What it does
This device provides a public solution for food waste treatment in tourist areas by turning kitchen waste into organic soil cakes containing seeds, which can be planted directly.
Your inspiration
The idea came from observing the lack of visible and engaging food waste recycling systems in tourist areas, where users often have no clear sense of how waste is processed or reused. Inspired by the concept of on-site ecological circulation and environmental education, this design transforms food waste into visible, tangible “soil cake” souvenirs containing seeds. The transparent processing and the interactive gifting mechanism aim to increase public awareness, encourage sustainable behavior, and make environmental participation accessible and memorable.
How it works
This product operates through a system of dry-wet separation and biochemical treatment. After kitchen waste is fed into the inlet, it is first separated into solid and liquid components. The solid portion undergoes microbial fermentation and is transformed into nutrient-rich organic soil. The liquid portion is stored in an internal tank or through an external pipeline, and after refinement and concentration, can be converted into biodiesel and organic nutrient solution. Seeds are then mixed into the processed soil to form “soil cake” souvenirs, which can be retrieved directly from the output port. Users operate the device and monitor progress via a touchscreen interface, while a transparent viewing window ensures that the treatment process remains visible, hygienic, and engaging.
Design process
The design process began with an investigation into the current state of food waste recycling in tourist attractions, where we identified a widespread lack of visibility and user engagement. Kitchen waste is seen as “misplaced gold” — a resource yet to be fully tapped. Guided by the concept of “turning waste into life,” we explored ways to combine environmental value with commemorative meaning. In the early stages, we built a prototype of the internal processing structure, studying mechanical stirring methods and microbial fermentation to determine an effective treatment pathway. After evaluating both modular and integrated structures, we opted for an all-in-one design that allows for easier deployment and maintenance. The product features clearly defined functional zones, uses durable and recyclable materials, and adopts a clean, minimalist aesthetic that integrates well into scenic public environments. Following prototype testing, we optimized the touchscreen responsiveness and the clarity of the visual observation window to ensure intuitive operation and hygienic reliability. Throughout the process, the design was driven by three core principles: sustainability, intuitive interaction, and ecological storytelling.
How it is different
Unlike conventional waste bins or composters, BioCyc provides a visible, tangible, and interactive food waste recycling experience. Its key distinction lies in the transformation of waste into a meaningful souvenir—seed-infused soil cakes—that connects sustainability with personal memory. The transparent display window allows users to witness the processing in real time, building trust and engagement. The all-in-one structure ensures easy deployment in public spaces, especially in high-traffic tourist environments. By combining environmental education, sensory interaction, and practical output, BioCyc turns an ordinary act of waste disposal into a participatory, value-added experience.
Future plans
In the future, we plan to expand BioCyc’s application scenarios to schools, community parks, and eco-themed events. We aim to integrate data tracking modules to show cumulative waste reduction and environmental impact. Educational extensions like AR interaction or app-based progress logs are also under exploration. Ultimately, we hope BioCyc can become a symbolic public tool for environmental awareness and behavioral change.
Awards
发明专利《仿生结构驱动的微生物与光催化协同厨余垃圾处理装置》 实用新型专利《一种多齿防缠绕的变频双轴厨余垃圾破碎系统》 实用新型专利《仿生变径螺旋与柔性刮壁组件协同的高效搅拌系统》 软件著作《空气净化器环境信息采集与展示系统 V1.0》 2025 年中国国际大学生创新大赛校赛金奖，进入省赛阶段 2025 年教育部“中美青年创客大赛”省赛入围作品
Share this page on