Plastic2Fantastic: Reverse Vending Machine for Plastic Bottles

Abstract

Waste has become one of the most serious global issues today. Recycling is one of the important ways to manage waste properly. Reverse Vending Machine is an innovative idea that inculcates the habit of recycling waste materials. To overcome the problem of waste, Plastic2Fantastic: Reverse Vending Machine for Plastic Bottles was developed as a machine that accepts and deposits empty plastic beverage containers in exchange for money. The machine was constructed from aluminum and implemented in a standard trash bin equipped with Raspberry Pi 3B, 7-inch Touch Screen LCD, RFID reader, coin hopper, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor, IR proximity sensor, and M995sg servo motor. The machine is capable of detecting RFID cards, identifying plastic bottles as deposits, and dispensing coins. Functionality testing showed very good performance, with the recommendation that labels be added for improved user guidance. Evaluation results indicated that respondents strongly agreed with the machine’s usefulness, demonstrating its potential impact in promoting recycling practices. The positive feedback
highlights the machine’s effectiveness and user-friendliness. The machine as a whole offers a cost-effective and simple solution to the waste problem.