Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction
Using and developing technologies to help mankind solve problems that

could be encountered every day is one of the best ways to make life easier for

human. The advancement of technology gives everyone an opportunity to create

change especially for the good. One of society’s problems that modern

technology can solve is environmental trashes.

According to Ijjasz-Vasquez, senior director for the World Bank’s Social,

Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice, nations generate 1.3 billion tons of

waste each year (Simmons, 2016). This is the reason why some experts said the

globe’s trash troubles are at a crisis level. One of the top trashes that can be

found around the world are the beverage containers like plastic bottles and

aluminum cans. That’s why the researchers thought of an idea to collect plastic

bottles with monetary rewards through Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

The Philippines is the world’s 3rd largest ocean polluter based on the 2015

Report on Plastic Pollution, generating 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually.

Such wastes are seen flowing in the country’s waterways that usually end up in

oceans and seas, thereby polluting them including the species (“Stemming the

Tide”, 2015).

In order to reduce waste problem, the country has issued Republic Act

(RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which
 2

contains provisions for “recycling programs for recyclable materials, such as, but

not limited to glass, paper, plastic and metal” (Aquino, et al., 2013). RVM is one

new recycling means in the modern world, where technology is tapped to perform

a function of reducing plastic wastes by collecting them while giving rewards to

its users.

This study contributes by practicing solid waste management through

providing a low-cost reverse vending machine that accepts PET bottles, one of

the commonly seen type of plastic waste the country has. The machine was

automated and used technology to identify and collect used plastic bottles. It has

also the capability to give rewards back to the users. This reverse vending

machine is indeed a great help for schools having problems with solid wastes

produced by high volume of students buying plastic-bottled products and

promote recycling as solution to waste problems.

Background of the Study

The society itself brings more problems than solutions in terms of solid

waste through continuous increase in the production of plastic bottles. Later on,

the problem of disposing these items becomes worse as well since landfills are

already on their limits. One known way of managing these wastes is through

recycling. Recycling waste is managing waste effectively. The proposed device

poses a new process and motivated way of collecting waste material to recycle.
 3

Western countries are also implementing RVM as well. Numerous RVM

outlets were released throughout the world due to its creative way in dealing with

plastic and aluminum waste (“Global Reverse Vending Machine Market Trends”,

2015).

Their study used photoelectric sensor and ultrasonic sensor as sensing

elements and various electronic components so interconnected in order to

develop a coin dispensing mechanism.

The researchers were able to compile several literatures that can be

similar to their design prototype in terms of circuits and component/s used.

A study titled “Implementing of Reverse Vending Machine Based on

FPGA” introduced an RVM that supported empty containers. This RVM used

VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) for its algorithm and simulated

using Xilinx FPGA Spartan 3 development board (Sharma, et al., 2014).

Another study with a title “A New Approach in Manufacturing of Reverse

Vending Machine” interfaced a mechanical crushing system in their RVM to

maximize the space of the bin inside the machine (Balubai, et al., 2017).

In the study titled “Development of a Microcontroller-based Solar-powered

Reversed Vending Machine for the Potential Application on Barangays in the

Philippines” a microcontroller was used to control and process the function of

their prototype and a proximity sensor circuit was used to determine the height of

the bottles (Exito et al., 2015). These concepts are similar to the proponents’ idea

in implementing their study, which is Reverse Vending Machine.

 4

One of the sensors used in this study is a photoelectric sensor. This

sensor has a light source and detector in one package. The light outputted by the

light source is directly proportional to the magnitude of the input voltage and the

light detector convert light energy to current (Tomasi, 2014). This sensor is used

in the study to identify if an object is transparent. If there is no light received or if

the intensity of received light by the detector is low, it means that the object is not

transparent.

The researchers seemed to be in a challenge of developing a Reverse

Vending Machine the can perform accepting PET bottles and monetary

rewarding system. Compared to others, the researchers simplified their system at

a cheaper price. They used sensors to identify PET bottles and developed a coin

dispensing mechanism using servo motors instead of employing coin hoppers.

