A challenge invites you to build electronic projects for recycling and waste management, with free components and prizes for winners.
element14, an Avnet community, has launched a smart sustainability design challenge for engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to develop electronic projects that support recycling, reduce waste and protect the environment.
The challenge invites participants to build recycling and waste management solutions using electronics, sensors, automation and intelligent control systems. Projects could include smart-city waste management systems, computer vision-based sorting of recyclable materials or automated household waste bins.
Five selected participants will receive a free kit of components to build their projects. They must document their development process through blog posts and share their completed projects on the element14 Community. Entries will be judged on innovation, technical implementation and how creatively participants use the supplied components.
The first-place winner will receive a TUF Gaming laptop and a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis. The second-place winner will get a MacBook Neo and a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis, while the third-place winner will receive a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis. Every participant who completes the challenge successfully will also receive a remote-controlled garbage truck and a Thunderbolt 3 mini docking station.
“Technology can play a significant role in helping communities reduce waste and improve recycling processes,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge allows our members to explore practical sustainability solutions while applying their engineering skills to challenges that impact everyday life and the environment.”
Applications are open until 18 October 2026. Selected participants must complete their projects and submit their entries by 13 December 2026. The winners will be announced in January 2027.
