How can institutions manage their waste effectively as global consumption rises and environmental concerns grow more urgent? With the Philippines ranking among the top waste generators in Southeast Asia, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) faces this challenge firsthand; notably, as a 'green research university,' its efforts toward environmental and ecological sustainability are its hallmark.With a particular focus on trash collection, faculty-researchers from the Catanduanes State University - College of Information and Communication Technology, May G. Yuga, Merli Joy M. Jamero, Joy V. Santelices, and Belen M. Tapado developed a system that aims to reduce waste mismanagement by improving collection efficiency through a simple SMS-based signal system. The Smart Trash Station utilizes SMS (Short Message Service) technology and Arduino-based sensors to create an SMS-based solid waste collection signaling and monitoring system. This system monitors waste levels and weight in real-time, automatically sending SMS notifications to waste collection authorities when the bins need to be emptied.After one year of research, the paper obtained its copyright, is now applying for a patent, and will be published in a Scopus-indexed journal once the patenting process is complete to ensure public accessibility.CatSU will be the pioneer user of the βSmart Trash Station,β with plans to install it in selected buildings, including the Administrative Building, the College of Engineering and Architecture, and the College of Information and Communications Technology.Driven by a commitment to sustainability, the Smart Trash Station researchers recognize the need for efficient waste management to curb environmental harm and promote a healthy, vibrant community inside the university. βThis study gets to the heart of what we do by turning theoretical ideas into workable solutions that make us more responsible to the world and help make the future cleaner and more stable. We're interested in this topic because it gives us a chance to make a good difference in CatSU and environmental efforts in general,β said the researchers. βSmart Trash Station: An SMS-based Solid Waste Collection Signal and Monitoring System at CatSUβ was named the winner of the USWAG Award in the Science and Technology category and is one of the best publishable paper awardees, during the 2024 Annual In-house Review of Completed Researches last September 25-27, 2024.
