In response to this situation, a group of students including Nguyễn Việt Hoàng, Hồ Ngọc Khánh Quỳnh, Nguyễn Ngọc Phương Nhi (from the E-commerce Department, University of Economics – University of Da Nang) and Hoàng Lê Anh Tuấn, Châu Chí Hiếu (from the Information Technology Department, University of Science and Technology – University of Da Nang) have collaboratively implemented the DaNa Green project, which involves creating a smart trash bin that automatically segregates waste and integrates AI and IoT technology.
Nguyễn Việt Hoàng, the team leader of the invention, stated that the majority of people still do not have the habit of segregating waste at the source. Although there are numerous trash bins with segregation instructions in public areas, people still dispose of waste incorrectly, leading to inefficiency. From this observation, the group of students developed the idea for a smart waste collection system. This green startup project by the Da Nang University students has contributed to improving the efficiency of waste collection and segregation at the source.
The smart trash bin integrates AI and IoT technology.
Nguyễn Việt Hoàng explained that the DaNa Green project arose from environmental issues that the group had the opportunity to observe in their daily lives at their residence. From the inefficiencies in waste segregation and collection, Viết Hoàng and his team conceptualized a system for waste collection using a smart trash bin, integrating AI and IoT technology to optimize the processes of collection, segregation, and management of waste, and to encourage users to engage through intelligent features.
From the reality of ineffective waste segregation and collection, Viết Hoàng and his peers conceived the idea of a waste collection system using a smart trash bin, integrating AI and IoT technology to optimize the processes of collection, segregation, and waste management, while encouraging users to participate through intuitive features.
Aiming at household waste segregation and environmental protection, the students from the University of Da Nang have invented a type of smart trash bin that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) with a low cost but high efficiency. This project promotes the spirit of green entrepreneurship among these young people. Named DaNa Green, the project was inspired by the environmental pollution situation in Vietnam, particularly in Da Nang, with the motto: “When waste is not just for disposal.” The project won first prize in the NEO-UP 2024 Startup Competition, organized by the Economic Startup Club under the Student Union of the University of Economics – University of Da Nang. The awards were converted from recycled waste, aiming to minimize pollution and promote a circular economy (collection – segregation – recycling).
Accordingly, when users dispose of waste into the bin, the system will use an AI camera to scan and analyze images to determine the type of waste, such as plastic, paper, metal, or non-recyclable waste. This AI model is trained using real data to ensure a classification accuracy of over 95%. If the waste belongs to the recyclable group, the system automatically redirects it to the corresponding compartment, facilitating early segregation and minimizing errors in the processing stage. “To manage and monitor the efficiency of collection, the trash bin is equipped with IoT sensors to monitor the status of the bin in real time. When the bin is almost full, the system will automatically send notifications to the collection center or management unit, optimizing the waste transport process. Data about the status of the trash bin is continuously updated on the management website platform, allowing authorities or businesses to easily track collection performance, from which accurate and timely waste management decisions can be made,” Việt Hoàng shared.
Once the waste is sorted, it will be collected and transferred to professional recycling companies for further processing. According to Hoàng, the DaNa Green project plays an important role in connecting citizens, collection units, and recycling businesses, thereby optimizing the circular economy model. This model not only helps with effective waste processing but also promotes recycling and protects resources and the environment.
All waste collection activities and the quantity of waste processed will be recorded in the data monitoring system. The management authorities can track the amount of waste collected, the recycling rate, and the effectiveness of the implemented model. From this, they can develop suitable and more effective waste management policies, as well as improve the quality of waste collection and recycling services within the community. “Previously, waste management relied heavily on manual methods and traditional collection systems, leading to high costs and low efficiency. However, with the development of AI, IoT, and big data, waste segregation and environmental quality monitoring can be automated in real time and optimize the processing procedures,” the group shared.
“The combination of technology and environmental protection not only helps mitigate the negative impact on nature but also opens up significant opportunities for sustainable economic models. With solutions like the DaNa Green project, I believe that Vietnam can build a green future, where technology not only supports but also shapes the way people live and protect their living environment,” Việt Hoàng shared.
The smart trash bin has a height of 1.2 meters, a length of 60 centimeters, and a width of 50 centimeters. It is divided into two compartments for inorganic and organic waste and operates on electricity.
Dr. Lê Đức Tiến (a lecturer at the E-commerce Department, University of Economics – University of Da Nang), who directly guided the research team, stated: “The project demonstrates the students’ exploration and application of the knowledge they have learned to real-life situations, offering extremely smart and practical solutions.”
“The trash bin integrates AI and IoT technology—technologies that are currently receiving significant attention—which opens up the possibility for the thorough application of automation technology, ensuring convenience for users and effectively protecting the environment. This is the result of the seamless integration of important business and technical knowledge and skills of the students,” Dr. Lê Đức Tiến commented.
Currently, the DaNa Green smart trash bin is still in the development and improvement stage. Việt Hoàng and his collaborators are conducting product trials in businesses and neighborhoods and have not yet started commercial sales. After a period of implementation, the product has received positive feedback and has been well-received by local residents, students, and foreign tourists, who are beginning to actively participate in waste segregation. Many residents have even introduced the product to their friends and neighbors.
Việt Hoàng and his team plan to collaborate with Lạc Nhân Coffee Recycling Company (Bình Hưng Commune, Bình Chánh District, Ho Chi Minh City) to research and develop projects that intelligently collect and recycle coffee grounds into green products that provide value to users and positively impact environmental protection, as well as increase job opportunities for local residents.
Additionally, the group has received support from the Sông Hàn Startup Incubator Center (Thanh Khê Tây Ward, Thanh Khê District, Da Nang City) to help “nurture” and develop the project in practice.
Việt Hoàng hopes that collaborating with environmentally conscious businesses will help spread the spirit of green entrepreneurship and environmental protection among young people across the country.
“I have always believed that significant change can begin with the smallest actions. Starting a business in the environmental sector for the community may not be an easy path, but it is genuinely worthwhile because it creates value and has a lasting impact on the sustainable development of society. By changing perspectives and taking action, we can realize how much we can change the world—even through small actions like throwing waste in a bin, working together to ensure that every corner of the world is clean and livable. Even a trash bin can be seen as lovely.” This is also the philosophy that I and my team have pursued when building the DaNa Green project,” Việt Hoàng expressed.
Recently, the project has collaborated and received extensive support from various partners and businesses, which has motivated future startup initiatives. Collaborating with businesses that have an environmental protection spirit will help spread the spirit of green entrepreneurship and environmental protection among young people.
Source: National Agency for Science and Technology Information and Statistics
