Sort-X is more than just a smart trash bin — it’s a powerful solution designed to help everyone, from families at home to businesses and communities, become more responsible in managing their waste. Sort-X utilizes a combination of sensors, a camera, and lightweight artificial intelligence to automatically identify different types of waste and separate them into their proper compartments. Whether it's a piece of plastic, a metal can, or a sheet of paper, Sort-X can “see” what it is and efficiently sort it without human intervention. The technology behind Sort-X is a perfect blend of hardware and software. The camera captures an image of each item tossed into the bin. That photo is then processed by a small computing board — in this case, a Raspberry Pi — which runs specialized computer vision algorithms to determine its material. Once Sort-X knows whether it’s paper, metal, or plastic, it signals a small motor to move a plate, directing the waste into the appropriate side of the bin. The result is a convenient, automated way to separate trash directly at the point of disposal. Sort-X aims to empower everyone to become an active participant in protecting the environment. By simplifying the process of recycling and reducing human error, Sort-X helps cut down on contamination in recycling streams and makes it more viable to reuse materials. The mission of Sort-X is to make a future where responsible disposal is effortless, education about waste is universal, and technology plays a key role in conserving resources for future generations.
Sort-X is an open-source, AI-powered smart trash bin designed to help people take waste sorting into their own hands. Our goal isn’t to sell the final product — we want to empower makers, students, and environmentally conscious individuals to build their own Sort-X from scratch using affordable parts and our easy-to-follow guides.
Today, proper waste sorting is more important than ever. Yet most recycling systems are confusing, and contamination in bins leads to tons of recyclable materials being sent to landfills. Sort-X changes that. With the help of machine learning, sensors, and simple automation, Sort-X can detect the type of waste being thrown away and sort it into the correct bin — all without you needing to lift a finger.
This project is perfect for classrooms, home labs, tech enthusiasts, or sustainability projects. Whether you're a DIY beginner or a seasoned builder, you'll find everything you need to build your own working Sort-X device.