-powered image analysis has been developed.
- Functional tests have been carried out in real-world-like conditions.
- A prototype of a mobile app with basic features has been created, enabling browsing and item addition.
Specific Objectives:
- Automate Waste Identification: Install cameras at collection points to periodically capture images, which are then sent for AI analysis to classify items and share the information with users.
- Improve Access to Available Items: The app lets users search by location, category, and preferences. Users can also upload photos, increasing resource availability.
- Boost Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement: Encourage item exchange and eco-friendly behavior via app features supporting circular economy practices.
Target Groups:
- City and neighborhood residents looking for useful items at no cost.
- Local authorities and municipal enterprises aim to reduce waste and processing costs.
- Environmental organizations and local communities advocate for upcycling and sustainability.
The project is in the concept development and prototyping phase. So far:
- An initial version of the system with AI-powered image analysis has been developed.
- Functional tests have been carried out in real-world-like conditions.
- A prototype of a mobile app with basic features has been created, enabling browsing and item addition.
Sustainability
Community Sharing
Upcycling
Waste Reduction
Resource Optimization
TrashCloud is a grassroots initiative that addresses one of the core issues of the 21st century—overconsumption. Its main goal is to introduce a solution that actively supports the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of items found in public spaces. The platform facilitates access to information about objects discarded by their owners that are still awaiting municipal collection and would otherwise end up in landfills.
The app uses cameras installed at waste collection points in residential areas to capture images of items. Artificial intelligence analyzes the images, identifies and classifies the items to facilitate their redistribution. Additionally, users who find unwanted items on the street can take photos using the app. The technology will help identify the item's category, its location, and enable further redistribution within the community.
TrashCloud sets an example of how technology and community engagement can work together to reduce waste and extend the life cycle of everyday items. By leveraging AI and real-time data, the project provides a scalable and highly efficient system for waste reduction, making it easier for individuals and communities to actively participate in the circular economy.
What makes TrashCloud exemplary is its proactive approach to waste prevention rather than just waste management. Instead of relying solely on traditional recycling and disposal systems, the platform enables early-stage intervention, ensuring that usable items are recovered before becoming waste. This minimizes landfill usage and reduces demand for new products, lowering resource consumption and carbon emissions.
Moreover, the project fosters a culture of shared responsibility, encouraging citizens to view discarded objects as resources rather than waste. By increasing awareness and accessibility, TrashCloud empowers communities to take direct action, setting a replicable and scalable model for urban sustainability efforts.
The app uses cameras installed at waste collection points in residential areas to capture images of items. Artificial intelligence analyzes the images, identifies and classifies the items to facilitate their redistribution. Additionally, users who find unwanted items on the street can take photos using the app. The technology will help identify the item's category, its location, and enable further redistribution within the community.
TrashCloud sets an example of how technology and community engagement can work together to reduce waste and extend the life cycle of everyday items. By leveraging AI and real-time data, the project provides a scalable and highly efficient system for waste reduction, making it easier for individuals and communities to actively participate in the circular economy.
What makes TrashCloud exemplary is its proactive approach to waste prevention rather than just waste management. Instead of relying solely on traditional recycling and disposal systems, the platform enables early-stage intervention, ensuring that usable items are recovered before becoming waste. This minimizes landfill usage and reduces demand for new products, lowering resource consumption and carbon emissions.
Moreover, the project fosters a culture of shared responsibility, encouraging citizens to view discarded objects as resources rather than waste. By increasing awareness and accessibility, TrashCloud empowers communities to take direct action, setting a replicable and scalable model for urban sustainability efforts.
The goal of TrashCloud is to create a platform that seamlessly combines aesthetics with functionality, providing users with an intuitive and engaging experience. The project not only facilitates the exchange of items but also fosters a new culture of conscious consumption, redefining people’s relationship with objects and waste.
One of the key aspects is visual and interactive design, which makes using the platform enjoyable. The simplicity of the interface and aesthetic solutions enhance user motivation to engage with the system regularly, encouraging active participation in the circular economy.
