PAPELitan: paper vending machine/ Catherine A. Dela Cruz, Jomari S. Diocolano, Jeinalyn F. Dizon, Mary Grace C. Gravidez, and Jonathan A. Mendoza .--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Industrial Technology.-- Bachelor of Engineering Technology Major in Computer Engineering Technology: Technological University of the Philippines, Manila. 2023

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Paper is by far the most common waste product, accounting for over 70% of all trash in
businesses and educational institutions. Paper waste grows when it is not properly
segregated. Therefore, it presents a challenge in global waste management that has led to
increased landfill volume, paper waste that cannot be recycled, and deforestation due to the
production of paper. While current solutions are helpful in mitigating paper waste, the
researchers found out that there are limited studies that have integrated Internet of Things.
The study aims to design, develop, test, and evaluate a reverse vending machine that
exchanges used white paper for new white paper and serves as an alternative way to
segregate paper waste using prototyping method. Test Results show that there is no
significant difference in the response time of the sensors with p-value of 0.863 and there is
no significant difference in terms of functional correctness of the system in dispensing the
correct equivalent paper sizes (i.e., letter, legal, and A4) with p-value of 0.770. The results
further imply that the system is consistent in terms of its time behavior and accuracy
performance. The evaluation procedure yielded a "very good" rating in all criteria of ISO
25010:2011 standards in terms of functional suitability, performance efficiency, usability,
reliability, and maintainability. This research project is aligned with the UN-SDG
(Sustainable Development Goals) of ensuring sustainable consumption and production by
addressing the consumption of paper waste.