Hamilton Students’ AmIRecyclable App Featured by Local TV and Newspaper

Source: Local TV and newspaper coverage in Utica, N.Y.

Three Hamilton College computer science students, advised by Visiting Assistant Professor of Computer Science Wenbo Wang, have developed a new app that tackles the problem of wishcycling — tossing items into the recycling bin in the hope they are recyclable, when they often are not.

The app helps community members decide whether common household items should be recycled, composted, or thrown in the trash. By giving instant, item-specific guidance, the students aim to reduce contamination in local recycling streams and make it easier for residents to do the right thing.

The project recently drew attention off campus. Utica’s NewsChannel 2 featured Wang and the student team in a televised segment highlighting how the tool works and why wishcycling is such a challenge for municipalities. A local newspaper also profiled the project, underscoring its potential impact on Central New York’s waste management efforts and public awareness.