3.3.1 Appearance

This machine replaces the recycling bin, so people will end up throw their wastes into this machine. The size of this machine is about the same size of the vending machine. It is designed with more components unlike our recycle bins now with only three different components where we also need to differentiate the trash yourself. However, with the improvised machine that is being specially designed for recycling, it is more attractive and also have a led monitor and also more component and also incorporate with advanced technology.

3.3.2 Operation

This machine is using card to keep the reward point.  People need to go to particular office to get the reward card then they will use it everytime they recycled.  While they want to recycle, they need to tap the reward card first  When they have enough points they could redeem the point to the recycling office and they will get some money. However, if the people do not want to redeem the points now, they can store it in the reward cards first and used it later.

The work of this machine is like reserve vending machine.  The residents will insert the wastes one by one.  The wastes will be automatically scanned and identified (based on the database program) and after the machine recognized the wastes and accept them, the machine will process and crush the wastes to reduce the size so it will save the vending capacity.  If the wastes were not acceptable by the machine, it means that the wastes are not recyclable.  The non recyclable items will be returned back to residents.  The residents will need to tap it again and the machine will automatically input how much point they will get. However, for items that are not acceptable or not recyclable no reward points will be given.

overfilling landfills due to the overload of rubbish

Figure 1: overfilling landfills due to the overload of rubbish
source: <http://theviewspaper.net/overflowing-landfills-shrinking-land/>

Nowadays, not only not recycling enough is a problem but also overfilling landfills due to the overload of rubbish is also becoming a big serious issue. Figure 1 above shows a back of the truck that is fully filled with rubbish emptying the rubbish at the landfill. Landfill can be clearly seen that it is pilled up with full of different rubbish and even the ground cannot be seen. From the image i can infer that the amount of rubbish we dispose is way too much until its is overfilling the landfill and has nowhere to be disposed. We need to try to reduce the rubbish and try to recycle them as much as possible so that we will overload the landfills. We also need to burn the rubbish or bury them. However, by burning them, harmful gases will be given out and pollution will occur. By burying them in the ground, for example burying a plastic bag in the ground, it will take a few years for it to be completed dissolved.

 Figure 2: Chart form 1988 to 2007 the amount of rubbish that has been disposed

Figure 2 shows a chart from 1988 to 2007, the amount of rubbish that has been disposed it can be clearly read from the chart that the amount of rubbish that has been disposed has rapidly decreased. Which i can infer from the chart that many has stop disposing the rubbish in the non correct way and also items are being recycle thus the amount of rubbish has been cut down.

Figure 3: Recycling Machine in Japan

source: <http://www.kit.ac.jp/english/11/topics/2011/r-petproject_01.jpg>

Japan is the first which has come out with recycling machine that is convenient to the people and is also user friendly. It has an enclosed opening and thus do not give out unpleasant smell unlike other normal recycling bins we have. It also has reward system when you recycle which also helps to encourage people to recycle more, when you recycle into the machine, you just have to tap your bus card to get your reward rebates and it will be automatic stored into your card. It also very useful to the people who collect these recycled materials as they do not need to sort out the different materials from the bins like they normally need to, as the machine is categorized. For example for plastic bottles or plastic materials, there will be a machine specifically for collection of plastic only. If other materials that are not plastic are placed into the recycling machine, it will not accept it and it will shut its lid to prevent the item to go into the machine. Different materials have different machines for them to recycle and the different types can be found near one another. It helps to save not only man power also help them to sort and differentiate the items into the right recycle bins.

Final Design Ideas we have came out with

Five top ideas has been listed out to help to improve on the number of people who recycle. Some programmes and ideas which can be implemented to help to encourage people to recycle.

3.2.1 Green Policeman

Policeman wearing full green uniform have the duty of patrolling to spot for people who do not recycle and recycle the incorrect item into the wrong bins. The people who do not recycle or recycle into the incorrect bins will fine or give warning cards. The policeman are wearing the full green uniform to promote and let others be aware of recycling as their green uniforms is very unique and attracts people to notice them.

3.2.2 Recycling Subject is Compulsory

The subject recycling will be introduced into every school as a compulsory subject. Recycling is compulsory and every school has to conduct recycling lesson at least an hour per week. There will be exams and competition and campaigns that are compulsory for the students to take part in too.

3.2.3 Stop and Snap

There will be cameras that will be taking pictures of people who do not recycle and also there will be cameras placed in every recycle bins. Cameras that will be placed in each recycled bins will be taking picture of the people who recycled into the wrong section of the bins. The picture will than be sent to the in charge of the environment section than they will note down and also sent a notice letter to them. Actions will be taken if a high number of mistakes are made.

