AUTOMATIC WASTE SEGREGATOR AND FERTILIZER CREATOR

USING A MICROCONTROLLER

____________________

Research Proposal

Presented to the Faculty of

Computer Engineering Department

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa, Manila

____________________

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Course Requirements for

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

____________________

By

Capistrano, Ephraim Joel

Esmalla, Jerwin Russell

Lat, Joseph R.

Lobaton, Kenneth Marin

 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter includes the Introduction, Background of the Study, Theoretical

Framework, Conceptual Framework, Statement of the Problem, Scope and

Limitations, Significance of the Study, and Definition of Terms.

Introduction

Waste materials are any substances that are to be disposed after usage. Waste

can be classified to Biodegradable material waste and Non-Biodegradable material

waste. Biodegradable Waste is materials that can be decomposed by microorganisms,

these include kitchen waste, paper and other carbon based material. Non-

Biodegradable are materials that cannot be broken down into its base compound by

microorganisms, air, moisture or soil, in a reasonable amount of time. Non-

Biodegradable substances include plastics, Styrofoam, and etc.

Waste Management is the process of handling wastes and offers a variety of

solutions for recycling items that cant be thrown away but be used again. Waste

Segregation is a procedure that is used to separate Biodegradable from Non-

Biodegradable waste. Waste Segregation is important in management and

preservation of the environment. Nowadays, waste segregation is being implemented

in the Philippines especially in cities wherein the garbage collector oblige the

residents to segregate the waste from non-biodegradable to biodegradable.

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Background of the Study

Managing solid waste has always been the problem of the Philippines since

1999. As the Philippine food establishment and fast food chain grows, approximately

26,557 this 2012, the waste rapidly increases in quantity.

In the year 2000, the government enact RA 9003 also known as The

Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000, is an act for providing an ecological

waste management program, creating necessary institutional mechanisms and

incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties appropriating

funds, therefore, and for other purposes. RA 9003 states that food establishments

must be responsible for the segregation of their waste. Most of the non-biodegradable

materials are recycled and reused, while biodegradable materials are dumped and will

no longer be useful. According to Republic Act 9003 Chapter 3, Section 21;

Mandatory Segregation of Solid Wastes states that the local government unit shall

promulgate regulations requiring the owner or person in charge of such premises to:

(a) provide for the residents a designated area and containers in which to accumulate

source separated recyclable materials to be collected by the municipality, Also,

Section 22; (b) states that the solid waste container depending on its use shall be

properly marked or identified for on-site collection as compostable, non-

recyclable, recyclable or special waste. The discipline and culture of waste

segregation must be preserved.

Therefore, proponents where inspired to create the project due to the benefits

that the biodegradable can give, disposal as well as to make the most of

biodegradable materials by creating fertilizer. The proposed project would benefit

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food establishments through the creation of fertilizer wherein biodegradable waste

will be converted into fertilizer.

Theoretical Framework

Composting is a process in which organic substance are reduced from large

volumes of rapidly decomposable materials to small volumes of materials which

continue to decompose slowly. The decomposed substance is called compost or

humus. One of the major advantage in using the compost for the soil is that the

nutrients in it is being released slowly to the soil for the plants to be used.

Centrifugal force is an inertial force caused by the inertia of the object, where

it seeks to follow a straight path. According to Newtons Law of Inertia, objects in

motion tend to follow a straight path, if the object is applied with a continuous

sideways force it will overcome the inertia and take a curved path, which is called

centripetal force. Now in Newtons third law, or Action-Reaction Law, in every

applied force there is an equivalent equal and opposite force. In other words, if a rope

swinging around an object is applied with a force, the object swinging around will

provide an equal and opposite force to the rope where it will pull the rope and object

away from the center, thus the centrifugal force. (Kurtus, 2016)

A Load Cell is a transducer that converts a load or force acting on it into an

electronic signal or in other words it is a mechanic device that converts the force or

weight into electronic signals. The electronic signal that the load cell produces can

either be a voltage change, current change or frequency change depending on the type

of load cell and circuitry used. A load cell is made by using an elastic member (with

highly repeatable deflection pattern) to which a number of strain gauges are attached,

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usually four (4). Load sensor works when a force or weight is applied to the body of a

resistive load then elastic member will deflect and create a strain at those position. As

a result the strain gauge will compress, whereas the other two is in tension thus create

a force or strain and then machine will convert this strain into electric signals to be

used by the circuit.

