Design and Implementation of Smart Automation for Sustainable Plastic Recycling with IoT Integration

Abstract

Plastic pollution poses a critical environmental challenge, infiltrating ecosystems and impacting human health. One innovative solution involves repurposing recycled plastics into interlocking blocks as a sustainable alternative to concrete in construction. However, manual production methods hinder scalability, efficiency, and product consistency while generating material waste. This research addresses these limitations by automating the production process using PLC and IoT technologies. The findings demonstrate that automation significantly enhances production rates, ensures consistent quality, and minimizes waste, thereby improving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. IoT is integrated to enhance the system's capabilities by providing real-time connectivity and data exchange. The IoT dashboard, developed using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL, enables the monitoring of sensor readings and production metrics, further optimizing the process. Additionally, the scalable and adaptable design supports broader implementation, promoting sustainable practices and advancing the circular economy.