All these were locally sourced for easier replacement.

With this Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), with the primary aim of

diminishing the practice of improper waste management was hoped to be

achieved. This also provided the researchers the opportunity to implement green

engineering through development of this system.

Theoretical Framework
This study was anchored on Automata Theory, the mathematical study of

abstract computing devices or machine. This theory considers a mathematical

model that can solve any problem like a real computer can do (Khoussainov &
 5

Nerode, 2012). Automata theory uses three concepts but the proponents focused

on the basic concept, the Deterministic Finite States Automata. This concept

states that the machine starts in the “Start” state. Then given each character of

string, the machine transitioned from state to state according to the transition

function. Lastly, the machine accepts the string if the last input causes the

machine to halt in one of the accepting states. Otherwise, it is said that the

automaton rejects the string.

This theory has relevance to the present study since the device utilized

the concept of Deterministic Finite States Automata, where there is a “Start” state

without input. Then when a user puts a bottle, which is a valid input, the machine

did “movements” and process by accepting the bottle and dispensing money.

When the input is invalid, the machine will not recognize it and hence, nothing

will be done.

Conceptual Framework

This study utilized a block diagram to represent the overall process flow of

the developed system. Figure 1 shows the Conceptual Framework of Reverse

Vending Machine. The figure contains blocks which are identified as follows:

The input stage includes power supply which provides power to the

microcontroller, ultrasonic sensor that measures the height of the input object,

the photoelectric sensor that identifies the transparency of the object and push

buttons to allow the users choose what process to take.

 6

Then, the process stage contains the microcontroller unit which processes

the data provided by the input stage.

Lastly, the output stage utilizes the data processed by the microcontroller.

The coin dispensing system is for giving out coins based on the value of the

plastic bottle inserted by the user, light emitting diodes (LEDs) serve as

indicators and liquid crystal display (LCD) screen as users’ graphical interface.
 7

Figure 1

Conceptual Framework of Reverse Vending Machine

 8

Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this project is to develop a reverse vending machine

intended to lessen the improper waste disposal among students. Specifically, the

researchers aimed to:

1. Develop a reverse vending machine using locally available materials.

2. Determine the level of acceptability of the developed Reverse Vending

Machine in terms of:

2.1 Design;

2.2 Functionality;

2.3 Safety and maintenance; and

2.4 Marketability.

3. Determine the significant difference of the assessment of the two groups

of respondents on the acceptability of the developed reverse vending

machine in terms of the mentioned variables.

Assumptions of the Study

Through the testing of the Reverse Vending Machine, the researchers

anticipated that:

1. The device can easily be maintained because of the locally available

materials used in its development, modification and maintenance.

2. The device will be accepted by the community since it will give “pay back”

to them.
 9

3. Both experts and end-users will show high level of acceptability of the

product.

4. The developed device will lessen the solid wastes in the campus.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study aimed to develop a device that would give an instant bin to

collect clear plastic bottles with a corresponding reward or amount. It was

conducted at University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus during second

semester of school year 2018-2019 and first semester of school year 2019-2020.

The study focused only on identifying bottles made of polyethylene

terephthalate (PET), anything else was rejected by the developed prototype.

As for the device’s level of acceptability, five (5) experts each in the field of

electronics, electrical and computer engineering and 30 end-users who are

mostly students of University Rizal System Antipolo City Campus evaluated the

device in terms of design, functionality, safety and maintenance and marketability

and identified if their perception towards its acceptability was the same or not.

Significance of the Study

The researchers believed that the study on the Development and

Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine will benefit the following people and

institutions:
 Figure 1

Conceptual Model of Acceptability of Early Warning Device for Blind Curve10

University Administration. The device serves as a proof that the

University adheres to one of its visions of becoming “the leading University in

knowledge and technology generation and environmental stewardship”.

Instructors and Professors. The device serves as an instructional tool in

their pursuit to implement the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) where creativity

of students through generation of own technology is highly promoted.

