Coláiste Dún an Rí Students’ to Shine on World Stage with Innovative Waste-Sorting Bin

Five enterprising students from Coláiste Dún an Rí have been selected to represent Ireland at the prestigious SAGE World Cup (Student Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship) in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing their groundbreaking invention: the RUST (Rubbish, Utilization, Sorting Technology) bin.

The students’ journey began in August 2023 when they embarked on the Young Social Innovators (YSI) programme during their Transition Year. YSI empowers young people to channel their talents, insights, passion, and creativity into innovative solutions for real-world social issues. The strong group of students’ from Coláiste Dún an Rí accepted this challenge with enthusiasm, setting their sights on reducing environmental problems caused by incorrect waste disposal.

Their solution, the RUST bin, is an automated waste-sorting bin designed to ensure proper disposal of rubbish, significantly aiding recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact. This inventive idea not only impressed the judges at the YSI National Finals but also earned five of these dedicated students the honour of representing Ireland at the SAGE World Cup.

The SAGE World Cup, a renowned global competition, provides a platform for young social innovators to present their entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges. The event, taking place in Tokyo this August, will see teams from around the world showcasing their projects, exchanging ideas, and gaining invaluable experience.
Paying tribute to the students, Coláiste Dún an Rí principal, Fergal Boyle, said “We are incredibly proud of our students. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off. The RUST bin is a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact on our environment.”
The team from Coláiste Dún an Rí has worked tirelessly throughout the year, driven by their collective goal of tackling social and environmental issues. Their selection for the SAGE World Cup is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the high standard of innovation and social responsibility fostered by the YSI programme.
As they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the students are seeking support to cover the costs of their journey, including flights, accommodation, and food for the five-day event in Tokyo.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to contribute and help these young innovators bring pride to Kingscourt and Ireland on the global stage. For more information on how to support the Coláiste Dún an Rí team with sponsorship, please contact the school: info@colaistedunanri.ie or by phone 042 969 8294 or should you wish to support the enterprise please donate to https://www.way2pay.org/Donations/aid/79924