ILOILO City – A group of fourth-year Information and Communication Technology students of West Visayas State University (WVSU) turned their academic challenge into a solution for a real-world problem. A goal to finish a simple thesis turned into a desire to strengthen waste management.
With their innovative project, “TrashTrade: Gamified Proper Waste Disposal System Using Image Recognition with Raspberry Pi and Mobile Application Integration”, these students are merging technology and sustainability in a way that could reshape urban areas and handle waste.
They presented their work during the Fair on Innovation, Research, and Extension Services (FIRES) at the 4th Floor of the Research and Extension Building of WVSU on Jan. 28, 2025. FIRES is one of the activities during WVSU’s University Days which runs from Jan. 27 to 31, 2025.
The journey of the TrashTrade project began in the midst of a pandemic. Reeman Singh, Narisz Khyll Binalber, Andrea Bea Quirante, Wilmer Suelo, Kyla Joy Trompeta, and their adviser, Prof. John Christopher Mateo, decided to form a group. The motivation behind this project wasn’t just about creating an innovative thesis; it was driven by a pressing need to address the issue of waste management in Iloilo City.
Overcoming challenges through teamwork
“Our first idea was trash-to-wifi, and 10% is just our proposal. Actually, the panelists were not convinced,” said Trompeta.
They evolved the concept into a more culturally relevant system that would allow people to redeem points from their waste to access local resources, like free internet and other community services.
The students emphasized how the university’s support—both academic and in terms of facilities — helped them shape their project into something viable.
Prof. Mateo, their adviser, also shared his pride in the team’s efforts: “Honestly, my role as an adviser was minimal. They were so independent and diligent that I mostly asked them for progress updates. Their ability to plan, execute, and present their proposal was exceptional. They were very hands-on and committed to every step.”
A familiar concept with a local twist
The TrashTrade system aligns with a global trend of using technology to encourage proper waste disposal. According to API4.AI, a technology platform that offers artificial intelligence solutions for visual recognition tasks, AI-powered image recognition has been used to automate waste sorting and monitor fill levels to improve recycling efficiency.
Additionally, Waste360, a leading media and information provider for the waste and recycling industry, has reported on MyMatR Duo, a smart waste receptacle that gamifies trash disposal by giving users instant feedback and reward points for correct sorting. While not entirely new, TrashTrade’s integration of gamification and image recognition adapts these technologies to the specific needs of Iloilo City, offering a potential solution to its waste management problems.
Mateo believes the system is ready for startup development. “I hope they pursue it,” he said.
Once dreamers and now catalysts of environmental change, team leader Singh, Binalber, Quirante, Suelo, and Trompeta look toward the future, as their hard work and dedication may very well pave the way for TrashTrade to be the next big step in transforming how communities manage waste and access resources. (Hannah Joyce Guillen, Kirstie Ann Jo Esquivel, Bernaline Seisa, and Dundee Balatayo – Specialized Beat Reporting class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa, WVSU)/PN
