Problem Statement
The main issue we identified is the alarming number of recyclable items that are thrown away. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 75% of discarded items are recyclable, yet less than half are properly recycled. Valuable materials like plastics and furniture end up in landfills simply because there is no organized platform for donating, trading, or selling them locally. As a result, reusable items contribute to waste, unnecessarily filling up landfills.
Purpose and Solution
This gap not only contributes to growing waste but also prevents communities from helping each other in meaningful ways. We created the GreenSorting app to bridge this gap, making it easier for individuals to connect and share recyclable materials. Instead of throwing items away, users can sort recycled materials for financial rewards, which can help with school expenses and other needs.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
While existing platforms like iRecycle and Recycle Nation primarily guide users to recycling facilities and educate them about proper disposal, GreenSorting emphasizes reuse over recycling. Our app empowers individuals to recycle while also earning money, creating a more impactful approach to waste management.