A Humidity Sensor is a sensor that sense, measures and reports the relative

humidity in the air. This sensor can measure both temperature and air moisture.

Humidity Sensor uses a capacitive measurement on which it relies to the electrical

capacitance. Electrical capacity is the ability of two nearby electrical conductor to

create an electric field between them. The sensor is composed of two conductive

metal plate and contains a non-conductive polymer film between them. This film

collects moisture from the air, which causes the voltage between the two plates to

change. These voltages changes are converted into digital reading and there showing

the level of moisture in the air.

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a water solution. Acidic

solutions have a higher relative number of hydrogen ions, while alkaline (also called

basic) solutions have a higher relative number of hydroxyl ions. Acids are substances

which either dissociate (split apart) to release hydrogen ions or react with water to

form hydrogen ions. Bases are substances that dissociate to release hydroxyl ions or

react with water to form hydroxyl ions. pH measurement is based on the use of a pH

sensitive electrode (usually glass), a reference electrode, and a temperature element to

provide a temperature signal to the pH analyzer. The pH electrode uses a specially

formulated, pH sensitive glass in contact with the solution, which develops a potential

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(voltage) proportional to the pH of the solution. The reference electrode is designed to

maintain a constant potential at any given temperature, and serves to complete the pH

measuring circuit within the solution. It provides a known reference potential for the

pH electrode. The difference in the potentials of the pH and reference electrodes

provides a millivolt signal proportional to pH. Most pH sensors are designed to

produce a 0 mV signal at 7.0 pH, with a (theoretically ideal) slope (sensitivity) of -

59.16 mV / pH at 25C. (Rosemount analytical)

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Conceptual Framework

Below is the figure on how the whole system will undertake the processes

needed to complete the whole cycle. The input stage includes the knowledge needed,

hardware and software to be used in the project. The process stage consists of system

analysis, system design and system development of the project and the last stage is

the output which is the Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator using a

microcontroller.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

System Analysis:
1. Requirement
Analysis AUTOMATIC
Knowledge in:
2. Requirement
1. Microcontrollers WASTE
2. Composting
Definition
3. Organic Fertilizer System Design: SEGREGATOR
Hardware: 1. Conceptual
1. Microcontroller Design AND
2. Shredder 2. Block Diagram
3. AC Motors
FERTILIZER
System
4. Servo Motor Development: CREATOR
5. pH Sensor 1. Schedule of
6. Humidity Sensor USING A
Activities
7. Load Cell
2. Program Coding
Software
3. Prototype
MICROCONTR
1. C/C++
Programming Development OLLER
System Testing
1. Prototype
Testing

Evaluation

Figure 1: The conceptual framework of the study which includes the Input block,

Process block and the Output Block.

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Objectives of the Study

General Objective:

To create an Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator using

a microcontroller

Specific Objectives:

To hasten the process of Fertilizer creation through the proposed

machine.

To maximize the use of biodegradable materials by turning it into a

composed through the proposed machine.

To measure the right amount of biodegradable and soil combination by

utilizing a load cell.

To lessen the time of traditional way of composting by adding a

heating process.

To determine the pH level for the readiness of compost.

To monitor the moisture inside the mixer using humidity sensor.

Statement of the Problem

Food establishment waste are separated when dumped out, disposable

containers such as plastic cup and Styrofoam are segregated. Collected waste from

each food establishment by garbage collectors that cannot be recycled are dumped to

landfills. Waste from landfills that are dumped for too long emit methane gasses that

is dangerous to communities near the landfill; especially to those who scavenges for

trashes that they think they can still make something out of, whether by selling it or

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using it. And to the environment because of methane gas emissions, if in high

concentrations, displaces oxygen. Therefore the Proponents want to answer the

following questions:

1. How can the Biodegradable waste be more useful using the proposed

machine?

2. How can the organic fertilizer be created using the proposed machine?

3. Through the proposed machine, how will the organic fertilizer creation be

useful to the target beneficiary?

