Introduction

Recycling is the process consists of many procedures which includes collection of

trashes, processing materials and transforming them into a new and manufactured product.

The concept of recycling is not evident these days due to people’s lack out of

concern and ignorance. Furthermore, people chooses to purchase new products rather

than repurpose them.

O’Connor, Lerman, Fritz and Hodde (2013) examined the effects of plastic

recycling by conducting a research regarding the interventions by controlling the number

of recycling containers across conditions and by examining bin’s location without posted

signs. It is concluded that the appearance of the bin does not increase the occurrence of

recycling. Furthermore, consumers seems to recycle more when bins are placed near them

rather than placing more presentable bins in common area.

Willman (2015) states that residential sidewalk recycling has been shown to be a

productive tool for communities to manage the challenges take up with accelerating levels

of material solid waste and landfill expansion. There are also improvement to residents that

affects waste recycling. One of those is that the addition of recycling carts that contain high

volumes of recyclable materials, was newly established in the city of Farfield, Ohio. This

study showed that simple door-to-door release of same literature comes in an important

faster adoption rate than means of communication. The data shows that within four weeks,

50% of household management recycling had converted to the higher volume recycling

carts in door-to-door delivery of literature. Only 5% of recyclers that is transferred to the

larger carts in the control of community which depends exclusively on city sources for

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program information. The study also shows strong acceptance by neighborhood residents

for the availability of different sizes of recycling containers. Also, it shows that a plain

door-to-door delivery of literature could be done at low expenses and should be effective

in communicating improvements to curbside recycling programs and other community

action where resident action appetence.

Knight (2017) discusses about the device which needs garbage containers that is

usable for avoiding unapproved garbage from being placed into the garbage containers.

The trash containers receptacle contains a body; an opening; a cover that joins to the body;

a latch means container and a coin worked machinery. Anyone who wanted to deposit

waste must increase access to the garbage containers by paying charge using the coin-

worked machinery to start the latch and permit an individual to open the lid and put the

trash inside the containers. In some objectification, the garbage receptacle are arrange to

permit an anonymous amount of garbage to be deposited into the garbage container via

free paid.

According to Ramayah, Lee, Lim (2012) examined the results of recycling of 200

university students from the point of view of the Theory of Plannes Behavior (TPB)

Structural Equation Modeling technique was used to analyze the data. The judgment denote

that environmental safety was notably affiliated to attitude and social norms. However,

luxury and expenses of recycling are not remarkably reasons for recycling. The study

improves the understanding of the causal of recycling behavior and give suggestions for

schools and governmental services in educating and motivating good recycling behavior.

Also, it confirms the applicability of the TPB in examining studies of this nature.

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 Mobile phones provide significant uses to people nowadays. They need to charge

their phones with the use of power banks when they are away from home. But their batteries

do not last for 24 hours due to the inevitable usage every day.

McCool and Monks (2017) evaluates produced wireless charging system with

methodology comprising a server configuration, a charging station and control the wireless

vehicle charging. They also emphasized the materials which contain with a charging unit

for transferring power control and communication unit. Moreover, the server’s

performance can achieve a maximum productivity through charging station and even

mobile devices as well.

The study focused on how to implement recycling and may be able to service them

by charging their phones and gadgets if plastic bottle is thrown inside the device. The

device does not cover or cannot 1) Identify the properties and composition of trash being

thrown due to the cost of the sensor needed. 2) Does not function without source of

electricity. 3) Students/staffs should watch over their phone for the device does not have

lock.

Considering the mentioned problems, the researchers came up on the idea of putting

up a garbage bin that serves as charging area as well, wherein recyclable materials like

bottles are used as payments.

The project aims to provide an alternative charging station by means of recycling.

People will be oblige to throw plastic bottles inside the device if they need to charge their

phone immediately especially when they forgot to bring power banks.