3.2.4 Recycling bin machine (Sort-A-Matic Machine)

A recycling bin machine that will sort the different items into the correct recycling columns for you. For example when items like a mixture of metal cans and plastic bottles, were thrown to this machine, the bin will sort it out into the correct section and it will be returned back if the items was not recyclable. Reducing the hassle needing to sort the rubbish before it is being recycled.

This idea is inspired by TOMRA sorting system powered by TITECH.  This company used sensor-based sorting system to sort it the wastes.  A lot of countries are using this technology such as United Kingdom, German, China, India, and Rusia. By produce this machine, it will automatically reduce manpower cost and service costs.

fig 3.2b The Automatic Sorting Test Center in Mulheim-Karlich, Germany

The idea of sort-a-matic machine is a little bit different with TOMRA system.  In fact that TOMRA technology is used on recycling company.  However, this sort-a-matic machine is put in the public places and residents will consider it as a recycling bin.  Every time people recycle the wastes, they will wait first and the machine will sort it and return it back to residents if they put the non-recyclable items.

3.2.5 Incentive Reward System

Recycling rewards will be given to the people. Like for example in Japan, recycling will be rewarded. Recycle machines are found in subways which is very convenient for the people. By sorting the recyclable items into the different recycle vending machine, a cash refund will be received back for the cost of the bottles or the cans that has been recycled or a reward card will be given. Reward cards will store there points unused for later use.

Not only that, a lot of countries are using this idea and improving on recycling and coming up with more campaigns. Like even in Beijing now they have the recycling machine in Shaoyaoju Station at Beijing.  The machine accepts used bottles and passengers could get five to fifteen cents for each bottle or they could recharge their transportation charges on site.

fig 3.2c Recycling Machine in Subway, Beijing

3.3 Final Outcome: Vending Sort-A-Matic Machine

Vending Sort-A-Matic Machine is a combination of incentive reward program (refer to 3.2.5 Incentive Reward System) and sort-a-matic machine (refer to 3.2.4 Recycling Bins Machine).  Basically, people who throw their wastes to this vending will be paid.  The purpose of this vending sort-a-matic machine is to encourage people to do recycle since they will be paid if they did it and to increase the public awareness of recycling.

3.3.1 Appearance

This machine replaces the recycling bin, so people will end up throw their wastes into this machine.  The size of this machine is the same size with vending machine.  

3.3.2 Operation

This machine is using card to keep the reward point.  People need to go to particular office to get the reward card then they will use it everytime they recycled.  While they want to recycle, they need to tap the reward card first  When they have enough points they could redeem the point to the recycling office and they will get some money.

The work of this machine is like reserve vending machine.  The residents will insert the wastes one by one.  The wastes will be automatically scanned and identified (based on the database program) and after the machine recognized the wastes and accept them, the machine will process and crush the wastes to reduce the size so it will save the vending capacity.  If the wastes were not acceptable by the machine, it means that the wastes are not recyclable.  The non recyclable items will be returned back to residents.  The residents will need to tap it again and the machine will automatically input how much point they will get.

101 solutions to people who are not recycling enough

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Mindmap (101 Solutions for people who are not recycling)

A mindmap my group member and i have came out with (101 Solutions for people who are not recycling enough)
We came out with 101 solutions on how to help to encourage people to recycle and also to solve the problem of those people do not recycle enough.
We came out with realistic but yet interesting ideas.
After the 101 solutions that was listed out we picked on the top 5 best and build up on it.

We have finalized our top 5 ideas and list out the pros and cons of it. 

By doing that, we can differentiate and visualize clearly that which idea is more effective and will have the higher chance of solving the problem of people who are not recycling enough and improving on the problem.

Elderly Tan En Pei

2.2.3 Elderly

The researcher take an action to empathize a Elderly with the profile :

Name : Tan En Pei

Age : 52

Occupation : Retired

Live in : Bishan

Marriage Status : Married

Problem : I do not recycle

              There is no recycle bins for recycling around her living area

Tan En Pei do not recycle and does not have the habit of doing so. She is currently no working and has retired a year ago. “Even if i have things to recycle where do i recycle the items? The only bins that is available and placed under my block is just normal rubbish bins.” The rubbish binn available under her block is shown in “Figure 2.2c The only normal rubbish  bins under HDB “. She thinks that if there is recycling bins placed under every block or in every two to three blocks, the number of people who recycle will increase more rapidly. She thinks that the government should implement more programmes that will encourage recycling as singaporeans are not recycling and does not have the habit of doing so.

                           Figure 2.2c The only normal rubbish  bins under HDB