“Smart Waste Recycling Social Network” is the name of a project developed by a research team called 3SR, consisting of six students under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương, a lecturer at the University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Originating from the alarming increase in global waste generation and ongoing government efforts to reuse recyclable materials, the research team collaborated to develop technological solutions that help communities classify, process, and recycle waste into useful products. The project aims to successfully connect communities — including teachers, parents, and students — within schools to jointly build a modern urban lifestyle through waste classification, recycling, and reuse. Additionally, schools have the opportunity to access environmental education programs, equipping students with modern life skills through a STEM-based approach and fostering environmental awareness from an early age. It also seeks to connect corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts from businesses and socio-political organizations to cultivate waste classification habits at the source, promote recycling and reuse, and encourage sustainable consumption by allowing teachers, students, and parents to collect and exchange points for consumer products. The platform further strengthens community bonds through sharing and charitable activities, reducing hardship in underprivileged communities while working together to protect the environment.
Structure of the Three Core Pillars of the Project
To date, the Smart Waste Recycling Social Network (SMART RECYCLES – 3SR) has been built on three core pillars:
- SR1: A mobile app/web platform for social networking focused on waste classification and recycling, with a web server to display and store social network activity data.
- SR2: A waste recycling education program integrated into STEM-based curricula across all grade levels, from preschool to high school.
- SR3: A series of experimental products supporting STEM education, including technologies for converting organic waste into nutrient solutions, substrates, biogas, biochar, smart composting bins, and sensor-equipped smart bins capable of color recognition and full-capacity alerts.
Operating Model of the SR1 Smart Waste Recycling Social Network
3SR is active across multiple communication and media channels to help the public better understand the effectiveness of using the Smart Waste Recycling Social Network. Among these, the “3SR-Channel” has garnered the most attention, offering engaging videos that deliver STEM-based educational content.
Reusing leftover paper waste at home can be surprisingly simple and can lead to the creation of aesthetically pleasing and practical products. Moreover, 3SR-Channel continuously updates viewers with the latest information on waste recycling. Currently, 3SR (in the education segment) is a pioneering technology business solution with no existing equivalent in the market.
The team aims to leverage technology software for waste classification through the SR1 application, combined with logistics systems such as GrabFood, GrabExpress, and Bee, to facilitate the efficient collection and processing of large waste volumes. The online business model of 3SR — the Smart Waste Recycling Social Network (education segment) — is already being implemented in schools across Hanoi.
The research team hopes that the project will attract investment and resources from political and social organizations, as well as non-refundable grants, to support sustainable development.
Source: tapchimoitruong.vn