Bote-cannected: An automated reverse vending machine with wi-fi and coin rewards using arduino and raspberry pi

Improper waste disposal remains to be one of the most salient global environmental concerns. Consequential to economic growth and consumerism, the praxis of sustainability has become stunted as the amount of waste illicitly discarded continue to swell over the years, harming ecosystems, exacerbating global warming and aggravates human adversity. As such, the primary contributors for this concern are Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and cans, which are widely accessible and also extensively utilized for daily consumption. However, while many countries already have efficient waste management mechanisms in place, challenges regarding recycling efforts persist in afflicting developing countries including the Philippines. Considering this persistent and wide-scale issue, 'Bote-Cannected' is a reverse vending machine that was designed and built to encourage recycling by accepting both plastic bottles and cans for disposal. Delving on the design, Bote-Cannected's system utilized Arduino and Raspberry Pi technologies to automate the sorting and processing of items. Thereafter, the said machine was made to automatically segregate items one at a time, and assign points based on material type and size. Despite minor challenges linked to the design, durability, and overall functionality, 'Bote-Cannected' received high satisfaction ratings from users. Ultimately, its successful application showcased its strong potential in encouraging recycling behaviours and address pressing environmental concerns.