From overflowing landfills to food waste and e-waste, the world is facing a growing trash crisis. In this theme, students explore the complex challenge of modern waste management and how smart technologies—like AI, robotics, and sensors—can drive sustainable solutions. They’ll investigate different waste streams, such as household, packaging, food, and electronic waste, and design systems to sort, monitor, and manage them more efficiently. By building intelligent waste-handling prototypes, students learn how technology can reduce pollution and support a circular economy.