4. What are the procedures that the waste will undergo in order to produce a

good quality fertilizer?

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The goal of the proponents in creating the Automatic Waste Segregator and

Fertilizer Creator using a microcontroller is to hasten the creation of fertilizer and

maximize the usage of biodegradable materials. The machine is set to automatically

shred, mix with soil in order to hasten the decomposing process. Biodegradable

wastes include kitchen waste, banana peels and etc.

The machine is composed of load sensor that will detect if the input

biodegradable waste is enough and triggers the closing cap. Another load sensor for

soil compartment that will measure the right amount of soil needed to mix with the

shredded biodegradable waste to hasten the process of decomposing and to attain the

maximum capacity of the mixer. There will be a pH level sensor that will detect the

compost if it has the right pH level and a humid sensor that will monitor the

composts moisture. There will be a thermal heater for the mixing process.

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 The soil compartment will only handle a maximum of 3Kg of soil. The type of

soil that will be used is loam soil. The maximum weight that the mixer can handle is

5Kg. and the maximum biodegradable wastes is 3Kg.

Significance of the Study

Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator using a microcontroller

will benefit the following: (1) Garbage Collector (2) Food Establishments (3)

Environment

Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator using a microcontroller

will aid the garbage collector in lessening the waste that are collected from the food

establishment by utilizing the biodegradable waste and thus will make their jobs a lot

easier. It will also reduce the risk of methane gas explosions in landfills.

The research will also be useful to the food establishment since the project is

capable of creating fertilizer. Fertilizers will be introduced to food establishments

since the machine turns the biodegradable waste into fertilizer, and to donate or sell

the organic fertilizer created by the machine. Thus, Biodegradable waste disposal will

not be a problem for the food establishments

The research will also benefit the environment since it is capable of recycling

biodegradable waste. This will lessen the dumping of garbage in landfills and thus

lessen the emission of methane gas caused by too much garbage dumped at the

landfills.

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Definition of Terms

Biodegradable waste - Includes any organic matter in waste which can be broken

down into carbon dioxide, water, methane or simple organic molecules by micro-

organisms.

Centrifugal Force - is an inertial force caused by the inertia of the object, where it

seeks to follow a straight path.

Composting - is a process in which organic substance are reduced from large

volumes of rapidly decomposable materials to small volumes of materials which

continue to decompose slowly.

Fertilizer a mixture of soil and shredded biodegradable waste.

Fertilizer Creator machine that will mix shredded biodegradable materials and soil

to create a compost.

Landfill waste - wastes composed of clinical waste, toxic waste and radioactive

wastes.

Load Sensor a sensor or a transducer that converts a load or force acting on it into

an electronic signal

Loam Soil Soil composed of a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter.

Microcontroller - is a self-contained system with peripherals, memory and a

processor that can be used as an embedded system.

Newtons Law of Inertia - is the tendency of an object to stay at rest or in motion.

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Non-biodegradable waste Materials that are cannot be changed to a harmless

natural state by the action of bacteria.

Organic Fertilizer - Organic fertilizers are fertilizers derived from animal matter,

animal excreta (manure), human excreta, and vegetable matter.

Relay Module - a separate hardware device used for remote device switching.

Servo Motor - A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows for

precise control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration.

Waste - material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of

something.

Waste Management - is the process of handling wastes and offers a variety of

solutions for recycling items that cant be thrown away but be used again.

Waste segregation - act of dividing waste into dry and wet. Dry waste includes wood

and related products, metals and glass. Wet waste, typically refers to organic waste.

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses various studies and literature done in relation to this

study. The proponents gathered some related studies and literature from published

articles, books, information from the internet to support this research.

Foreign Literature

According to Okareh, Oyewole, and Taiwo, Production of compost from food

wastes could be seen from the perspective of resource recovery from waste, while the

application of compost is geared towards improving soil quality for improved crop

production. The compost produced showed high fertilizing value. The developed

technique produced three times Nitrogen content of the compost produced by other

methods (1% to 2%).

According to Thomas Devine, a materials science and Berkeley, engineering

professor at the University of California. Stainless steels are iron-based alloys

primarily known for their generally excellent corrosion resistance. The two main

types of stainless steels are austenitic and ferritic, each of which exhibits a different

atomic arrangement. Due to this difference, ferritic stainless steels are generally

magnetic while austenitic stainless steels usually are not. A ferritic stainless steel

owes its magnetism to two factors: its high concentration of iron and its fundamental

structure.