TrashCloud contributes to a cultural shift, inspiring users to perceive waste as a resource. It promotes the value of experience over monetary value, where acquiring an item involves active participation and interaction rather than a simple financial transaction. The platform highlights the uniqueness of objects—users can discover items with distinctive designs, often representing past aesthetics, allowing for their preservation and reuse.
Another essential element of TrashCloud is emotional and social engagement. The process of discovering items becomes an inspiring journey, with each found object carrying its own story. The platform aligns with global practices of repurposing materials—while in many cultures, waste is transformed into creative resources, in European countries, discarded items often still hold significant value. TrashCloud raises awareness of this contrast, embedding ecological consciousness into both local and cultural contexts.
TrashCloud stands out among other initiatives due to its harmonious integration of design, user experience, and cultural values. This example demonstrates that technology can not only facilitate sustainable actions but also inspire deeper social change. The platform does not impose change on users; instead, it naturally engages them in the process through an attractive and positive experience.
One of the key aspects is visual and interactive design, which makes using the platform enjoyable. The simplicity of the interface and aesthetic solutions enhance user motivation to engage with the system regularly, encouraging active participation in the circular economy.
TrashCloud contributes to a cultural shift, inspiring users to perceive waste as a resource. It promotes the value of experience over monetary value, where acquiring an item involves active participation and interaction rather than a simple financial transaction. The platform highlights the uniqueness of objects—users can discover items with distinctive designs, often representing past aesthetics, allowing for their preservation and reuse.
Another essential element of TrashCloud is emotional and social engagement. The process of discovering items becomes an inspiring journey, with each found object carrying its own story. The platform aligns with global practices of repurposing materials—while in many cultures, waste is transformed into creative resources, in European countries, discarded items often still hold significant value. TrashCloud raises awareness of this contrast, embedding ecological consciousness into both local and cultural contexts.
TrashCloud stands out among other initiatives due to its harmonious integration of design, user experience, and cultural values. This example demonstrates that technology can not only facilitate sustainable actions but also inspire deeper social change. The platform does not impose change on users; instead, it naturally engages them in the process through an attractive and positive experience.
TrashCloud is a project based on the principles of inclusion and accessibility, aiming to democratize access to resourcesthrough technology and a sharing model. The creation of a free, open-access platform enables the donation and exchange of items among a wide group of people, regardless of their economic status. This initiative provides an alternative way to access goods, allowing people to acquire items without the need for purchasing them.
Moreover, the project simplifies and enhances existing social mechanisms—even if someone is unfamiliar with the initiative, it is natural for them to leave an unwanted item in a designated bulk waste area, effectively introducing it into circulation. Users can support others by passing on items they no longer need, reinforcing a culture of resourcefulness and sustainability.
TrashCloud is an inclusive platform that promotes collaboration and solidarity, ensuring access to resources for individuals from diverse social backgrounds. By fostering community engagement based on pro-ecological values, the project demonstrates how inclusive design can support a more equitable and sustainable consumption model.
Moreover, the project simplifies and enhances existing social mechanisms—even if someone is unfamiliar with the initiative, it is natural for them to leave an unwanted item in a designated bulk waste area, effectively introducing it into circulation. Users can support others by passing on items they no longer need, reinforcing a culture of resourcefulness and sustainability.
TrashCloud is an inclusive platform that promotes collaboration and solidarity, ensuring access to resources for individuals from diverse social backgrounds. By fostering community engagement based on pro-ecological values, the project demonstrates how inclusive design can support a more equitable and sustainable consumption model.
The engagement of citizens and civil society in the TrashCloud project is a key element of its implementation, development, and operation. The project adopts a multi-level approach to collaboration and building social awareness, which directly impacts its success. The project will involve residents by encouraging their direct participation through:
Collaboration in project implementation:
Local residents will be involved in organizing the infrastructure, such as adapting bulky waste collection points within their housing estates. Their participation at this stage will ensure that the project is better tailored to the actual needs of the community. Furthermore, this will introduce an element of local care for the project and its operation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for its success.
