Optimizing Waste Management: Enhancing Garbage Disposal by
Implementing a Segregating Machine System
Ylzyn L. Gomintong
Mark Lester E. Ecot
Ammiel Ralph A. Perez
Bukidnon National School of Home Industries
May 2023
INTRODUCTION
Summary
The issue of garbage disposal has become a significant challenge for
many societies worldwide, especially in the Philippines. Improper waste
management practices can lead to environmental degradation, public health
hazards, and economic losses. One potential solution to this problem is the
implementation of a segregating machine system, which can effectively
separate different types of waste for proper disposal and recycling. This
research aims to explore the benefits of a segregating machine system and
its potential to enhance waste management. Through this study, the
researchers hope to identify the key factors necessary for successful
implementation and propose recommendations for future waste
management policies with the new technology proposed.
Background and Problem
The rapid growth of urbanization and population has led to a surge in
the generation of waste, causing significant challenges in waste
management. Traditional waste disposal practices such as landfilling and
incineration have negative impacts, and improper disposal methods lead to
public health hazards. Additionally, waste management requires a
significant amount of resources and manpower, leading to a high economic
cost. Thus, there is a need for an effective and efficient way of waste
management.
One of the primary challenges in waste management is the segregation
of different types of waste. The manual segregation process is time-
consuming, expensive, and prone to errors. Furthermore, many people lack
awareness about the importance of proper waste segregation, leading to a
mixed waste stream that hinders the recycling process. Additionally,
traditional waste disposal practices have adverse environmental impacts,
leading to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of natural
resources.
To address the problem of waste management, we need to implement
the segregating machine system in various areas, including residential,
commercial, and industrial settings. This technology can help to reduce the
amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, leading to improved
environmental and public health outcomes. Additionally, by segregating
waste, we can create a more efficient and cost-effective waste management
system. The system also includes some ‘coin back’ in every piece of waste
deposited, with the advocacy title; “A Single Coin for a Single Garbage”. To
achieve success in implementing this solution, we need to raise awareness
about the importance of proper waste segregation and develop policies and
regulations to promote the adoption of this technology.
Proposed Solution
A segregating machine system is a solution to reduce environmental
impact, increase efficiency, and lower costs. It utilizes various sensors,
conveyor belts, and sorting techniques to sort waste into different categories,
such as organic waste, plastic, metal, and glass. By segregating waste, it
becomes easier to recycle. The proposed solution for the research is to
develop and implement a garbage segregating machine system that utilizes
various technologies, such as sensors, conveyor belts, and sorting
techniques, to segregate different types of waste.
This system aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste
management, reducing the negative impact of improper waste disposal on
the environment and public health. By segregating waste at the source, the
machine can divert non-biodegradable waste from landfills and incinerators,
reducing the amount of waste that ends up polluting the environment. This
system also promotes recycling and composting, which can help conserve
natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed
solution can be implemented in households, commercial areas, and public
places, and can be customized to meet the specific waste management needs
of different communities. Overall, the garbage segregating machine system
can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment, and promote the
well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Beneficiaries
In addition to humans, animals can also greatly benefit from the
implementation of a garbage segregating machine system. The presence of
non-biodegradable waste in the environment can lead to harmful effects on
animal habitats and ecosystems. This waste can lead to soil and water
pollution, causing damage to wildlife and their habitats. By segregating
waste, non-biodegradable materials can be diverted from land fields and
incinerators, reducing the environmental impact and promoting a cleaner
and more sustainable environment. The implementation of segregating
machine systems can contribute to the preservation of natural habitats,
which can provide a better environment for animals to thrive.
Overall, the implementation of a garbage segregating machine system
can benefit not only humans but also the animals and large biomes (e.g.,
plants, trees, etc.) that inhabit our planet.
Methods
The methods could be an automated waste collection and segregation
system based on robotic assembly and machine learning-based
classification. A robotic lever that has the algorithm to segregate with a
distance sensor that will push the waste into its respective category also has
a binary classifier platform that has a camera attached to capture the image
and an algorithm to classify the waste as biodegradable or non-
biodegradable into their respective bins and direct the waste into trash bins.
When the bins are full, it notifies the operator with an exclusive app (S.
Nandhini, S. S. Mrinal, N. Balachandran, K. Suryanarayana and D. S. H.
Ram, 2019).
For each piece of garbage that has been deposited, an equivalent coin
would be emitted for as high as P1.00 and as low as P0.25. Each category
has a different compensation system; for biodegradable garbage, at least
P0.25 would be distributed in a coin box the size of a fist. As for non-
biodegradable wastes, it would be at least P1.00 for a piece of plastic,
cellophane, metal or glass.
Research and development: the development of a garbage segregating
machine system requires extensive research and development. This would
involve the identification of suitable technologies, materials, and equipment
required to build and operate the system. The research would also involve
identifying potential challenges that may arise during the implementation
process.
Procurement and installation: Once the research and development
phase is complete, the next step would be to procure the necessary
equipment and materials required to build and install the garbage
segregating machine system. This would involve working with suppliers and
contractors to ensure that the required components are sourced and
delivered in a timely manner.
Testing and calibration: After the installation is complete, the garbage
segregating machine system would need to be tested and calibrated to
ensure that it is functioning correctly. This would involve testing each
component of the system and adjusting settings as necessary to optimize
performance.
Training and education: In order to ensure that the garbage
segregating machine system is used effectively, it would be important to
provide training and education to those responsible for operating the
system. This would include training on how to use the system, how to
identify different types of waste, and how to maintain and repair the system
as needed.
Monitoring and evaluation: Finally, it would be important to monitor
and evaluate the performance of the garbage segregating machine system
over time. This would involve tracking metrics such as waste segregation
rates, energy usage, and maintenance costs to ensure that the system is
operating as intended and identify areas for improvement.
Illustration
Research and development costs: This would involve the costs
associated with researching and developing the technology and materials
required to build the system. These costs could include salaries for
researchers, costs associated with acquiring research materials, and
laboratory or testing fees (Xanthopoulos, A., Almeida, C. M., Gonçalves, M.,
& Tsagarakis, K. P. (2018)). Equipment and material costs: This would
involve the costs associated with purchasing and installing the equipment
and materials required to build the garbage segregating machine system.
This could include costs for sensors, conveyor belts, sorting techniques, and
other components of the system. (Istrate, I. R., Badea, F. L., & Apostol, T.
(2018))
Figure 1. The Sketch of the Outside of the Machine
Figure 2. Inside of the Machine. A sketch
Figure 3. Under the Machine
Installation and construction costs: This would involve the costs
associated with installing and constructing the system. This could include
labor costs for construction workers and electricians, as well as any permits
or fees required for construction (Tseng, M. L., & Lu, C. S. (2017)).
Maintenance and repair costs: Once the system is operational, there will be
ongoing maintenance and repair costs. This could include costs associated
with routine maintenance, replacement of worn-out components, and
repairs due to system failures (Vijayaraghavan, K., & Gupta, R. K. (2015)).
Overall, the costs of building and implementing a garbage segregating
machine system can vary widely depending on the specifics of the system
and the location where it is implemented. Furthermore, according to
estimations, the machine could cost up from Php40,000 to Php85,000.
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