According to the study made by Andy Trigg, the efficiency of dry spinners

depends on how fast it spins. Different spinners rotating at different speeds were

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observed to determine the differences between the efficiency of different spin speeds.

At 800 rpm, which is the minimum speed, residual dampness is 70% and consumes 4

kWh; while at 1800 rpm, which is the maximum efficiently residual dampness is at

42% and consumes 2.6 kWh.

According to the study of Rodgers Hill, there are three types of low-speed

shredders that meet varying application requirements in shredding different kinds of

large waste materials to reduce its size. The basic type of shredder can be either

electromechanically or electrohydraulically driven, with preference for the other two

that are totally dependent on the nature and volume of the material to be reduced.

According to the study of Feng, Yao, Chen, Zhang, and Shen, performances

of the cutting tool determines the cutting behavior and process capability. Grinding is

one of the most common material removal process to achieve the desired surface

integrity, and is usually used as a finishing process.

According to the study of Nithyananth, Samuel, Mathew, and Suraj, the

convetional agro-waste disposal is the oldest method of waste disposal where the

waste is dumped to a certain place to degrade for decomposing, although its

decomposing time is too long and causes environmental pollution. A waste shredder

machine was attached to ploughing tractor, where various kinds of blades such as,

sawing blades, rotary blades, and triangular-shaped blades where used for chipping

and powdering that will help in reducing the agro-waste and the pollution and convert

it to fertilizer.

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 According to Vernier and Software technology, Soil Moisture sensor is used

to measure the volumetric content of soil. It is mostly used for the measuring of loss

of moisture over time due to evaporation and plant uptake, evaluation of optimum soil

moisture contents for various species of plants, monitoring of soil moisture content to

control irrigation in greenhouses, and enhancement of bottle biology experiments.

The prong of the soil moisturizer sensor must be oriented horizontally, but

rotated onto their side like a knife positioned to cut so that the water does not pool

on the flat surface of the prongs. The horizontal position ensures the measurement is

made at a particular soil depth. The sensor is not suggested to be positioned vertically

because soil moisture varies by depth.

According to Tom Richard, Oxygen is the obvious compound to add when the

source of the odor is anaerobic metabolism. Forced aeration systems are particular to

facilities composting biosolids (sewage sludge) that has a high potential of generating

odors. These systems require uniform piles shapes and porosity to reduce the

potential for air to short-circuit along the path of resistance. In passively aerated

systems, which depend on diffusion and natural convection, adequate porosity is

essential to reduce the resistance to oxygen movement. The pile must be appropriate

for both the mix of ingredients and stage in the composting process, so that the

oxygen diffusing into the pile is not entirely consumed before it reaches the center.

Odors can also be biologically oxidized after they have formed, and this is

probably tremendously important for most composting systems. Odorous anaerobic

products produced in the low oxygen center of a pile usually pass through an aerobic

zone on the way out. Microorganisms will then degrade the odors aerobically. This

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process probably occurs on both a macro scale (the pile as a whole) and a micro scale

(within individual particles or clumps), essentially providing in situ bio filtration; the

pollution control technique using a bioreactor containing living material to capture

and biologically degrade pollutants. When turning an anaerobic compost pile this

advantage is lost, which is why frequent turning is not the best way to deal with an

odor problem, and instead often makes the problem worse?

According to NC State University, Composting is the aerobic decomposition

of organic materials by micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi under controlled

conditions into a soil-like substance; breaking down of complex organic compounds

into simpler substances that produce carbon dioxide, water, minerals, and stabilized

organic matter, called compost. Conditions that must be met for the fast growth of the

microorganisms must be maintained and established. These are: (1) the organic

materials must be well blended to provide the nutrients and support the microbial

activity and growth, including the balanced supply of Nitrogen and Carbon which is

important; (2) sufficient oxygen to support the aerobic organisms; (3) moisture levels

that uphold biological activity without hindering aeration; (4) temperatures needed by

microorganisms that grow bet in warm environment.

