Image processing system for the detection of recyclable solid waste

One of the major challenges facing the world today is solid waste pollution, which has spread across vast areas and threatens ecosystems due to the massive accumulation of waste over time. This accumulation has altered the habitats of numerous marine and terrestrial species. These environmental impacts are largely the result of inadequate recycling practices, as only 10% of households worldwide engage in regular recycling activities. In order to help address this issue, this study presents the development of an image processing system for the automatic detection of recyclable solid waste. The methodology involved the use of aerial image acquisition through a DJI Mavic Mini 2 drone, followed by the application of image processing algorithms capable of identifying recyclable materials such as plastic, glass, and cardboard. The results obtained demonstrate a system efficiency rate of 97.99%, highlighting its precision and accuracy in detecting recyclable materials dispersed across urban areas. It is concluded that the proposed system offers a promising technological tool to support solid waste management and promote recycling practices.