This project aims to encourage participants to create a smart recycling or waste management solution using electronics, sensors, automation, and intelligent control systems. Whether by creating a waste management prototype for a smart city, automatically sorting recyclable materials using computer vision, or building an autonomous system to manage household waste bins, participants are encouraged to apply their creativity and engineering skills to real-world sustainability applications.

The five selected participants will receive a free kit of components to facilitate the design and construction of their projects. Participants will document their construction process through blog posts and share their final results with the element14 community. Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, technical execution, and creativity in the use of the component kit.

“Technology can play a significant role in helping communities reduce waste and improve recycling processes,” says Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge offers our members the opportunity to explore practical sustainability solutions while applying their engineering skills to challenges that affect everyday life and the environment.”.

The first prize will be a TUF Gaming laptop and a PCIe Thunderbolt 3 expansion enclosure. The second prize will be a MacBook Neo and a PCIe Thunderbolt 3 expansion enclosure, while the third prize will be a PCIe Thunderbolt 3 expansion enclosure. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive a remote-controlled garbage truck and a Thunderbolt 3 mini docking station.

The registration period is open until October 18. Selected participants will have until December 13 to complete their projects and submit their proposals. The winners will be announced in January 2027.