Design And Fabrication of Reverse Vending Machine “VENDOBIN” With Plastic Shredder for Sustainable Waste Management: Promoting Recycling and Waste Reduction

AUTHOR(S)

YRRAL JOHN P. MAGNO SHAINA COLLEEN A. BULAAY RICHELLE G. ESPEJO JOHN ALLEN M. PAGDILAO RICHARD A. RIVERA JR. FELIMON C. TANGONAN JR. REMALYN M. GANIRON JOANNA MARIZ B. BAGAOISAN ROLLY C. RAMOS ASHIER DAVE CALULOT

ABSTRACT

— The project presents the development of VENDOBIN, a reverse vending machine (RVM) equipped with a shredding mechanism for the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. This system employs infrared sensors, a load cell, an LCD display, and an Arduino MEGA microcontroller to detect, weigh, and shred plastic bottles, aiming to address the critical issue of plastic waste in Ilocos Norte. The research objectives included the design and fabrication of the RVM with an integrated shredder, evaluation of its functionality, and optimization of recycling efficiency. The methodology combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative experiments focused on testing the machine’s shredding capabilities, load capacity, and operational efficiency. Qualitative surveys assessed the attitudes of students towards single-use plastics, their recycling behaviors, and environmental awareness. The development process involved Arduino code creation, precise hardware assembly, and rigorous pretesting and revisions to ensure seamless operation. Results demonstrated VENDOBIN’s effective performance in detecting and processing plastic bottles, optimizing storage, and efficiently shredding PETE and HDPE materials. The shredder’s performance metrics varied with different plastic types and sizes, indicating the necessity for optimal settings to enhance efficiency. Survey findings showed a positive trend towards sustainable practices, with increased environmental awareness and preference for reusable alternatives among students. The study recommends enhancing the shredder’s performance by adding more blades and a finer mesh, integrating the university’s RFID database for incentivized recycling, and exploring the use of shredded plastics in creating Eco-bricks and 3D printing filament. VENDOBIN provides a innovative solution for plastic waste management, promoting sustainability and setting a benchmark for future recycling technologies. Keywords — Reverse vending machine, plastic shredding, recycle, shredding capabilities, PETE bottles, HDPE bottles, plastic waste management, recycling, environmental sustainability, infrared sensors, load cell, Arduino MEGA, recycling efficiency