Open Trash Lab: Improving Waste Management through Data Analytics and Public Participation

Nicholas Johnson (New York University)

Waste management continues to be one of the most challenging issues facing cities today. Currently, at 3.3 million tons per day, the global production of waste is already becoming unmanageable, and this rate is expected to grow to 11 million tons per day by 2100. In New York City, residents generate 2.5 million tons of residential waste annually, costing the city nearly half a billion dollars for collection and landfill disposal. Given these trends, effective urban waste management systems are essential, and in order to provide these services in an environmentally sound and financially sustainable way, there is an urgent need for a basic understanding of the amount and composition of the materials produced, as well as the participation of residents in diversion programs such as recycling and organics collection.

Given this context, this presentation will discuss Open Trash Lab – a community-based initiative that empowers citizens to participate in research on trash, thereby raising awareness about waste and helping to mitigate the environmental impacts of waste and trash through improving recycling rates and reducing waste production. Engaging the public to take an active role in understanding waste issues is key to improving our current waste system and Open Trash Lab provides a platform for public discussion and participation by facilitating and furthering waste-related research initiatives, hosting regular workshops and events, and fostering both public and private partnerships. Bringing these activities and information into the public sphere is essential to create a more informed society and improve our current approaches to waste management.