Rochester Institute of Technology

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Theses

1-7-2022

Towards sustainable cities: E-waste Collecting Machine: A

Conceptual Design
Marwah Al Ramsi
[email protected]

Alia Al Helali
[email protected]

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Recommended Citation
Al Ramsi, Marwah and Al Helali, Alia, "Towards sustainable cities: E-waste Collecting Machine: A
Conceptual Design" (2022). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from

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 RIT
Towards sustainable cities:
E-waste Collecting Machine: A Conceptual Design

By

Marwah Al Ramsi & Alia Al Helali

A Graduate Capstone Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the

Degree of Master of Science in Professional Studies: City Sciences

Department of Graduate Programs & Research

Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT Dubai

January 7, 2022

i
 RIT
Master of Science in Professional Studies:
City Science

Graduate Capstone Approval

Student Name: Alia Al Helali & Marwah Al Ramsi
Graduate Capstone Title: Towards sustainable cities: E-waste Collecting
Machine: A Conceptual Design

Graduate Capstone Committee:

Name: Dr. Sanjay Modak Date:

Chair of committee

Name: Dr. Ghalib Kahwaji Date:

Member of committee/Mentor

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Throughout doing this project, we have received a great deal of valuable

assistance and support. We would first like to extend our deepest gratitude and
appreciation to Dr. Sanjay Modak -Chair of the Graduate Program and Research
Department- for his support and encouragement throughout this journey. In addition,
we would express our deepest appreciation to our mentor, Professor Ghalib Kahwaji,
whose expertise was invaluable in giving valuable ideas and opening the wide range
of thinking. Your unwavering support and professional guidance drive us to complete
this project in the perfect quality and bring our work to a higher level.

Furthermore, we are extremely grateful to Eng. Noman Gulzar and Eng. Fatma
Jasim, both of them are mechanical engineers, they help us in designing the machine
and teach us some mechanisms. Therefore, special thanks for playing a decisive role
in this project. As well, the success of mobile applications would not have been
possible without the support and constructive criticism of Eng. Fatimah Alramsi.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge the useful and constructive recommendations

on this project provided by our colleagues. And we cannot begin to express our thanks
to our families, for their profound belief in our abilities and unparalleled support.

1
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................. 1
List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................... 4
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 6
1. Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................................. 7
2. Background of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 8
3. Project Definition and Goals ......................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Project Definition .................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Goals ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4. Literature Review .......................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 E-waste Management ........................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Existing Projects .................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.1 Globally ......................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.2 Locally............................................................................................................................ 13
4.4 Type of Machines .................................................................................................................. 13
4.4.1 Indexing Machine .......................................................................................................... 13
4.4.2 Automated Storage Machine ........................................................................................ 14
5. Research Methodology ................................................................................................................. 16
6. Project Discretions ........................................................................................................................ 18
6.1 Hardware .............................................................................................................................. 19
6.1.1 Detailed Assembly......................................................................................................... 19
6.1.2 Detailed Mechanisms.................................................................................................... 20
6.2 Software ................................................................................................................................ 21
6.2.1 Technologies Used ........................................................................................................ 21
6.2.2 Usage............................................................................................................................. 21
6.2.3 Detailed Working of the Application............................................................................. 22
6.3 Project Budget....................................................................................................................... 25
7. Sources of Data ............................................................................................................................. 26
8. Impacts Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 27
8.1 Industries Awareness Analysis .............................................................................................. 27
8.2 Human Awareness Analysis .................................................................................................. 28

2
 8.3 Environment Impact Analysis ............................................................................................... 28
8.4 Economy Impact Analysis ..................................................................................................... 32
9. Results ........................................................................................................................................... 35
10. Conclusions and Future Work ................................................................................................... 36
10.1 Future work and Limitations ................................................................................................. 36
10.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 36
11. Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 37
Appendix ............................................................................................................................................... 39
11.1 PROJECT DISCRETIONS Details .............................................................................................. 39
11.1.1 Fabrication of the Machine ........................................................................................... 39
11.1.2 Components Used ......................................................................................................... 39
11.1.3 Other Electronic Components....................................................................................... 41
11.1.4 Stress Analysis ............................................................................................................... 42
11.1.5 3D Sketches of the Machine ......................................................................................... 44
11.1.6 Detailed Budget ............................................................................................................ 46
11.2 Response Email from Dubai Municipality ............................................................................. 47