Using the project:
Citizens will become direct users of the TrashCloud system by sharing unwanted items and finding those they may need. This will make them active participants in a circular economy model.
Suggesting new locations:
System users will have the opportunity to propose additional locations for project implementation, allowing TrashCloud to grow organically and meet the needs of more communities.
The project fosters a community engaged in sustainable resource management and promotes awareness of responsible consumption and waste reduction. These actions are essential to increasing the chances of the project's success, both locally and on a broader scale.
Collaboration in project implementation:
Local residents will be involved in organizing the infrastructure, such as adapting bulky waste collection points within their housing estates. Their participation at this stage will ensure that the project is better tailored to the actual needs of the community. Furthermore, this will introduce an element of local care for the project and its operation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for its success.
Using the project:
Citizens will become direct users of the TrashCloud system by sharing unwanted items and finding those they may need. This will make them active participants in a circular economy model.
Suggesting new locations:
System users will have the opportunity to propose additional locations for project implementation, allowing TrashCloud to grow organically and meet the needs of more communities.
The project fosters a community engaged in sustainable resource management and promotes awareness of responsible consumption and waste reduction. These actions are essential to increasing the chances of the project's success, both locally and on a broader scale.
TrashCloud engages stakeholders at multiple levels to ensure comprehensive support and input, providing valuable insights and increasing the project's impact.
Local Level: Residents and community organizations are and will be involved in the implementation and use of the project. Their feedback and participation provide practical insights and ensure that the project meets local needs and builds community engagement. Collaboration with neighborhood councils is essential for detailed implementation within a given community.
Regional Level: We are working to ensure that local authorities, such as the Municipal Cleaning Company, and waste management companies provide logistical support and help integrate the project with existing waste management systems. Their involvement will enable work with public spaces and provide data and analyses to adapt the project to regional challenges.
National Level: The project is already supported by the Polish Alumni Association, which brings together over 700 specialists—alumni of various programs sponsored by the U.S. government. Additionally, the action plan includes establishing relationships with environmental organizations in the country to provide both substantive and practical support for the project's environmental goals and operations. At the national and European levels, it will be important for the project to comply with legal and regulatory standards.
European/International Level: The project draws on reports and conferences at the national and international levels related to waste management to align with broader environmental goals. At this level, the project seeks funding, as well as support in the form of publicity and recognition, which will strengthen the idea and help in its realization.
Local Level: Residents and community organizations are and will be involved in the implementation and use of the project. Their feedback and participation provide practical insights and ensure that the project meets local needs and builds community engagement. Collaboration with neighborhood councils is essential for detailed implementation within a given community.
Regional Level: We are working to ensure that local authorities, such as the Municipal Cleaning Company, and waste management companies provide logistical support and help integrate the project with existing waste management systems. Their involvement will enable work with public spaces and provide data and analyses to adapt the project to regional challenges.
National Level: The project is already supported by the Polish Alumni Association, which brings together over 700 specialists—alumni of various programs sponsored by the U.S. government. Additionally, the action plan includes establishing relationships with environmental organizations in the country to provide both substantive and practical support for the project's environmental goals and operations. At the national and European levels, it will be important for the project to comply with legal and regulatory standards.
European/International Level: The project draws on reports and conferences at the national and international levels related to waste management to align with broader environmental goals. At this level, the project seeks funding, as well as support in the form of publicity and recognition, which will strengthen the idea and help in its realization.
TrashCloud is the result of integrating several areas of knowledge that complement each other, creating an innovative solution. Key fields include art (especially site-specific and arte utile) and several years of dumpster research, which for Kamil became the impulse to create the idea, initially as an artistic installation. The project then shifted its focus to creating functional interventions that could impact urban space and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Knowledge in the fields of computer science, data analysis, and new technologies, combined with an interdisciplinary approach, allowed for the application of tools based on artificial intelligence. This enabled the creation of a functional prototype and conducting research regarding public resource allocation.
At the same time, the project was enriched with ecological knowledge, drawn from various sources such as conferences and reports from UNEP and GUS. Additionally, the project incorporated insights and suggestions from people who were genuinely interested in its subject matter and development, leading to refined prototyping and the formation of a team that complemented key competencies.