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to provide an alternative charging station for people by

means of recycling. Instead of inserting a coin in order for the machine to function,

Eco – Charger’s work is to produce electricity whenever plastic bottles are thrown

inside the bin.

Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. Is there is a significant effect in recycling plastic bottles and availability of receiving

electrical energy when Eco-Charger device is used?; and

2. How can the Eco-charger Utilizing Plastic Bottles be described in terms of:

2.1 Efficiency

2.2 Structural Design?

Hypothesis

HO: There is no significant effect in recycling plastic bottles and availability of receiving

electrical energy when Eco-Charger device is used

Engineering Goals

This study aims to produce an effective Eco charger; a charging station utilizing

plastic bottles in exchange of charging electronic devices.

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 Expected Outcome

The study intends to create a more affordable and successful device that can charge

mobile phones by means of recycling.

Materials and Methods

Assembling of the Device

The following steps were conducted in the assembling of the device:

STEP 1: COLLECT ALL MATERIALS NEEDED

Firstly, gather all parts and other tools needed to build the device. The following

table shows the list of electronic materials with corresponding description and quantity

Table 1.
List of Materials used in Assembling Eco-Charger Utilizing Plastic Bottle Device

MATERIALS DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

• a microcontroller board based on the

ATMega328P that has 14 digital
input/output pins, 6 analog inputs, a 16
1 pc.
MHz quartz crystal, a USB connection, a
Arduino Uno
power jack, and ICSP header and a reset
button.

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 • a flat panel display technology
commonly used in TVs and computer
20x4 LCD monitors. 1 pc.

• a serial protocol for two-wire interface to

connect low-speed devices and is used by
I2c Interface almost all major IC manufacturers. 1 pc.

2 Channel Relay can be used to control devices which uses 1 pc.

a higher voltage than what micro-
controllers can handle.

• a simple switch mechanism for

Push Button controlling some aspect of a machine or 2 pcs.

a process.

• an electrical device that makes a buzzling

noise or sound for signal and to call 1 pc.
someone’s attention.
Buzzer

• a hardware that sends information from

an infrared remote control to another
device by receiving and decoding signal. 2 pcs.
IR Module
It emits in order to sense some aspects of
the surroundings.

• an electrical wire in a cable with a

connector or pin at each end used to
Jumper Wire interconnect the components of a 50 pcs.

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 breadboard or other prototype or test
circuit.

• use to charge a battery or battery-

Phone Charger 2AMP powered equipment. 2 pcs.
Output

•
• a metal that fastens the edge of the door.
3 pcs.
It serves as a mechanism or movable
Hinges joint.

•
• A door catch that uses a magnet to hold
Magnetic Catcher 1 pc.
the door in a closed position.

• A structural material consisting of wood

glued or cemented together with the
grains of adjacent layers. 1 pc.
Marine Plywood Size ¼

STEP 2: SET UP ARDUINO UNO

The Arduino UNO is an open source microcontroller. It is easy to setup just

download Arduino IDE from this link. https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software. After you

download the file, just simply install to your PC, encode, experiment, etc. One of the best

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ways to test the microcontroller board is by working upload basic codes like “blink”. Put

LED to Arduino mega.

Figure 1 shows the connection of LED to test Arduino UNO by uploading the blink

code.

Figure 1
Connection of LED Testing Arduino UNO (by uploading the blink code)
After setting the hardware, open the IDE of Arduino software and look for installed

example in library, click the blink code which is shown in figure 2 below.

Figure 2
Choosing Blink Code (based on library of the Arduino IDE)
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE CORRECT BOARD AND PORT

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 Then click on Tools>Boards or Ports or follow the instructions in figure 3 which

shows how to choose correct board and port in Arduino IDE.

Figure 3
How to choose correct board and port in Arduino IDE
After you upload the code, see what happens to LED if is it blink then the board is
working.