3
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Flowchart of process ............................................................................................................... 18

Figure 2 3D representation of the machine .......................................................................................... 19
Figure 3 3D representation of the interior machine ............................................................................. 19
Figure 4 Shelf's Holes ............................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 5 The machine’s mechanisms detail .......................................................................................... 20
Figure 6 Application’s main page .......................................................................................................... 21
Figure 7 Start’s Screen .......................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 8 Sign In Screen .......................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 9 Sign Up Screen ........................................................................................................................ 23
Figure 10 Account's Screen ................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 11 Barcode’s Screen ................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 12 History’s Screen .................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 13 Rewards’ s Screen ................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 14 Settings 's Screen .................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 15 Inquiries ‘s Screen ................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 16 Stores ’s Screen ..................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 17 The conformity that Dubai hold regarding international standards..................................... 27
Figure 18 Rates of awareness for recycling of e-wastes ....................................................................... 28
Figure 19 Percentage of items in the E-waste ...................................................................................... 29
Figure 20 CO2 emissions (million tons CO2) - China ............................................................................. 31
Figure 21 CO2 emissions (million tons CO2) - UAE ................................................................................ 31
Figure 22 Real and 10% reducing CO2 emissions (million tons CO2) ..................................................... 31
Figure 23 Machine structure ................................................................................................................. 42
Figure 24 Apply 1500N on aluminum profile for stress test ................................................................. 43
Figure 25 Pass result of the stress test on aluminum profile ............................................................... 43
Figure 26 Back side design of the machine ........................................................................................... 44
Figure 27 Front side design of the machine.......................................................................................... 44
Figure 28 Left side design of the machine ............................................................................................ 44
Figure 29 Right side design of the machine .......................................................................................... 44
Figure 30 X-axis mechanisms design of the machine ........................................................................... 45
Figure 31 Y-axis mechanisms design of the machine ........................................................................... 45
Figure 32 Z-axis mechanisms design of the machine............................................................................ 45
Figure 33 Sliding design of the machine ............................................................................................... 45
Figure 34 Camera and printer ............................................................................................................... 45
Figure 35 Space for modem and supply ............................................................................................... 45

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 The quantities of E-waste generated in Dubai between 2016 and 2020 ................................. 26
Table 2 Analysis of treatment of mobile phones battery ..................................................................... 30
Table 3 The analysis of reducing of CO2 emissions by recycling ........................................................... 31
Table 4 Analysis of materials generated from 1 million mobile phones recycled ................................ 32
Table 5 Analysis of number of mobile phones to be recycled per day ................................................. 33
Table 6 Components used in machine's design .................................................................................... 40
Table 7 E-waste Collecting Machine's cost ........................................................................................... 46

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 ABSTRACT

Continuous development, keeping up with technology and increasing the

production of multi-feature electronic devices are all factors that have increased the

use of electronic devices all over the world. The accumulation of E-devices by

individuals increases the amount of electronic waste that causes environmental

pollution problems. Therefore, an innovative solution must be found that encourages

people to give up old or damaged electronic items for recycling and benefit from their

contents. An electronic waste collecting scheme that grants reward points to

contributors and link the waste to recycling companies is suggested as an appropriate

solution to attract people's attention. The design of the electronic waste (E-waste)

collecting machine and developing a business model are the main aims of this project,

where spreading such innovative projects in the country will further spread the idea of

sustainability, preserve the environment, and reduce pollution resulting from the

accumulation of electronic waste.

Keywords: Electronic waste, E-waste, collecting machine, E-wallet,

impact, economy, environment, Dubai

6
 1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

To design an E-waste Collecting scheme including the collection machine with

the accompanying software - mobile application, and develop the business model to
enable the future machine fabrication and implementation.