Students. As future researchers, the students may now be informed on

the recommendations made by evaluators as they pursue their study.

Garbage Collectors. The device helps them in sorting out plastic bottles

to lessen the job they need to do for segregating those materials.

Device Users. The device gives its users a small reward, for depositing

clear plastic bottles, and reminds them of proper waste management through this

output.

Definition of Terms
For better clarification and understanding of the terms related to this study,

the following terms were defined conceptually and operationally:

Acceptability. Capability or worth of being accepted. (Merriam –

Webster, 2019)
 11

Automated. To run or operate something such as factory or system by

using machines, computers etc., instead of people to do work. (Merriam –

Webster, 2019)

Design. The way something has been made. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Development. The act or process of growing or causing something to

grow or become larger or more advanced. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Functionality. The particular use or set of uses for which something is

designed. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Maintenance. The act of keeping something in good condition. (Merriam

– Webster, 2019)

Marketability. Fit to be offered for sale in the market. (Merriam –

Webster, 2019)

Microcontroller. A compact integrated circuit designed to run a specific

operation in an embedded system.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). A general-purpose thermoplastic

polymer which belongs to the polyester family of polymers (Omnexus, 2020).

Instead of biodegrading, PETs photodegrade which means they break down into

smaller fragments over time. Those fragments absorb contaminants that may

pollute waterways and soil, and sicken animals which humans eat (Scriever,

2013).
 12

Recycling. Make something new from something that has been used

before. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Reverse. Opposite to what is usual or stated. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Reverse Vending Machine. A vending machine where the input is a

product (in this study, PET bottles) and corresponding monetary reward as its

output.

Safety. State of being not dangerous. (Merriam – Webster, 2019)

Sensor. A device that detects or measures a physical property and

records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.

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Chapter 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, setting of the study, subject of

the study, sources of data, procedures of the study and statistical treatment of

data.

Research Design

The researchers utilized developmental and descriptive research design.

“Developmental research is where the researchers focus on finding or

developing a more suitable instrument or process, or material that has been

available” (Ariola, 2014).

The researchers, through thorough consideration on waste management

problem today, decided to create an output capable of sensing PET bottles and

gives monetary incentive in return. It requires several components, sensors and

materials that needs to be interconnected in order to meet their objective.

“Descriptive research involves collecting of data in order to test

hypotheses or answer questions regarding the subjects of the study. The data

gathered in this approach are numerical. They are typically collected through a

questionnaire, an interview, or through observation” (Garcia, et al., 2011).

 14

The developed output needs to be evaluated as well. Through

questionnaire checklist, the output’s level of acceptability in terms of design,

functionality, safety and maintenance, and marketability will be rated by two

groups of respondents tagged as experts and end-users. The respondents’

perception on the latter was known as well.

Setting of the Study

This study was conducted at University of Rizal System (URS) which was

established by integrating the two colleges (Rizal State College and Rizal

Polytechnic College) through RA 9157. At present, the University operates with

10 campuses in the Province of Rizal, namely: URS Angono, Antipolo,

Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Morong, Pililla, Rodriguez, Tanay and Taytay. It

offers complete education from Kindergarten to Graduate School. It also provides

research, extension and production services as well as establishment of centers.

The existence of the University caters to the needs of the stakeholders within and

nearby provinces. URS Antipolo City Campus is located at Marigman St.,

Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal with four colleges, in which the

College of Engineering is one of them.

The Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BS ECE) program of

the said College was first introduced in 2014 under the Antipolo City Education

Scholarship (ACES) program. All students in the first batch of this program

enjoyed free tuition and miscellaneous fees. Along with BS in Civil Engineering
 15

and BS in Computer Engineering, BS ECE is linked with the College of

Engineering of URS Morong Campus.

One of the recent achievements of the College was when it was hailed as

Best College in the entire University during 2019 Program on Awards and

Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), a proof of quality education

delivered to the students. The said college was also recognized for producing 19

new Electronics Engineers, with one bagging the 6 th Place, the very first in BS

ECE program of the College of Engineering in the said campus.

