FPGA-based Reverse Vending Plastic Recycling Machine

A reverse vending machine is an automated machine designed to encourage recycling by accepting used plastic bottles and dispensing rewards. These machines are becoming increasingly popular due to the growing awareness of environmental sustainability. The aim of this paper is to design a Reverse Vending Plastic Recycling Machine (RV-PRM) that processes plastic bottles and dispenses coupons based on the mass of recycled plastic. The RV-PRM categorizes plastic bottles into seven bins, each for different types of plastics. When bottles are deposited, the machine uses FPGA technology to accurately calculate the mass of the recycled plastic and determines the number of redeemable coupons. The system also includes UART communication to transfer data from the FPGA to an ESP32 microcontroller, which sends real-time notifications to users' mobile devices. The machine dispenses physical coupons, which can be used at partner retailers, providing an incentive for users to recycle. This innovative solution aims to enhance recycling efforts by combining real-time processing, user engagement, and environmental responsibility.