STEP 3: 20X4 LCD AND I2C INTERFACE

The Arduino LCD display will serve as the monitor of the system. In our case, we

used 20x4 LCD or 20 columns 4 rows LCD. This LCD requires Library before it starts to

work. The Library is open to all. Just click this link

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https://github.com/zegreatclan/AssettoCorsaTools/wiki/Arduino-20x4-I2C-LCD,

download it and paste it to Arduino Folder located at your program files.

Figure 4 shows how to connect in LCD and I2C interface.

Figure 4
How to connect in LCD and I2C interface

STEP 4: PUSH BUTTON

Figure 5
Sample Connection of Push Button
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 Figure 5 shows the sample connection of push button to the system. The system
uses two push buttons that serve as starting switch in order for the relay module to function
and start charging.

Note: Make sure the right connection of the voltage and ground to prevent burn of your
boards and modules.

STEP 5: IR SENSOR MODULE

Figure 6
IR connection to Arduino

This step, as shown in figure 6, shows how the IR is connected to Arduino. The IR

sensor will be the main sensor to the system. This is because the concept of the project is

to count the number of the bottle which corresponds to the number of minutes of the

charging time.

STEP 6: 2 CHANNEL RELAY

The relay module is the main switch to operate the system, when the user puts bottle

in the device, the Arduino counts the bottle via IR sensor. The user will see the

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corresponding time equivalent to the bottle count. When the parameters are true, the push

button is ready to push then relay to start the charging mode. The figure below shows the

sample of 2-channel relay module.

Figure 7
Sample of 2-Channel Relay Module

STEP 7: CODE

All sensor and modules have open source code in the internet, this will be the guide

of the researcher to modify the code according to the system flow of the proposed device-

ECO CHARGER. Modify code and combine it, and upload to arduino board.

Results

The researchers conducted several trials to test the device and to determine if there

is significant effect in the process of recycling of people and availability of receiving

electrical energy when Eco-Charger is used.

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Analysis of Data

The following table presents trials conducted to compare the eco-charger device to

commercial charging station in terms of length of minutes of charging mobile devices.

Table 2
Comparison in Charging Time of Eco-Charger Device and
Commercial Charging Station

Minutes of Charging Time per Eco-Charger Commercial

Trial Device Charging Station

Trial 1 (10 minutes charging time) 5 bottles 5 pesos

Trial 2 (20 minutes charging time) 10 bottles 10 pesos

Trial 3 (30 minutes charging time) 15 bottles 15 pesos

Table 3
Summary of ANOVA

Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1 6 120 20 80
Column 2 6 120 20 80
Column 3 6 120 20 80

ANOVA

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 Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 0 2 0 0 1 3.68232
Within Groups 1200 15 80

Total 1200 17

Table 3 shows the analysis of variance. As shown, the derived value of f is 0 which

is lower than the critical value of 3.68232. Therefore, the null hypothesis is failed to accept.

There is a significant effect in recycling plastic bottles and availability of receiving

electrical energy when Eco-Charger device is used.

To test the acceptability of design and efficiency of the device, the researcher

conducted a survey questionnaire. This contains two parts, i) Personal Information and ii)

Statements regarding the design and efficiency of the output device. The researchers used

the Likert Scale in scaling the responses of the respondents where 5- Strongly Disagree, 4-

Disagree, 3- Undecided, 2- Agree, and 1- Strongly Agree. A total of 20 respondents

answers the questionnaire.

Before the administration proper of the survey, the researcher let the respondents use

the device and understand its concept. Calculated weighted mean were used to describe the

responses of the participants.

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 5

4.5

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12

Figure 8

Weighted Mean of the Answers of the Respondents

The figure above, shows that statement 1 and 11, “The device is very easy to use

and it is more affordable compare to the traditional charging station,” have the highest

weighted mean of 5. Statement 9, “The device does not consume any to time to work with,”

and statement 12, “The device is more efficient compare to the traditional charging

station” received responses with weighted mean of 4.8.

