When waste is not sorted optimally, it ends up in landfills, incinerators or the water. Plaex developed the Garby, a bin that automatically sorts waste by using AI technology. This reduces residual waste by 70% and lowers waste collection costs by 68%. During DGTL, there were two Garby’s on the grounds, to test whether the bins work as they should and how festival-goers respond to them.

CEO Tyrell Pantophlet is happy with the test results: “Each bin was used more than 150 times, and we received extensive engagement and feedback from users. From the users’ interaction, we discovered several areas for improvement. Firstly, we recognized the need to update the signing and stickers for better clarity. Additionally, we identified the necessity of enlarging the lid and making it more user-friendly by incorporating a handle. We found that the current design might not be ideal for a food court setting, especially during peak periods. However, it performed very well in areas with high foot traffic. An interesting observation was the system’s sensitivity to the bass of the music. The lid’s movement in response to the music’s rhythm occasionally triggered the system, making it activate as if an item had been tossed into the bin. This discovery highlighted the need for further refinement in the system’s responsiveness. As a result of this pilot test, we have gained clarity on our target market. Moreover, we have a clear roadmap for upgrading the sorting system of the bin to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction.”