A method to identify and manage recyclable materials. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying, using a mobile device, a recyclable material based on a detected oscillation frequency of an oscillator associated with the recyclable material; (ii) communicating, using the mobile device, information about the recyclable material to a controller, the information comprising an identification of the recyclable material and a location of the recyclable material; and (iii) creating, by the controller, scheduling instructions for the identified recyclable material.