At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to enhance our campus’ sustainable operations. We are excited to announce the integration of Intuitive AI’s Oscar Sort into our waste and recycling management system.
Key Benefits of Oscar Sort:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Oscar Sort’s AI technology ensures precise sorting, minimizing human error and increasing the purity of recyclable materials.
- Research & Educational Opportunities: The implementation of Oscar Sort provides unique learning opportunities for our students and researchers.
- User Engagement: The dynamic and interactive gamification of the digital display offers real-time feedback, behavioral nudges, and active engagement to all users.
- Zero Waste Goal: Improving recycling rates increases the economic value of our recycling stream and contributes to the university’s Zero Waste Goal.
Administrator & Hosts
The Oscar Sort program is administered by the Office of Sustainability.
Currently, two campus partners, Wisconsin Union and University Housing, are hosting the stations within their multi-user high-traffic facilities.
The adoption of Oscar Sort will benefit our campus and serve as a model for other institutions looking to enhance their sustainability practices through innovative artificial intelligence technology. Join us in celebrating this exciting development and help us with our ongoing commitment to a zero waste future!
Want an Oscar? Schedule a call!
Do you operate a multi-user high-traffic facility at UW-Madison? Are you interested in hosting Oscar Sort? Schedule a call with our UW Zero Waste Team to learn more.
Apply for Research Project
Are you interested in collaborating on a real-world campus application for smart waste technology? We invite researchers, students, and instructors from UW–Madison to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
What if I don't have an Oscar Sort nearby?
Fear not! The Zero Waste Compass helps UW-Madison students, staff, and faculty navigate disposal, recycling, and reuse actions for items found on campus. Visit the website, type in the item(s) you wish to discard, and poof! You’ll get instructions on proper disposal practices.
How do I get an Oscar Sort station at my facility?
The Oscar Sort stations are not a fit for every facility. The best facility will be have the following characteristics:
- High-traffic
- Multi-user (public, students, staff, faculty, etc.)
- Indoor station set-up
- Access to power outlets and internet
If your facility fits this criteria, check with your facility manger and schedule a call to learn more.
What type of research and teaching projects are best suited to apply?
The best projects will help answer critical requestions related to the optimized use of Oscar Sort for the host facility, the behavioral messaging to users, testing proper incentive-based rewards, and analyzing user engagement. Additionally, researchers are welcome to propose different research questions. For teaching and learning opportunities, the Office of Sustainability will assist in creating teaching modules with instructors.
Sustainability is multidisciplinary. We invite a wide variety of disciplines to apply. Initially, we are seeking individuals with expertise in behavioral science, business, waste management, environmental studies, computer science, or related fields.
What is included in the research projects?
The Office of Sustainability provide the following:
- Back-end access to the Oscar Sort web portal
- Ability to customize messaging and change interactive displays
- Access to the physical bins elements
- Datasets
- Assistance from the Campus Resource Coordinator and Zero Waste Project Assistants
What is not included:
- Additional Funding
Host Locations
Meet Oscar
Oscar Sort is an advanced AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize waste sorting and recycling processes. By leveraging cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, Oscar Sort accurately identifies and help sort various types of waste, ensuring that recyclables are properly separated from non-recyclables. This reduces contamination rates, leading to more effective recycling.