Carbon and nitrogen are important nutrients needed by microorganisms in the

composting process. Carbon supplies energy and growth, while the nitrogen is used

for protein and reproduction. Since nitrogen is also a major nutrient required for

plants, its concentration affects the value of the compost. In general, about 25 times

more carbon than nitrogen is needed by biological organisms, so it is important to

provide the right ratio which is 25:1 to 30:1 for active composting

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 Microorganisms need water to support their metabolic processes and to help

them move about. The recommended moisture content ranges from 40 to 60 percent

for most materials. Below 40 percent, microbial activity slows. It ceases below 15

percent. When moisture levels exceed 65 percent, air in the pore spaces of the raw

materials is displaced by water, which leads to anaerobic conditions, odors, and

slower decomposition.

The pH level is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of the composting

material, measured on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being

neutral. Composting can work effectively between the pH levels of 5.5 to 9; however,

the process is most effective between 6.5 to 8.0. A pH level below 6 can slow

decomposition, and a level above 8 can cause the release of unpleasant-smelling

ammonia. Insufficient oxygen is often the cause of low pH during the active

composting stage, so increasing the aeration by turning the pile should raise the pH.

According to HP Ferreira Company, Load Cells is an electro-mechanical

device (Transducer) that converts a force into electrical signal. Load cells is

categorized into two the analog and digital load cells. The main difference between

the two is that the analog load cells produces analog signal electrical signal while the

digital load cells are analog load cell with a circuit to convert this analog signals into

digital signals. The Load Cells is most composed of 4 strain gauge in a Wheatstone

configuration.

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 According to Leineriza, there are different types of soil that gardeners usually

work with Sandy, Silty, Clay, Peaty, Saline and Loam soil. According to the author

the most ideal type of soil that gardens and gardeners love is the loam soil because it

contains the balance of three soil materials; silt, sand and clay. This soil has a higher

pH and calcium levels because of its previous organic matter content. Loam is dark in

color and is mealy in the hands. It has a tight hold on water and plant food but it

drains well and the air moves freely between soil particles down up to the roots.

Foreign Studies

The Project of M S Ramaiah Institute of technology named Automatic Waste

Segregator is a machine that segregates the waste into three (3) categories: Wet, Dry

and Metal. They have use different kinds of control system to segregate the waste and

using a microcontroller 8051 which serves as the heart of the system controls every

control system in the machine. (Pushpa, M., Gupta, A., Shaikh, S. M., Jha, S., & V.,

S. (2015). Microcontroller based Automatic Waste Segregator.)

A Team in the University of Mauritius created a Microcontroller based

household Anaerobic Food Digester that produces two outputs namely biogas which

can be used domestically as fuel for cooking and bio-fertilizer respectively. The

machine is composed with different kinds of sensors to monitor the temperature and

the pH level of the anaerobic digestion. A safe heating mechanism is also

implemented in the system to maintain the temperature of the organic materials.

Lastly a microcontroller served as the brain of the system that process all the signals

received from the sensors to optimally control the anaerobic digestion. (Pushpa, M.,

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Gupta, A., Shaikh, S. M., Jha, S., & V., S. (2015). Microcontroller based Automatic

Waste Segregator.)

Automation of Waste Segregation using PLC is system created by

Basaveshwar Engineering College that automates the process of segregation. The

system consist of different sensors such as proximity, Infrared (IR), Moisture, Metal

Detection, and Plastic Detection Sensor to detect the materials in the waste

considered to either re-used or recycle. The researchers used Programmable Logic

Controller (PLC) as the main component of the system. (Kittali, R. M., & Sutagundar,

A. (2016). Automation of Waste Segregation System using PLC.)

The research named An Economic Automatic Waste Segregator using

Arduino is a technology that separates waste into three classification: wet waste, dry

waste and metallic waste. The researchers utilize arduino Nano as the center of the

system, different kinds of sensors and servo motors. Results shows that segregation

process is done properly, the wet waste contains organic waste such as vegetable

peels, garden waste and etc. dry waste include plastic bottle, paper, and etc. lastly is

metallic waste which contains safety pins, foil, keys, etc. (S, A. B., SJ, A., J, A.,

Chandran, B., & S, N. (2016). An Economic Automatic Waste Segregator using

Arduino.)

