A Deep Learning Approach for Improving Waste Classification Accuracy with ResNet50 Feature Extraction

This research investigates the use of deep learning for automatic waste classification, specifically using ResNet50 for feature extraction and combining it with various classification algorithms. The dataset comprises 1889 images categorized into four classes: plastic, metal, cardboard, and paper. Two approaches were evaluated: direct classification and feature extraction with ResNet50. The direct classification models, including SVM, KNN, and Random Forest, resulted in low performance, with an average accuracy of 60%. However, using ResNet50 for feature extraction significantly improved the classification accuracy across all models, with the combination of ResNet50 and SVM achieving an accuracy of 91%, and precision, recall, and F1-Score exceeding 92%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of ResNet50's feature extraction capability in enhancing the classification of images. The findings suggest that combining feature extraction and classification models provides a more accurate and efficient solution for automatic waste management systems, supporting the recycling process and waste management efficiency.