WASTE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND PVC SCRAPS INTO LOW-COST, ECO-FRIENDLY HYDROPONIC SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT LETTUCE PRODUCTION

Plastic waste management, limited agricultural space, and the high cost of commercial farming technologies continue to challenge sustainable food production, particularly in urban and community settings. In response to these concerns, this study developed and evaluated a hydroponic lettuce production system using recycled plastic bottles, PVC pipe scraps, and leftover lumber materials. The project aimed to demonstrate how recyclable materials can be converted into useful agricultural resources while promoting sustainable practices and strengthening TVET skills in plumbing and carpentry. The implementation involved collecting and preparing recyclable materials, constructing a hydroponic structure, producing seedlings, cultivating lettuce, monitoring plant growth, and conducting system evaluation with the participation of TVET trainers, faculty experts, industry practitioners, and local farmers. The system was assessed in terms of growth and yield performance, functionality, durability, replicability, environmental impact, cost efficiency, and adaptability and modularity. The results showed that the hydroponic system successfully supported lettuce growth and yield, with performance comparable to commercially produced lettuce. Evaluators also gave favorable ratings across all assessment criteria, indicating that the system was functional, durable, easy to replicate, cost-efficient, and adaptable to different settings. The findings suggest that recyclable materials can be effectively utilized in hydroponic farming and that the system can serve as a practical option for schools, households, urban gardens, and community-based food production initiatives. The study concludes that the recycled-material hydroponic system is a sustainable and accessible approach to vegetable production that supports both environmental conservation and skills development.