A certain team in the Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre has

created a study named Centralized Waste Segregation System which separates waste

into three different categories dry (Non-Biodegradable), Wet (Biodegradable) and

metallic waste. The system uses a microcontroller PIC16F877A as the heart of the

system which controls every control system in the project. The system uses different

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kinds of sensor such as IR sensor, capacitive sensor and lastly Metal detector.

Capacitive sensor is used to distinguish the wet waste from dry waste and metal

detector to detect the metals in the waste. The system also includes conveyor belt and

servo motor to help in segregating the waste into different categories. (Adhrisya.V,

Aiswarya.M.S, Ambili.C, Mohan, & Jancy.S, 2016)

Local Literature

According to the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards, organic

fertilizers are any product in solid or liquid form of plant or animal origin which has

undergone a substantial decomposition that supply nutrients to plants such as

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

In Solid waste management in the Philippines by Eric Torres, the biggest

challenge to g rowing LGUs is to come up with solid waste and pollution control

strategies that would effectively reduce the rubbish released to the environment.

Unfortunately, this challenge cannot be effectively addressed by each LGU alone.

LGUs need to combine their technical and engineering expertise, and their regulatory

and enforcement powers with public education, awareness, and involvement

campaigns to be able to properly implement solid waste and pollution control

programs. Finally, a good solid waste and pollution control strategy will not be an

effective one until it is fully implemented, accepted, and institutionalized by the

people and institutions. As noted by several local chief executives with exemplary

solid waste programs, their strategies were not about good engineering and slogans

but rather strong political will in implementing what is good for the environment and

the people.

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 In Greening of the Solid Waste Management in Batangas City by Furto, and

Reyes; Management of solid wastes in the Philippines has long been a responsibility

of the Local Government Units in the country since the enactment of Republic Act

9003 also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2002. In support

to the local government of Batangas Province, their study was conducted to propose a

plan of action that will enhance the level of implementation of solid waste

management in the city, lessen the harmful effects to the environment and health of

the people and find solutions to problems encountered in its implementation. A Likert

scale instrument was used to measure the level of implementation of solid waste

management practices of the residents and the problems encountered by the residents

in the implementation of solid waste management practices. A checklist determines

the effects of the implementation of solid waste management practices to the

environment and health of the people Data analysis made use of frequency

distribution, weighted mean and ANOVA. From the findings gathered on the level of

implementation of solid waste management and the observed effects to the

environment and health of the people including the problems encountered in its

implementation, a plan of action was proposed with the hope of enhancing the level

of implementation of solid waste management thereby lessening its harmful effects

and problems to health and environment.

In Assessment of Solid Waste Management in the Islamic City of Marawi,

Philippines by Dataman, Amparado, Aranico, Torres, and Cesar; they determined

some issues and concerns of solid waste management in the city of Marawi,

Philippines. They interviewed key informants. The respondents of were five (5) City

20
Government Officials (Secretary, Office of the City mayor, City Planning and

Development Officers, City General Services Officers, SP Representative-Committee

on Environment, SP Secretary), and two (2) key officials/representatives from DOH

and DENR. They were selected because of their direct involvement and participation

in the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Program. They used the

descriptive-qualitative research method. Results show that theoretically the city

government has the necessary mechanisms of how solid wastes be managed in the

city but the implementation of the ecological waste management program as

mandated by law is unsuccessful. Several reasons are attributed to this lack of

personnel, funds, and also to the undisciplined behavior of the Maranaos in their

waste disposal

Local Studies

Waste Management has always been the problem of every country around

the world especially here in Philippines. RA 9003 or also known as the Ecological

Solid Waste Management Act of 2002 was implemented in the Philippines to manage

the waste by the different cities in the Philippines. A certain team in Batangas

Province created a study using descriptive survey with 204 respondents taken from 69

selected barangays in Batangas Province. The proponents found out that the residents

there is implementing proper solid waste management practices such as selling plastic

bottles to the junkshop and other scrap materials, avoiding the use of toxic and

hazardous materials or chemicals, collection of garbage by the municipal track; reuse

of reusable materials, acquisition of sanitary landfill, segregation of biodegradable

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from non-biodegradable waste to a moderate level while improper solid waste

management such as burying hazardous waste underground is slightly practice.

