Moda Center Launches Oscar Sort AI Recycling Technology

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center have announced the rollout of Intuitive AI’s Oscar Sort, the AI Recycling Assistant, throughout Moda Center concourses. This technology helps divert waste from landfills by guiding fans to make correct sorting decisions. Oscar’s integration will also level up Moda Center’s Rip City Reuse program - which replaces 500,000 single-use cups annually with reusable cups and is expanding to include all fountain beverage cups ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Using AI, Oscar Sort instantly recognizes compostable, recyclable, and reusable items, guiding fans to dispose of them correctly. For example, if a fan is holding a Rip City Reuse cup and an aluminum can, Oscar will direct them to recycle the can and place the cup in the designated reuse bin. This quick and seamless interaction gamifies recycling, transforming waste disposal into an engaging and meaningful experience. Each Oscar unit operates with the energy efficiency of a small computer and monitor, while setting the CO2 equivalent of 10-20 cars annually.

“We’re thrilled to be rolling out Oscar Sort technology to Moda Center to help enhance the fan experience while streamlining our sustainability efforts,” said Jackie Ventura, Vice President, Facility Operations, Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “Intuitive AI’s unique technology will help us increase our recycling, composting, and reuse efforts throughout the arena while engaging fans in fun, exciting, and educational AI-powered experiences. We hope this will not only improve our own sustainability efforts but also drive behavioral change in our fans to make the same efforts outside of the arena.”

“Usually sustainability-centric solutions are viewed as an expense, but Oscar is flipping the script by helping the top and bottom line,” said Hassan Murad, CEO and Co-Founder of Intuitive AI. “By reducing operational costs, generating new revenue streams, and offering a platform for sustainable sponsorships, Oscar is transforming how arenas operate. We’ve seen venues use Oscar to enhance the fan experience through limited-time orders, tickets, merchandise, and competitions. We’re excited for what’s to come at Moda Center.”

In addition to enhancing fan engagement, Oscar Sort provides Rose Quarter management with critical data to optimize sustainability and operations. As a leader in waste management insights, Intuitive AI offers anonymized, real-time data focused on ‘point of disposal’ trends. This includes information on bin capacity, which reduces the need for staff􀀁 to manually check bins or change partially filled bags—ultimately cutting down on waste from unnecessary trash bags. Oscar also simplifies post-event waste sorting by minimizing cross-contamination, ensuring more items are correctly placed into recycling, composting, or reuse streams.