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 2. BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM
Technological development has continued to progress significantly in all
sectors. As a result of this development, the reliance on using electronic devices
became high to ensure efficient and reliable services. Electronic devices (E-devices)
including laptops, smartphones, tablets, iPads and others contribute to global
connectivity and development. The concerned companies that manufacture E-devices
introduce new devices every year, where the new devices are distinguished from old
ones with simple features and sometimes new batches of E-devices are created,
which are completely different from the old ones. Individuals usually purchase E-
devices just because it is new, it is not because their old devices are damaged, where
this practice increases the existence of E-waste, especially when individuals are not
able to reuse those devices. E-waste refers to all E-devices and electronic accessories
that users have ignored or reached the end of their productive life span (Widmer,
2005). E-waste accumulation threatens the environment and leads to soil, water and
air pollution. Therefore, a smart innovation that encourages people to dispose and
recycle the unwanted E-devices must be available to minimize the resulting
environmental problems.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the countries that has a continuous
development in all its cities, but despite this development, the production of various
kinds of waste increases with the population increase. With regard to the production
of E-waste, the UAE's production reached 13.6 kilograms per person in 2016 (Gornall,
2018), and this increment is exacerbated by the increase in the country's population.
It’s worth noting that there are no recent statistics regarding the production of E-waste,
but it is likely that the increase in per capita purchasing of electronic devices will
increase E-waste. According to 2019 statistics, the population of the UAE has reached
9,770,526 (Dubai Online, 2020). This is sufficient to indicate that the percentage of
electronic devices consumption is subject to increase. The accumulation of E-waste
negatively affects the environment and causes an increase in air pollution when it is
burned, contamination of groundwater with some heavy metals when buried in landfill.
Therefore, new methods must be devised that encourage people to reduce the
production of electronic waste and contribute to its recycling.

8
 Studies were conducted regarding E-waste issues and management in different
countries of the world. These studies were based on the countries' situation and
needs. In the UAE, particularly Dubai, the projects that are implemented regarding e-
waste are many. One of the projects, is building the largest e-waste recycling hub with
total cost AED 120 million (WAM, 2019). However, there is still lack in projects that are
concerned with raising awareness and urging people to recycle their old electronic
devices. Therefore, it is important to introduce new method such as E-waste Collecting
scheme with reward points for people to know the extent to which people accept such
ideas, the effectiveness of using this machine in reducing E-waste, enhancing
awareness among people in disposing of their old electronic possessions and
recycling them in a correct way.

9
 3. PROJECT DEFINITION AND GOALS
3.1 Project Definition
Design a scheme to collect E-waste, including a collection machine with all
controls and mobile application, and evolve the business model to engage fabricating
in the future.

3.2 Goals
o Reduce the E-waste in the universities/institutes/authorities and Dubai city.
o Increase people’s tendency to recycle the old/unused electronics
belongings.
o Encourage people to perceive the environment.
o Encourage individuals to contribute more as they get benefits of the reward
points or credits that can be used to spend on commodities and services
that add to the economy. Besides, the city has to spend less on protecting
and conserving resources, which is an added cost for a city. The machine
will also lead to conversion of waste and extraction of valuables that can
lead to further usage and less spending on the country’s economy to buy
those reserves.
o Reduce the negative impacts of E-waste on the echo system.

10
 4. LITERATURE REVIEW
4.1 Overview
The demand for electronic equipment in Dubai is steadily rising daily. People
are increasing their household electronic equipment, information technology,
telecommunication devices, and consumer electronic appliances. The rise of demand
for computers and other accessories is attributed to increased e-literacy in schools,
offices, and other institutions, to stay relevant to the global wave of information. The
electronic and information era has resulted in more knowledge, technology, and
information; essential in contributing to a nation’s global connectivity and
development. The global e-waste annual generation is estimated to be 20-50 tons,
which account for 1-3% (Hadi, 2015) of the total general waste. The enormous
quantities of life-ended and outdated electronic appliances contribute significantly to
e-waste generation. E-waste is a great contributor to environmental pollution; hence
we must find an effective way for recycling (Wang, 2017) to mitigate pollution in the
soil, air and water.