 16

Figure 2

Map of University of Rizal System

Subject of the Study

The subject of the study is the Reverse Vending Machine, where it will

accept PET bottles and reject others. It will give incentive to the users through its

coin dispenser feature. An ultrasonic sensor was used to measure PET bottle
 17

height. A photoelectric sensor to determine the transparency of the object. Servo

motors were used for the mechanisms of the Reverse Vending Machine,

including its coin dispensing feature. Lastly, a microcontroller (Arduino Mega

2560) was used to manage the processes needed to be performed by the system

based on the program installed to it. All these components were carefully

enclosed in a cabinet-sized chassis where the main circuits are located on the

upper part, while a big PET bottle bin is placed at the lower part.

Sources of Data

The researchers used questionnaire-checklist to determine the output’s

level of acceptability. The questionnaire-checklist was given to the identified

respondents, 15 experts and 30 end-users. It was answerable by scale of 1 to 5

in terms of design, functionality, safety and maintenance, and marketability.

Table 1 on the next page shows the scale, range and verbal interpretation which

was adopted by the researchers in this study.

Table 1
Scale, Range and Verbal Interpretation

Scale Range Verbal Interpretation

5 4.21 - 5.00 Very Much Acceptable
4 3.41 - 4.20 Much Acceptable
3 2.61 – 3.40 Acceptable
2 1.81 – 2.60 Slightly Acceptable
 18

1 1.00 – 1.80 Not Acceptable

Procedure of the Study

The researchers started with the gathering of related literatures and other

necessary tips and advices from several experts.

Finalization of the list of needed materials while making the output’s

manuscript was the next step taken. Necessary diagrams and software to use

were also taken into account.

While pursuing the gradual completion of the manuscript, the output was

already made along with its correct program. Then, the researchers made a

chassis to securely place the device parts into their positions. Testing of the

output was also done to check if it performs its intended function.

The device’s level of acceptability in terms of design, functionality, safety

and maintenance, and marketability was also determined via provision of

questionnaire checklist answered by the experts and end-users. Their perception

on the latter was determined as well.

Lastly, the researchers were able to complete the manuscript, presented

it, together with the output during final defense, and completed several revisions

before finally achieving the end phase.

Statistical Treatment

The data gathered in the study were treated with the use of the

following statistical methods:

 19

1. To develop a Reverse Vending Machine using locally available materials,

no statistical treatment was used.

2. To determine the acceptability of the Reverse Vending Machine in

terms of design, functionality, safety and maintenance, and marketability

based on the perception of the respondents, questionnaire checklist

was given to the respondents. Results were summarized through

descriptive statistics particularly mean and standard deviation.

3. To determine the significant difference between the respondent’s

perceptions on the acceptability of the device, t-test for independent

samples was used.

Chapter 3

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents a detailed presentation of the developed output

along with the results of the evaluation made with included implications for a

more vivid discussion.

Development of Reverse Vending Machine

 20

Table 2 presents the different parts of the Reverse Vending Machine.

Table 2
Tabular Presentation of the Different Parts of the
Reverse Vending Machine

Part/Component Description
It contains the required
program in order for the
device to function and
thus, it serves as the
“brain” of the entire
device.
Microcontroller
A rotary actuator or
linear actuator that
allows for precise control
of angular or linear
position, velocity and
Servo Motor acceleration.

An IR Proximity Sensor
is a multipurpose
infrared sensor which
can be used for obstacle
sensing, color detection,
fire detection, line
sensing, etc. and also as
an encoder sensor.

Ultrasonic Sensor
 21

An equipment used to
discover the distance,
absence, or presence of
an object by using a light
transmitter, often
infrared, and
photoelectric receiver.
They are largely used in
industrial manufacturing.

