University campuses generate large amounts of waste daily, much of which could be reduced, reused, or recycled more effectively. This challenge explores smart, data-driven solutions to improve waste management efficiency and sustainability on campus.

Universities host thousands of students, staff, and visitors every day, producing significant volumes of paper, plastic, food waste, and electronic waste. Waste bins are often either overflowing or underutilized due to static collection schedules and poor visibility into usage patterns. Recycling contamination further reduces the effectiveness of sustainability efforts. The goal of this challenge is to design innovative solutions that leverage data (e.g., bin fill-level sensors, foot traffic patterns, event schedules, purchasing data, and behavioral insights) to optimize waste collection routes, improve recycling accuracy, and reduce overall waste generation. Participants are invited to propose technical solutions (such as IoT-based smart bins), behavioral interventions (awareness campaigns, incentive systems), organizational improvements, or hybrid approaches that make campus waste management smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible.