Solar-Powered Reverse Vending Machine for Aluminum Cans and Pet Bottles with Short Bond Paper Redemption System

This study focused on the development of a solar-powered reverse vending machine for PET bottles and aluminum cans with a short bond-paper redemption system. The project aimed to promote proper waste segregation, recycling awareness, and sustainable waste management within Laguna University through an automated and eco-friendly recycling system. Specifically, the study aimed to design and fabricate a machine capable of identifying and segregating PET bottles and aluminum cans while dispensing short bond paper as a reward system. The machine also integrated a liquid detection feature using a weighing scale sensor to reject containers containing excessive liquid. The prototype was evaluated in terms of functionality, segregation accuracy, liquid detection capability, sustainability, acceptability, and overall performance. The developed machine was tested using different types and sizes of PET bottles and aluminum cans. Results showed that the machine achieved an overall average accuracy of 84.67% in identifying and segregating recyclable materials. The system was also evaluated through a survey conducted among 100 respondents using Google Forms. The survey results revealed a high level of acceptability and positive evaluation regarding the machine’s functionality, sustainability, usability, and contribution to proper waste disposal and recycling awareness. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the developed solar-powered reverse vending machine can serve as an innovative and sustainable solution for waste management within educational institutions. The researchers concluded that the machine has the potential to encourage recycling participation, reduce improper waste disposal, and support environmental sustainability efforts in the university community.