Photoelectric Sensor
LED (Light-Emitting Diode)
Wires
It is a semiconductor
device that emits light
when an electric current
is passed through it.
Light is produced when
the particles that carry
the current (known as
electrons and holes)
combine together within
the semiconductor
material.
These are materials
used to bear mechanical
loads or electricity and
telecommunications
signals. Wire is
commonly formed by
drawing the metal
through a hole in a die
or draw plate.

A flat panel display

technology commonly
used in TVs and
computer monitors. It is
also used in screens for
mobile devices, such as
laptops, tablets, and
LCD( Liquid smartphones.

Crystal Display)
 22

A simple switch
mechanism for
controlling some aspect
of a machine or a
process .
Push Button
A chassis is the physical
frame or structure of an
automobile, an airplane,
a desktop computer, or
other multi-component
device.

Chassis

Table 2 presents an itemized view of the parts used in the development of

the prototype. The said parts were interconnected and through the correct code

installed in the microcontroller, the output was made.

Table 3 below presents the materials used in the development of the

output’s chassis.

Table 3
Tabular Presentation of the Materials Used for the Development of
the Device’s Chassis

Material Description
 23

A type of wallpaper that

acts like a sticker. It was
used as the cover of the
device’s chassis.

Adhesive Wallpaper

Allows doors to pivot on

one edge.

Door Hinge

A small object made of

metal used as a
fastener.

Nails

A material manufactured
from thin layers or “plies”
of wood veneer that are
glued together with
adjacent layers having
their wood grain rotated
up to 90 degrees to one
Plywood another.
 24

.A fastener made of
metal which has a
helical ridge known as
external thread.

Screws

An adhesive used to
tightly bond pieces of
wood together.

Wood Glue

A long thin strip made

from wood. It was used
as the frame of the
chassis.

Wooden Strip

In Table 3, the output’s enclosure was made in consideration to its

availability and cost. As seen, all parts are locally available in case of enclosure

maintenance.

Table 4 presents the bill of materials prior to the development of the

Reverse Vending Machine.

Table 4
 25

Materials and Supplies used in the Development of the Device

Quantity Unit Items/Description Unit Price Total Price

2 Piece Ultrasonic Sensor P80.00 P160.00

1 Piece Photoelectric Sensor P950 P950.00

2 Piece Servo Motor P345 P690.00

1 Piece LCD P445 P445.00

1 Piece Arduino UNO P400.00 P400.00

3 Piece LED P5.00 P15.00

Chassis Cost P2000.00 P2000.00

TOTAL P4660.00

As presented, the researchers were able to spend Php 4,660.00 in the

development of the output.

Steps in Developing the Device

The Development of the Reverse Vending Machine was divided into four

(4) phases: Circuit, Coding, Chassis and Acceptability Phases.

A. Circuit Phase

The researchers conceptualized the interconnection of the parts through

Figure 3 as shown on the next page. The power supply serves as the output’s

source. In this case, a 12V dc supply was utilized to operate the device. The

sensors used are ultrasonic and photoelectric. The ultrasonic sensor is used to
 26

determine the height of the object inserted in the Reverse Vending Machine

(RVM); if the height of the object does not meet the standard height of PET

bottles available in the market, the machine will reject it. The photoelectric sensor

is used to identify if the object inside the RVM is transparent. Non-transparent

objects are rejected by the device. The push buttons serve as mechanical

interface between the user and the machine in case the user wants to insert

more PET bottles or wishes to receive their monetary incentive.

Meanwhile, the Microcontroller Unit (MCU), (in this case, Arduino Mega

2560) serves as the brain of the Reverse Vending Machine. Its stored program

performs the desired function. The coin dispensing system was done by

designing a coin keeper where 25-cents and 1-peso coins are separately piled.

At the bottom of each pile is a servo motor with an arm whose breadth is the

same as each coin’s thickness; enough to push a coin out of the pile and towards

a coin discharge slot. The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows visual information

regarding the developed output that prompts the user to perform a certain

function based on what is shown on it.