Statement 10, “The time provided in each bottle is proficient to people’s needs,”

have a weighted mean of 4.6. Statement 2, “The device can accept plastic bottles that is

smaller than 1.5 liter containers,” and statement 5, “The device have important features

presented,” have a weighted mean of 4.4. Statement 6, “The device is safe or prone-free

to accidents,” have a weighted mean of 4. Statement 3, “The device displays instructions

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on how to use it,” have a weighted mean of 3.2. Statement 7, “The device works smoothly

and does not show any troubleshoots,” have a weighted mean of 3.

Finally, it is evident in the graph that statement 8 “The device requires supervision

and guardian to use” received the lowest with weighted mean of 1.6.

Discussion

Based on the trials and statistical treatments used, it is determined that the study

entitled Eco-Charger: Utilization of Plastic Bottles to Charge Mobile Phones have

significant effect when use. It is sufficiently great in the process of recycling plastic bottles

and exchanged them to electrical energy to charge mobile phones and gadgets.

In the survey conducted, respondents agreed that the device is affordable and

efficient for the device requires only plastic bottles to function but still performs a

maximum productivity. Moreover, the device displays all important information and

instructions. For the equivalent of the number of plastic bottles thrown in the device to the

length of time charging for the mobile devices, many agreed that the device is proficient to

their needs. Since recycling involves a long process, using the device can be helpful for the

collection of plastic bottles. Besides, the device does not consume much electrical energy.

As the researchers conducted several trials, they discovered that there are

limitations in the device. The device does not cover or cannot identify the properties and

composition of trash being thrown due to the cost of the sensor needed. It does not function

without source of electricity but it can enhanced by using a battery. The owner should also

watch over the mobile devices while charging.

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 The limitations presented can be further improved with time and monetary worth.

Moreover, all the mentioned limitations are possible to overcome.

Conclusion

Based on the test and data gathering technique applied on this study, the following

conclusions were derived:

1. There is a significant effect in recycling plastic bottles and availability of receiving

electrical energy when Eco-Charger device is used.

2. The study is proven to be capable of collecting plastic bottles.

3. Eco-Charger is proven to be more affordable for it only requires plastic bottles to

function and provide a maximum productivity.

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Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank the following mentors in conducting this study:

To their research teacher, Mr. Christian Keith M. Ortiz for her untiring support and

guidance to make this project possible and who supported them throughout the process.

To our beloved school principal Dr. Mary Jane Pascual-Santos for her unending

support in the STE program more specifically in Research subjects.

To their former Research teachers, Mrs. Artemia A. Avila for their guidance and

support to make this project possible.

To all students of Camp Tinio National High School who helped us become well-

motivated and dedicated.

To their parents who supported them along the way.

To their technicians who made the device possible.

L.M.G.D

I.Q

P.J.M.C

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References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479712001004

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344915300720

3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.2010.43-711

4. https://patents.google.com/patent/US9432480B2/en

5. https://patents.google.com/patent/US9796280B2/en

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 Abstract

Recycling gives a huge contribution in the environmental condition in the

environmental condition. It can make a huge difference to improve the situations happening

in the surroundings during these days. Since other people are not participating recycling in

some programs by just collecting plastic bottles. People use their mobile phones frequently,

this study aims to provide an alternative charging station wherein inserting a bottle is the

way to charge their phones successfully.

In this process, it is an easy way to collect plastic bottles and may be advantageous

for people who need to charge their phones immediately. The idea of this study is to

introduce the significance of recycling in the community. It may be able to service people

by charging their phones and it can help utility workers to lessen their work as well as in

separating plastic bottles away from other trashes.

The result and finding of the study delivers great outcome which may develop the

progress of the changing environment. The Eco-Charger: Utilizing Plastic Bottles to

Charge Mobile Phones performs its function to improve the process of recycling and the

availability to receive electrical energy in order to charge their phones.

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