Another team made a study on barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City

regarding Bio waste. The researchers found that bio waste was the one of the largest

volume of solid waste generated daily by the household and it holds also danger in

health if not reuse properly as the researchers found, thus the researcher propose that

through composting the bio waste can be reuse therefore decreasing the waste

generated by the household. These bio wastes generate methane which is extremely

dangerous to health when buried in a landfill. Bio wastes also generates leachates in

decomposition process. These leachates pollute the runoff water and ground water if

not captured and treated totally. The propose method will use shredder, sieves, metal

forks, shovels, water hoses, scales and wheel burrow in order for them to compost the

bio waste. The waste is collected through a specified place and time by the collector.

Because of these effects of improper disposal of bio wastes barangay Holy Spirit

organized its own Economic waste management group which is one its job is to

recycle bio waste material by turning into a compost making it an organic fertilizer

where the bio waste is collected in every households and transport it to the EWM

group and there creating a compost.

In restaurants, according to Ricky B. Acanto in his study, the researcher

found out first that Food establishments generated biodegradable and non-

biodegradable solid wastes. Food waste is topped among the biodegradable waste

followed by paper and green wastes while plastics are among the non-biodegradable

waste generated by the solid waste generators, second food establishment stored the

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waste using plastic bags, and lastly that the food service establishments are dependent

on the city government and none of the respondents practice solid waste segregation

and the 3R which are reuse, reduce and recycle.

The students in the De La Salle University has created an Automated Waste

Sorter with Mobile Robot Delivery Waste System that can sort steel cans, aluminum

cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles with a robot that will pick up the waste. The

system consists of different kinds of sensor for different kinds of objects to be sort

along with the conveyor belt as the automatic waste sorter (AWS). The mobile robot

is consist of line following robot that is able to mechanically pick the appointed trash

bin and then collect the waste in it then proceed to the receiving end of the AWS

through the designed line path and then dump the collected waste to be sorted. (Ang,

F. G., Gabriel, M. K., Sy, J., Tan, J. J., & Abad, A. C. (2013). Automated Waste

Sorter with Mobile Robot Delivery Waste System.)

The students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines successfully

created an Automatic Waste Sorting System with Haar-Cascade Classifier in PUP

CEA. According to the researchers waste management is a big problem in every

country especially Philippines. So in order to properly manage the waste produced by

the university and for the lack of discipline of the students as well as the faculty, the

researchers created a system that will sort the waste. (Borres, Leona, Venus, &

Visaya, 2016)

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Synthesis and Relevance of the Related Literature and Stuides

Waste management has always been the problem of every country around the

world, and the improper disposal of waste was proven to be an ecological problem

that needs a radical solution. Here in the Philippines, RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Act of 2002 was implemented where it states that it is necessary

for institutions to create certain acts, mechanisms and programs in managing solid

waste. Agro-waste or agriculture waste is the oldest method of waste disposal which

is also the widely known method of disposal. Now, several waste machines are

created to automate the segregation of waste using different kinds of components

such as sensors and microcontrollers. The researchers made the possibility of

segregating waste through capacitive sensor to detect if the waste is either

biodegradable or non-biodegradable.

Waste segregation machine separates biodegradable from non-biodegradable and

make use only of non-biodegradable materials, other researchers created a machine

that will turn the organic wastes into a fertilizer. The group of Nithyananth, Samuel,

Mathew, and Suraj, have created a waste shredder machine wherein the waste is

chipped and powdered by several blades to be fertilizers.

The related literature and studies helps the researchers that the proposed topic

Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator using a microcontroller is

possible.

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 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology used for gathering data. It also

describes the methods of research used, the sample size, the data gathering

instruments, the description of the respondents and the statistical treatment of data.

Methods of Research

The descriptive method is used to gather information in the creation of organic

fertilizer. This method is used to interpret the current conditions and practices

correlated to the waste management and organic fertilizer creation process. It will

identify and describe the steps and procedures of the waste segregation and traditional

way of creating organic fertilizer.

