Beverage Container Collecting Machine Project

Abstract

The article describes an integrated project for the collection and recycling of beverage containers (aluminum cans and plastic bottles) in a big city. Collection is proposed to be carried out with the help of a reverse vending machine (RVM). A RVM is a machine where people can return empty beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, for recycling. The installation of RVMs for collecting beverage containers faces difficulties in the Russian Federation due to the contradictions in the Act of the manufacturers' extended responsibility. We offer a solution for automatic recycling of plastic and metal waste in combination with another mechanism of economic motivation of end users - a system of discounts and bonuses in large retail chains. The machine recognizes containers with a conventional camera, which allows reducing costs. Then special workshops produce more accurate sorting of containers and transfer them to processing companies for further disposal. Secondary raw materials can be reused, namely in the building and repair of automatic machines for beverage containers (internal aluminum structures and plastic parts printed on a 3D printer). This approach can significantly improve the economic efficiency of the project.