POWER SUPPLY

ULTRASONIC COIN
SENSOR
DISPENSING

SYSTEM

MCU
 27

PHOTOELECTRIC
SENSOR
LCD

PUSH BUTTON

Figure 3
Block Diagram of Reverse Vending Machine

Figure 4 below translates the block diagram made into an equivalent

schematic diagram.

Figure 4
Schematic Diagram of Reverse Vending Machine
 28

Figure 4 shows assembly of the entire circuitry which is based on the

provided block diagram. This provides the correct connection of parts with one

another.

B. Coding Phase

The researchers,

after seeking guidance

with several

programmers, created a

flowchart of operation as

shown in Figure 5 on the next

page.
 29

Figure 5
Flowchart of Reverse Vending Machine
As Figure 5 reveals, proper coding and instruction are encoded in the

MCU via Arduino IDE, a software capable of doing the said task. Testing was

done to check if the output performed its intended function or not.

The said code was saved as a Notepad file in an included Compact Disc

(CD) attached in Appendix F.

C. Chassis Phase
 30

Figure 6 below presents the outside appearance of the chassis made by

the researchers.

Figure 6
Pictorial Presentation of Reverse Vending Machine’s Chassis

The researchers made the chassis as simple as possible using locally

available materials. The LCD and the push buttons are exposed since these

serve as interface between the users and the device itself. A coin discharge slot

is where the monetary incentives go after being pushed out by the servo motor.

The mini door below is supposed to be locked during the device operation since

it serves as the final destination of accepted PET bottles.

D. Acceptability Phase
 31

The developed Reverse Vending Machine, after testing and several

adjustments was made, underwent an evaluation of its acceptability level in

terms of design, functionality, safety and maintenance, and marketability. This

was done be seeking the help of fifteen (15) experts who are Electronics

Engineers and Computer Engineers and thirty (30) end-users who are students

of University of Rizal System Antipolo City (URSAC) Campus. The respondents

were given questionnaire checklist individually that includes items to be rated by

them. Results were presented on Tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Chapter. The

perception of the two groups of respondents was also assessed as shown in

Table 9.

Level of Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine as perceived by Experts

and End-Users with respect to Design, Functionality, Safety and
Maintenance and Marketability

Table 5 on the next page shows the computed mean and verbal

interpretation of the assessment of the two groups of respondents on the

Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine with respect to Design.

Table 5

Computed Mean and Verbal Interpretation of the Assessment of the Two

Groups of Respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine
with respect to Design

Expert End User

A. Design
Mean VI Mean VI
1. The parts of the Reverse
Vending Machine are properly 3.47 MA 4.47 VMA
placed.
 32

2. The parts of the device can be

replaced/changed depending on 4.53 VMA 4.47 VMA
the requirements.
3. The graphical user interface of
3.80 MA 3.73 MA
the device is easy to understand.
OVERALL 3.93 MA 4.22 VMA
Legend: VI- Verbal Interpretation, VMA-Very Much Acceptable, MA-Much Acceptable

The experts and end-users seemed to agree that the parts can be easily

replaced, earning very much acceptable remarks of 4.53 and 4.47, respectively.

This supports the claim that the parts used in the Reverse Vending Machine are

locally available and are easily accessed in case of maintenance or if it needs

replacement.

In the study titled A Simple Approach to Design Reverse Vending

Machine, the researchers designed a reverse vending machine with series of

sensors which successfully detected the difference in plastic materials and non-

plastic materials. Gaur, et al. (2018) emphasized that for a machine to function

continuously, the availability of the needed parts must always be ensured.

Table 6 shows the computed mean and verbal interpretation on the

assessment of the two groups of respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse

Vending Machine with respect to Functionality.