Natalia is a specialist in contemporary design and UX/UI. She focuses on user experience, ensuring that the project will not only be functional but also intuitive and aesthetically refined. She combines expertise in product design and visual communication, with an approach based on solid research foundations and an understanding of user needs. With her interdisciplinary experience, she creates solutions that address modern challenges.
Julia will graduate in May 2025 from Fordham University in New York. She specializes in economics and French studies (spent a year at SciencesPo in Reims) with a focus on Urban Planning. She works with the team to ensure that the project maximizes the utility of the sharing economy while promoting sustainable development, degrowth, and public amenities in contemporary cities.
At the same time, the project was enriched with ecological knowledge, drawn from various sources such as conferences and reports from UNEP and GUS. Additionally, the project incorporated insights and suggestions from people who were genuinely interested in its subject matter and development, leading to refined prototyping and the formation of a team that complemented key competencies.
Natalia is a specialist in contemporary design and UX/UI. She focuses on user experience, ensuring that the project will not only be functional but also intuitive and aesthetically refined. She combines expertise in product design and visual communication, with an approach based on solid research foundations and an understanding of user needs. With her interdisciplinary experience, she creates solutions that address modern challenges.
Julia will graduate in May 2025 from Fordham University in New York. She specializes in economics and French studies (spent a year at SciencesPo in Reims) with a focus on Urban Planning. She works with the team to ensure that the project maximizes the utility of the sharing economy while promoting sustainable development, degrowth, and public amenities in contemporary cities.
The innovation of the TrashCloud project lies in combining artificial intelligence with the waste redistribution process, setting it apart from existing solutions. Unlike traditional classified platforms or “free giveaway” groups on social media, which rely on users manually identifying items, TrashCloud automatically identifies unwanted items at their local bulky waste collection points. This means that the act of discarding an item is equivalent to making it available to others.
Additionally, unlike charitable organizations that rely on manual processing of donations, TrashCloud provides direct redistribution to end users, eliminating intermediaries. This makes the process faster, more efficient, and easier to use.
Compared to companies in the waste management sector, which focus primarily on sorting and recycling, TrashCloud integrates waste management with the direct reuse of items by users. Companies in this sector emphasize waste collection and processing but do not offer direct redistribution of items. TrashCloud fills the time gap between disposal and collection for recycling, offering items a second life instead.
Additionally, unlike charitable organizations that rely on manual processing of donations, TrashCloud provides direct redistribution to end users, eliminating intermediaries. This makes the process faster, more efficient, and easier to use.
Compared to companies in the waste management sector, which focus primarily on sorting and recycling, TrashCloud integrates waste management with the direct reuse of items by users. Companies in this sector emphasize waste collection and processing but do not offer direct redistribution of items. TrashCloud fills the time gap between disposal and collection for recycling, offering items a second life instead.
Research and Context Analysis
TrashCloud analyzes social behaviors related to waste management. The project began with field research, including observations of urban spaces and resource-sharing locations and methods. Data analysis on overproduction and waste management helped identify potential intervention points. Consultations with potential users helped to initially tailor the solution.
Technology Implementation and Prototyping
TrashCloud utilizes AI-based visual technologies for automatic item classification. Iterative prototyping confirmed the technology's functionality, achieving over 90% recognition accuracy. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easily accessible, simplifying user interaction. Integration with mobile technology allows real-time user feedback, supporting continuous system development. The implementation builds upon existing technological solutions, optimizing costs. The dynamic development of AI opens new optimization possibilities, enhancing waste analysis and classification efficiency.
Participatory Model and Community Engagement
A key element of the project is building a community around the concept of a circular economy. TrashCloud not only facilitates the redistribution of items but also engages users in shaping a more sustainable lifestyle. The open platform and feedback system allow users to actively participate in the project's development, ensuring flexibility and adaptation to changing needs.
TrashCloud operates in an interdisciplinary manner, combining modern technologies with a participatory approach, creating an innovative solution to the problem of overproduction and waste management. As such, the project is not only a technological tool but also a social initiative supporting positive changes in urban ecosystems.
