SOLUTION: THE CTRL-ER
Collect, Transport, and Reduce Litter while Energizing and Recycling
Taking control and changing the future of trash.
The CTRL-ER system begins its work at designated collection points scattered throughout communities. Once trash enters the system, sensors and artificial do the rest of the work, separating the waste into one of three main sections (highlighted below). The system would be fully self-reliant, creating and utilizing green energy.
The "Dumpster"
All trash starts in this section. Artificial intelligence, situated above the main sections of the system, will pick through and scan each item. Depending on the make-up of the material, the AI will pick up and move the trash to one of three sections (such like that of a claw machine).
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The "Fertilizer"
This section is where all the organic waste (food, lawn, untreated wood and paper) accumulates. The waste will compost, turning into fertilizer. The fertilizer, in turn, will help support the farming communities around the system.
The "Energizer"
​All plastic waste goes into this section. Here, enzymes are utilized to break the plastic down and change it into energy. The energy will then be used to power the whole system.
The "Recycler"
All other trash will be sorted into this section, where it will be compacted. Once full, sensors will tell the vehicle to disconnect from the large system. The vehicle will, using driverless functions, maneuver to a separate location where the repurposed materials can be used.
The "Heart"
The heart of the machine sits on the top. This is where the energy will be received, managed, and used. All codes from the sensors will also be 'read' here.
The above image highlights the dumpster, with arrows pointing to the places of entry.
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The left image highlights the artificial intelligence, with an arrow pointing to the part that grabs the trash.
The below image shows the fertilizing (left, yellow arrow) and the energizing enzyme (right, red arrow) sections. There is a wall in the middle dividing them. The green arrow points to where the fertilizer can be accessed.
The image above highlights the recycling/compacting section. The blue arrow points to the compactor, and the red arrows point to the wheels.
The image on the right is showing the idea of how it disconnects.
The image to the left highlights the heart of the machine.
PRESENT TECHNOLOGIES
Currently, our society is trying its hardest to effectively remove garbage. It is burning the waste, recycling some of it, and composting other bits. Each of these methods come with downfalls such as pollution, lack of efficiency, and poor application.
FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES
The CTRL-ER system requires advanced technology in the realms of environmentally friendliness and no human assistance. Special artificial intelligence will be utilized to sort the trash, enzymes utilized to break the trash down, and driverless functions used to maneuver part of the system.
BREAKTHROUGHS
Most breakthroughs pertain to enzymes, but driverless functions would need to become more advanced for the section of the system to maneuver completely and safely by itself. Enzymes would need to be developed to break down the specific materials and types of items seen throughout all trash.