Introducing ReTrash

At the heart of our initiative is the ReTrash app, a digital tool designed to make recycling and reusing not just easy but also engaging. By simply scanning everyday items like shopping bags or coffee cups, users discover the nearest recycling options or get inspired by creative reuse ideas. This app harnesses the power of augmented reality to provide a hands-on, educational experience.

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Our Mission and Motivation:

Our primary goal? To cultivate a culture of sustainability among students and staff. We’re driven by the vision of a greener campus where every piece of trash gets a second life. The ReTrash app educates and engages users, making environmental responsibility a rewarding part of their daily routines.

Who’s It For?

Starting with the University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus, our focus is on fostering a community of eco-conscious individuals. As the project evolves, we aim to expand our reach, adapting our solutions to new campuses and beyond.

Augmented Reality – A Game Changer

The AR features of ReTrash are what set it apart. Users can:

•Scan Trash: Use your phone to scan items and receive instant information on recycling and reuse.

• 360 Image Viewing: Experience the impact of your recycling efforts with a 360-degree view of the cleaner planet you’re helping to create.

• 3D Models: Explore creative reuse ideas through detailed 3D previews of repurposed items. All 3D models used here were created using an innovative Text to 3D model AI tool, making this process both cool and convenient. Check it out at Meshy.ai.

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Special Features to Simplify Your Recycling Efforts:

• Recycle Mode: By clicking “Recycle”, users can view a Google map of the University of Miami with pins indicating the nearest trash can locations, simplifying the search for recycling options.

• Reuse Mode: In reuse mode, a rotating 3D model of the item appears, giving users a visual preview of its potential after modification.

• Tutorial Assistance: A tutorial button directs users to a YouTube video, offering step-by-step guidance on how to use the app’s features effectively.

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Technical Tools Used:

The ReTrash app was developed using Unity 3D and AR Foundation, which facilitated the creation of immersive AR experiences integral to our project.
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Looking Ahead:

Our journey doesn’t stop here. Future plans for ReTrash include integrating more comprehensive AR features, expanding reuse options, and tailoring recycling guidelines by location. We’re on a mission to make sustainability a seamless part of life—join us in making a tangible difference.

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