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For the sustainability capstone, my team was tasked with devising a plan to install recycling in 5 key marta stations ahead of the world cup.
For the sustainability capstone, my team was tasked with devising a plan to install recycling in 5 key marta stations ahead of the world cup.
overview
overview
Let’s start simple. What is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority?
MARTA is Atlanta’s primary public transit system, serving hundreds of thousands of riders each day. It is a cornerstone of daily life in the city and plays a critical role in how people move through Atlanta.
Despite its scale, MARTA currently does not offer recycling infrastructure in its stations.
With the World Cup approaching this June, this gap becomes more significant. Large-scale events generate substantial amounts of recyclable waste, especially from bottles and cans. Without proper systems in place, much of that material is sent directly to landfills.
The Problem
The Problem
MARTA stations lack accessible recycling options.
This means that even when riders want to recycle, they are not given the opportunity to do so. The issue is not awareness, but infrastructure. Without convenient systems, sustainable behavior becomes unlikely.
The task
The task
Our team was tasked with developing a plan to implement recycling at five key MARTA stations ahead of the World Cup:
Vine City
Peachtree Center
Five Points
SEC District
Garnett
To do this, we:
Researched waste systems in other major transit networks
Conducted waste audits at each station
Analyzed local recycling infrastructure and vendors
Designed clear, accessible signage
Developed a strategic implementation plan
waste audit
waste audit
To understand the scale of the problem, we conducted waste audits at each station.
We identified high-traffic waste receptacles, collected their contents, and sorted all materials into two categories: recyclable and landfill. After weighing each category, we calculated a diversion rate to determine how much waste could realistically be recycled.
Key findings
Key findings
Our results showed that 35% of all collected waste was recyclable, indicating a strong need for recycling infrastructure.
Diversion rates by station:
Vine City: 60%
Peachtree Center: 41%
Five Points: 40%
SEC District: 32%
Garnett: 22%
In addition to these metrics, we analyzed foot traffic patterns and existing bin locations to determine optimal placement for recycling stations.
signage design
signage design
We developed two forms of signage:
Wall posters
Floor stickers
Both were designed to be simple, visual, and easy to understand for a diverse, multilingual audience. The goal was to reduce confusion and make proper disposal intuitive.
key insights
key insights
This project reinforced a central idea for me:
Sustainability is not just about intention, it is about design.
Even in a system used by hundreds of thousands of people, sustainable behavior will not occur without the proper infrastructure in place. When systems are clear, accessible, and intuitive, participation follows.
personal reflecton
personal reflecton
This project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to apply the skills I’ve developed through my MIS coursework to a real-world sustainability challenge.
Working with data, analyzing systems, and developing strategic recommendations felt directly aligned with my academic background, but with a tangible environmental impact. It showed me how technical and analytical skills can be used to design more sustainable systems at scale.
It also reinforced something I’ve seen across many of my experiences: meaningful change often happens at the intersection of systems and people. Infrastructure must be built thoughtfully, but it must also be designed with human behavior in mind.
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