Table 6
Computed Mean and Verbal Interpretation of the Assessment of the Two
Groups of Respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine
with respect to Functionality

Expert End User

B. Functionality
Mean VI Mean VI
1.The Reverse Vending Machine
4.00 MA 4.70 VMA
performs according to the
 33

command.
2. The Reverse Vending Machine
dispenses the correct amount of 4.47 VMA 4.86 VMA
credits.
3. The Reverse Vending Machine
4.06 MA 4.66 VMA
can be used by anyone.
OVERALL 4.17 MA 4.74 VMA
Legend: VI- Verbal Interpretation, VMA-Very Much Acceptable, MA-Much Acceptable

Table 6 reveals that both groups of respondents agreed that the reverse

vending machine dispenses the correct amount of credits, achieving a “very

much acceptable” remark at mean scores of 4.47 and 4.86 for the experts and

end-users, respectively.

Liukkonen (2015) stated in her Machine Vision System for a reverse

vending machine that when functionality was tested, the system achieved 95.2%

recognition accuracy using its vision system. The results show that the system is

reliable in terms of functionality and the machine vision system is accurate.

The functionality of any device or system shall be highly considered, for it

is an indicating factor of its successful operation. Both devices exhibited

satisfactory functionalities while being in action.

Table 7 shows the computed mean and verbal interpretation of the

assessment of the two groups of respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse

Vending Machine with respect to Safety and Maintenance.

Table 7
Computed Mean and Verbal Interpretation of the Assessment of the Two
Groups of Respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine
with respect to Safety and Maintenance

C. Safety and Maintenance Expert End User

 34

Mean VI Mean VI
1. The parts of the device are
locally available in case of 4.53 VMA 4.67 VMA
replacement.
2. The internal wirings of the
4.67 VMA 4.67 VMA
device are properly insulated.
3. The device has no parts with
sharp edges which can harm 4.67 VMA 4.76 MA
users.
OVERALL 4.62 VMA 4.70 VMA
Legend: VI- Verbal Interpretation, VMA-Very Much Acceptable, MA-Much Acceptable

Table 7 unraveled a very much acceptable remark in terms of its safety

since the developed output has no parts with sharp edges that might harm its

users. It received 4.67 mean from the experts and 4.76 mean from the end-

users. Truly, the Reverse Vending Machine is safe to use.

Liukkonen (2015) mentioned in her study that the camera-based system

for recognition made the reverse vending machine virtually maintenance free and

is harder to be tricked by users.

Another factor to consider in any device is its safety for usage and easy to

maintain. Both devices showed safety usage features to its users and so easy to

maintain if needed.

Table 8 shows the computed mean and verbal interpretation of the

assessment of the two groups of respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse

Vending Machine with respect to Marketability.

Table 8
 35

Computed Mean and Verbal Interpretation of the Assessment of the Two

Groups of Respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine
with respect to Marketability

Expert End User

D. Marketability
Mean VI Mean VI
1. The device does not emit
4.53 VMA 4.47 VMA
harmful gases or chemicals.

2. The components of the device

4.67 VMA 4.67 VMA
are low-costs.
3. The device evaluates a plastic
4.53 VMA 4.60 VMA
bottle correctly.
OVERALL 4.57 VMA 4.57 VMA
Legend: VI- Verbal Interpretation, VMA-Very Much Acceptable, MA-Much Acceptable

Table 8 revealed that in terms of marketability the experts and end-users

both rated the Reverse Vending Machine as “Very Much Acceptable” with overall

mean of 4.57. It was observed further that all the items on marketability was

rated with the same interpretation, which made the overall mean “Very Much

Acceptable.” It implies that the device, with proper funding and support, can be

marketed and be used not only in schools but also in other public places where

PET bottles are typically seen.

Raagu, D.V. et al. (2017) stated in their study that the vending machine

costs very low in comparison with other machines made by big companies in the

market. Selling low-priced vending machines which have a good quality is a

decent marketing strategy to compete against larger companies. This is what the

proponents also considered as they conducted their study.

Table 9 on the next page presents the assessment of the perception of the

two groups of respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine as

 36

perceived by Experts and End-Users with respect to Design, Functionality, Safety

and Maintenance and Marketability.

