PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Bottle Reverse Vending Machine: An Innovative Way of Reducing the Expanding Garbage Problem andits Environmental Impact in Plaridel Integrated National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The environmental benefits of reusing our waste are known, this long-standing, small-scale recycling is now getting a modern revamp with the widespread introduction of reverse vending machines. Reverse vending machines are so called because they accept used containers and then pay out a certain amount of cash depending on the size of the deposit-the opposite of a traditional vending machine.The researchers conducted this Science Investigatory Project with the help and support of our science teacher, which aims to reduce the amount of garbage by recycling bottles and maintain the cleanliness of our school.

METHODS

A descriptive research design was used in this study. The researchers made questionnaires for 25 selected students and 25 faculty members of Plaridel Integrated National High School who were purposively selected as source of information because they were able to express their perception or answers on the effectiveness of PET Bottle Reverse Vending Machine.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents viewed that the machine with the ability to change bottle into a coin is very satisfactory. It can help the environment to reduce bottles in the surroundings. It really works well even though there are some problems because of the sensitivity of some parts, but it was successfully done. Most of the students and teachers were amazed because of its uniqueness and its abilityto replace plastic bottle into coins and recognize the plastic bottle and not like metals and glass bottles.All respondents agreed that the PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Bottle Reverse Vending Machine has been beneficial to school as it reduced the expanding garbage problem to community by 20%.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, sensitivity of the parts of machine could be improved more to ensure efficiency. Researchers could explore different sizes of bottle that can be inserted in the machine. This may be a small step but this may be one of the solutions to contribute in reducing the expanding garbage problem. The advantage of this machine is that people will be motivated in reducing tons of garbage particularly bottles.