OpenZen Life

Use a photo as a starting point for waste sorting: category suggestions, clear colours and a choice of supported local rule variants.

Where does this item belong? OpenZen Life helps you find a starting point for waste sorting in Germany. Photograph a single item to receive an AI-assisted category suggestion and disposal guidance.

PHOTOGRAPH AND IDENTIFY Take a clear picture of the item. After your consent, the photo is sent to OpenZen's own service for analysis. The result shows a waste category and a colour-coded disposal route. If recognition is uncertain, another photo or your own check may be needed.

CHOOSE A LOCAL CONTEXT Manually select one of the included municipalities or rule variants. Optional location access can help select a place. The app combines general guidance for Germany with selected local variants, particularly in NRW. It does not fully cover every municipality or special case.

CLEAR RESULTS Depending on the recognized material and rule context, guidance may cover packaging, paper, organic or residual waste, glass, deposit returns or special collection points. The instructions of your local waste service remain authoritative.

TRANSPARENT PROCESSING AI analysis requires an internet connection. Recognition runs on OpenZen's infrastructure, not offline on your phone. The selected photo and local rule context are sent over an encrypted connection. You do not need a personal AI API key. Location permission is optional and manual selection remains available.

The app interface is in German. No user account and no ads.

AI can mistake one item or material for another. OpenZen Life does not guarantee correct identification of every item and does not replace advice from your local waste service. Check uncertain or hazardous waste separately and follow local instructions.