As presented in Table 9, there was a failure to reject the null hypothesis

that “There is no significant difference between the perception of experts and

end-users on the level of acceptability of the developed Reverse Vending

Machine in terms of Design, Functionality, Safety and Maintenance, and

Marketability”. Thus, the perception of the two groups of respondents is the same

after all.

Finally, the Reverse Vending Machine’s performance is acceptable with

respect to Design, Functionality, Safety & Maintenance and Marketability.

Table 9
Significant Difference on the Assessment of the Two Groups of
Respondents on the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine as
perceived by Experts and End-Users with respect to Design, Functionality,
Safety and Maintenance and Marketability

Variables Mean sd df t-value p-value Ho VI

 37

Expert 3.93 0.63

4
A. Design 2.02 0.33 FR NS
End-User 4.22 0.49 3

Expert 4.17 0.53

B. Functionality 4 2.02 0.205 FR NS

3
End-User 4.74 0.35

4.62 0.47
Expert
C. Safety and 4 2.02 0.57 FR NS
Maintenance 3
End-User 4.7 0.4

4.57 0.48
Expert
D. Marketability 4 2.02 1 FR NS
3
End-User 4.57 0.44

Legend: sd-standard deviation, df-degree of freedom, Ho-Null Hypothesis, FR-Fail to Reject, NS-
Not Significant

Chapter 4

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions and

recommendations.

Summary of Findings
 38

From the thorough analysis of data gathered and the results obtained in

the previous discussions, the following significant findings are hereby

summarized:

1. On the Development of the Reverse Vending Machine using locally

available materials.

1.1 After seeking help from experts, the researchers were able to use the

necessary materials which and utilized proper software and program in

making the output. A block and schematic diagrams with its correct code

and instructions were made as guide in making the output.

1.2 Finally, the Reverse Vending Machine was successfully made from locally-

sourced materials, parts and components; thus, making it easy for

maintenance and parts replacement if needed.

2. On the Evaluation of the Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine in

terms of Design, Functionality, Safety and Maintenance and Marketability
with Respect to Experts and End-Users.

2.1 In terms of Design, the experts rated the device as much acceptable with

a mean of 3.93 while end-users rated it as very much acceptable at 4.22

mean score.

2.2 In terms of Functionality, the experts rated the device as much

acceptable with a mean of 4.17 while end-users rated it as very much

acceptable at 4.74 mean score.

2.3 In terms of Safety and Maintenance, both groups of respondents agreed

that the Reverse Vending Machine is very much acceptable, giving

overall means of 4.62 from the experts and 4.70 from the end-users.
 39

2.4 In terms of Marketability, an equal assessment was achieved. Both the

experts and the end-users rated the device at scale 5 level (4.21 – 5.00)

level, verbally interpreted as very much acceptable.

3. On Significant Difference of the Evaluation of Respondents on the

Acceptability of Reverse Vending Machine in terms of Design,
Functionality, Safety and Maintenance and Marketability.

The result indicates that there was no significant difference between the

observations of experts and end-users on the acceptability of Reverse

Vending Machine with respect to design, functionality, safety and

maintenance, and marketability.

Conclusions

The following conclusions are hereby formulated based on the findings

presented:

1. The Reverse Vending Machine was successfully made out of locally available
materials.

2. The level of acceptability of the device in terms of Design, Functionality,

Safety and Maintenance, and Marketability was highly accepted by both

experts and end-users.

3. The perception of the respondents towards the developed Reverse Vending

Machine was the same all throughout the evaluation.

 40

Recommendations

Based from the summary of findings and conclusions drawn, the following

recommendations are hereby suggested:

1. Future researches of the device’s reliability is highly needed.

2. The device is up for modification. If possible, replace the chassis of the device

with a better material like metal and use a coin hopper for the coin dispensing

system to make dispensing of coins faster.

3. Future researchers may replace the plastic bottle detection system into image

processing to have a more accurate detection procedure.

4. Added features may also be included, as what future researchers might think

that this device further needs.

5. Future researchers may replace the coin rewards with another types of

reward.