Ideaz

1. The Real-World Problem

Single-use plastic bottles and cups are a major contributor to waste on college campuses. Even though recycling bins exist, most plastics never get properly recycled. Students and staff often end up buying bottled water or packaged drinks for convenience, leading to tons of unnecessary waste.

2. Gaps in Current Solutions

• Water coolers/fountains exist, but they are often unhygienic, poorly maintained, or inconveniently located.

• Reusable bottles are promoted, but many students forget to carry them or don’t know where to refill them.

• Cafeterias sell bottled drinks, but there are limited eco-friendly alternatives.

There’s no integrated system that makes sustainability both easy and rewarding for students.

3. The Solution: Smart Refill Stations

Install IoT-enabled refill kiosks across campus where students can refill reusable bottles with:

• Cold filtered water

• Flavored water (sugar-free, eco-friendly)

• Affordable beverages in bulk (iced tea, lemonade, etc.)

Each refill station is connected to a mobile app + student ID card system that:

• Tracks the number of plastic bottles avoided

• Rewards students with points (redeemable in the cafeteria, bookstore, or for discounts on campus events)

• Shows real-time refill station locations and status (working/empty)

4. Who Benefits

• Students: Save money, get healthy drink options, earn rewards, and practice sustainability easily.

• Universities/Colleges: Improve their sustainability ratings, reduce waste management costs, and attract eco-conscious students.

• Community: Less plastic pollution around campuses benefits the local environment.

5. Why This Problem Matters (Personal Angle)

As a student, I see plastic waste pile up every day in classrooms, cafeterias, and hostels. Most people want to reduce plastic use but don’t have convenient alternatives. I care about this issue because small changes in student habits can lead to a big cultural shift toward sustainability, and campuses are the perfect place to start that movement.

6. Optional Technical Details

• Hardware: Smart water dispensers with sensors for usage tracking.

• Software: Mobile app + student login for points, rewards, and refill station mapping.

• Revenue Model: Colleges pay installation + maintenance fee, and optional beverage subscription model for flavored drinks.