TrashCloud analyzes social behaviors related to waste management. The project began with field research, including observations of urban spaces and resource-sharing locations and methods. Data analysis on overproduction and waste management helped identify potential intervention points. Consultations with potential users helped to initially tailor the solution.
Technology Implementation and Prototyping
TrashCloud utilizes AI-based visual technologies for automatic item classification. Iterative prototyping confirmed the technology's functionality, achieving over 90% recognition accuracy. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easily accessible, simplifying user interaction. Integration with mobile technology allows real-time user feedback, supporting continuous system development. The implementation builds upon existing technological solutions, optimizing costs. The dynamic development of AI opens new optimization possibilities, enhancing waste analysis and classification efficiency.
Participatory Model and Community Engagement
A key element of the project is building a community around the concept of a circular economy. TrashCloud not only facilitates the redistribution of items but also engages users in shaping a more sustainable lifestyle. The open platform and feedback system allow users to actively participate in the project's development, ensuring flexibility and adaptation to changing needs.
TrashCloud operates in an interdisciplinary manner, combining modern technologies with a participatory approach, creating an innovative solution to the problem of overproduction and waste management. As such, the project is not only a technological tool but also a social initiative supporting positive changes in urban ecosystems.
Universality and Flexibility of Implementation:
TrashCloud is a project that, through its technology and simple user model, can be successfully implemented in various cities and countries. The concept can also be integrated with existing vision systems, making its implementation even easier. Additionally, in some European cities, there are already places recognized socially as hubs for sharing items. These areas are ideal for installing the solution, thus supporting local initiatives related to the circular economy and promoting the reuse of resources.
Expansion of Beneficiary Groups:
The project can be scaled to include new user groups, such as businesses seeking ways to reduce waste disposal costs. For instance, companies could use the system to redistribute unwanted items or materials that could find new owners among other organizations or individuals.
TrashCloud is a project that, through its technology and simple user model, can be successfully implemented in various cities and countries. The concept can also be integrated with existing vision systems, making its implementation even easier. Additionally, in some European cities, there are already places recognized socially as hubs for sharing items. These areas are ideal for installing the solution, thus supporting local initiatives related to the circular economy and promoting the reuse of resources.
Expansion of Beneficiary Groups:
The project can be scaled to include new user groups, such as businesses seeking ways to reduce waste disposal costs. For instance, companies could use the system to redistribute unwanted items or materials that could find new owners among other organizations or individuals.
TrashCloud addresses critical global challenges related to waste management, overconsumption, and resource depletion by providing a scalable local solution. According to the UN Global Waste Management Outlook 2024, global waste production is expected to increase from 2.12 billion tons in 2020 to 3.79 billion tons by 2050, placing immense strain on landfills, ecosystems, and municipal infrastructure. This trend accelerates carbon emissions, pollution, and the unsustainable extraction of natural resources.
One of the key issues is that a significant share of discarded items—furniture, materials, designer products, and more—are still in usable condition, yet they often end up in landfills or are prematurely processed into raw materials. This results in unnecessary resource depletion, excessive energy consumption, and increased environmental pollution, all while fuelling consumerism.
TrashCloud provides a smart city solution that optimizes waste reduction and redistribution, enabling cities and communities to extend the lifecycle of products, reduce landfill dependency, and promote responsible consumption. By leveraging AI-driven automation and local engagement, the platform empowers individuals and businesses to actively participate in the circular economy.
One of the key issues is that a significant share of discarded items—furniture, materials, designer products, and more—are still in usable condition, yet they often end up in landfills or are prematurely processed into raw materials. This results in unnecessary resource depletion, excessive energy consumption, and increased environmental pollution, all while fuelling consumerism.
TrashCloud provides a smart city solution that optimizes waste reduction and redistribution, enabling cities and communities to extend the lifecycle of products, reduce landfill dependency, and promote responsible consumption. By leveraging AI-driven automation and local engagement, the platform empowers individuals and businesses to actively participate in the circular economy.
{Empty}