The purpose of this method of research is to observe and describe the current

situation. After all, the present study is concerned about the automation of waste

segregation and creation of organic fertilizer for the House of Runes Caf in Batasan

Hills, Quezon City. The descriptive method of research is selected for it is the most

appropriate method to use.

The experimental method is also used to perform trials in order to meet the

proper standard in organic fertilizer creation. The proponents will perform an

experiment for biodegradable waste utilization and fertilizer creation. The

biodegradable waste such as food waste will be subjected to shredding in creating

fertilizer.

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Sample Size

Since the proponents study is dealing with the creation of fertilizer, the

population for this survey will be coming from the House of Runes Cafe including

their owners and workers. The House of Runes Cafe, owners and workers in Batasan

Hills, Quezon City will be interviewed by the proponents. They will be given survey

forms to answer certain questions related to waste management.

Data Gathering Instruments

The instrument used by the researchers to gather data is through interview.

One of the establishment the researchers visited was the House of Runes Caf in

Batasan Hills, Quezon City. The researchers interviewed Carlito Marin, a store

manager in the House of Runes Caf. He explained what kind of waste they produce

daily. The researchers were able to see the establishment, the different wastes that can

be reused for recycling and making fertilizer. The researchers also interviewed

specialist from Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He explained the

traditional way of making organic fertilizer and what kind of waste we can reuse to

create an organic fertilizer.

Another tool used in data collection is a survey form that was recommended

by the adviser. The survey form includes questions with different choices or the

respondent may choose to answer specifically. The respondents will be the store

manager, store clerks and farmers. This is to evaluate the House of Runes, what kind

of waste they produce and how they manage the waste. Also, another survey is

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created specifically for the farmers. This is to evaluate both waste management and

the traditional creation of organic fertilizer.

There is a total of 10 questions for the respondents of House of Runes Caf

and 15 questions for the respondent specialist from DENR, both questionnaire have 4

different choices per question and have Tagalog and English Translation for the ease

of understanding. The respondents are selected based on their inclination in

profession.

Description of the Respondents

In this study, the proponents will gather data from store clerks, manager of

House of Runes in Batasan Hills, Quezon City and a farmer from Montalban, Rizal.

The respondents from House of Runes will serve as a guide in this study since

the clerks and manager have been on the business of Food Catering and Services and

they have already familiarized themselves on the wastes they produce. The

respondent specialist will serve also as guide in this study since they are

knowledgeable in fertilizer for crops and familiarized himself about organic fertilizer

and how long it takes to decompose a biodegradable waste to create a fertilizer to use

for the good yield of crops.

Interviews and survey forms will be gathered from them and will be the basis for the

development of this study.

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 Statistical Treatment of Data

The following statistical tools will be used to examine the method that will be

used by the proponents:

1. Mean. In this treatment of data, the average of a set of n data will be

calculated.

2. Percentage. The relative value over the absolute value of data will be

calculated.

Block Diagram

Organic Waste pH
Load Cell Yellow LED
Input Sensor
(Soil Compartment) indicator

Microcontroller
Load Cell
` Relay Shredder Mixer Fertilizer
Module (Output)

Thermal Humidity
Heater Sensor

Figure 2. Block Diagram of Automatic Waste Segregator and Fertilizer Creator

Different types of components are used according to their function and integrated to

the microcontroller. A load cell that will sense if there is an input of waste and

monitors the maximum load of biodegradable waste. Another load cell that will

measure the amount of soil to be mixed with the biodegradable waste, it also sends a

signal to microcontroller to the Yellow LED that will notify if the soil compartment

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 must be refilled. A shredder to crush the biodegradable waste. pH sensor to monitor

the acidity of the compost, Humidity sensor to measure the moist of the compost. A

thermal heater to reduce the time it takes to decompose the organic wastes. Relay

module to control the current passing through shredder, mixer and thermal heater

Front View (height 142cm / width 53cm) Top View (30.50 cm)

Tentative Prototype

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Flow chart:

Start

Biodegradable Loam
Waste Soil

No Is Is Loam Soil
Biodegradable? ==No
2Kg?
Waste == 2 kg?

Yes Yes
No

Is there a
Shred Bio-waste
&& Loam

Yes

Mix and
Is pH level == 6 to 8
Heat Yes
and && humidity == Organic
40% -60%? Fertilize
r

No
T End

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