Technology management framework on the adoptation of a reverse vending technology for waste polyethylene terephthate bottle collection / Clydelle M. Rondaris

Dissertation

College of Industrial Education Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management Technological University of the Philippines 2019

"In the past decade, indiscriminate disposal of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles has proliferated because of the increasing consumption of PET as a beverage container. This problem can affect humans to a large degree, hence it is a necessity to develop a system that will improve the disposal and collection of PET bottles.
This study aims to develop and recommend a technology management framework on the adoption of the reverse vending technology for waste PET bottle collection in the Philippine setting. This study also measures the level of readiness of stakeholders in using the reverse vending technology. Further, it also determines the appropriate programs needed for the sustainability of the technology.
Review of related literature and studies were conducted to determine the determinants that are needed for the acceptance and adoption of the technology. Documental analysis was conducted to determine the characteristics and features of the technology, as well as policies, drivers, barriers, and challenges that are needed to consider for the adoption of the technology. The study also used statistical approaches to effectively analyze the results from the survey conducted from one hundred eighty-eight (188) respondents involved in the study. The level of awareness regarding reverse vending technology and their willingness to adopt the technology were determined. Moreover, their level of readiness to adopt the reverse vending technology was also evaluated. Based on the results of the study, there is a high level of willingness on the part of the stakeholders to try the reverse vending technology. Stakeholders were concluded also as having a high level of readiness in the adoption of the technology based on the following determinants: technology readiness, self- efficacy, technical needs, relative advantage, compatibility, and perceived ease of use. A technology management framework was formulated based on the review of related literature and studies and the results of the study. A project implementation plan was proposed, including its proposed plan for sustainability. Legislation such as mandating or enforcing recycling is identified as one program to improve the collection of post-consumer PET bottles and sustain the implementation of the reverse vending technology, as well as product take-back so that manufacturers will embrace their responsibility against the environment. Local governments unit is mandated by law to formulate local solid waste management plan; therefore, it is the responsibility of LGUS to develop guidelines for implementation phases. Additionally, developing consumers' environmental awareness through environmental education is similarly important as one of the keys for the acceptance of the technology, alongside with developing close cooperation among stakeholders.
Keywords: Reverse vending technology, reverse vending machine, polyethylene terephthalate, PET bottle collection, technology adoption.-Author's abstract"