E-waste involves both useful and hazardous materials that need special
handling and recycling techniques to mitigate environmental contamination and
disastrous effects on humans (Ishchenko, 2017, p. 66) or animal health. There are
eight categories of e-waste (Baldé, 2017): information technology and
telecommunication equipment; household appliances; monitoring and control
equipment; automatic dispensers; electrical and electronic equipment; toys, leisure,
and sports equipment; medical devices; and consumer devices. A cellular phone is an
excellent example when we look at e-waste. It contains over 40 elements: base metals
(such as tin and copper) and precious metals (such as palladium, gold, and silver).
Circuit boards for most of electronic devices contain toxic elements like lead,
chromium, arsenic, and mercury. Cathode ray tubes in computer monitors and
televisions contain zinc, lead, barium, copper, and other earth metals. The ever-
changing composition of the components due to the rapid development of technology
(Ilankoon, 2018) has resulted in severe challenges in developing policies that will
manage e-waste. The factors that determine the composition of e-waste include the
re-use market, the recycling industry, waste separation programs, control execution,
and economic conditions. More than half (60.2%) of the e-waste contains metals
(Baldé, 2017), then distantly followed by plastics at 16.3%, and then screens at 12%.

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 4.2 E-waste Management
The management of e-waste involves gathering waste, transporting,
processing, and recycling to diminish the harmful impacts on the environment or
health. Besides, useful resources can be regained from e-waste. Firstly, a commonly
used technique for e-waste management is landfill disposal, where the e-waste is
buried. Burrow depths and mining voids are used for landfill. However, after several
years, landfills may liberate environmental pollutants. Secondly, e-waste management
can involve thermal treatment through pyrolysis or incineration. Even though thermal
treatment is affordable and straightforward, it has been forbidden (Guo, 2020)
(Barabad, 2018, p. 10) (Han, 2017, p. 122) because it poses severe contamination to
the environment. Incinerating e-waste contributes to annual mercury and cadmium
emissions (Heacock, 2016, p. 553). Thirdly, e-waste management is the reuse
technique, where the original hardware is utilized after making small changes. This
method reduces the volume of e-waste. Lastly, recycling can be used as a measure
for e-waste management. Recycling refers to reworking waste materials to perform
the original role or another function. It involves disassembling and destruction of waste
to recover the individual substances. Recycling of e-waste results in enormous energy
savings, and it reduces pollution when scrap material is used as opposed to virgin
material. It ensures maximum material recovery and reduces environmental
contamination.

4.3 Existing Projects

There are a number of projects that have been implemented in the context of waste
management whether it is e-waste or other general waste or even practices to reduce
the presence of the waste itself. It is worth noting that not all projects fall under the
framework of electronic waste, but some are similar to it, so the idea can be adopted
and developed to include waste of another type according to the country’s needs.

4.3.1 Globally
Regarding the global projects, there is what is known as the RedBox machine,
which is found in every US state and distributed in several external and internal places
in stores. The machine is concerned with renting DVDs and films and then the user
returns them to the machine itself after finishing, as the fees are imposed on a daily
basis on the rental and the user pays by credit card. This project helps in sharing

12
electronic accessories among everyone, as it contributes to reducing the accumulation
of E-disks or decreasing electronic waste in the US (OUTERWALL INC., 2015).

Another example of E-waste management projects, the project is called EcoATM

and distributed in different states in the US. This machine allows the consumer to
resell or trade in electronic devices and get cash for every device being sold. EcoATM
machine is useful for reusing electronic devices and making use of them instead of
throwing them uselessly. People can use this machine by inserting their ID cards.
There are some restrictions while using the machine, where people must use their
own ID card, as the machine will reject the transaction if the detected face in the
machine is not the same as the face in the ID card. Besides, people under 18 are not
allowed to use the machine. EcoATM machine contributes to reducing the
accumulation of e-waste and it is applicable on other types of wastes (Outerwall Inc.,
2014).

4.3.2 Locally
In terms of local applications in the UAE, “Bee’ah”, an environmental
management company located in Sharjah –UAE, launched a new initiative in 2017, for
encouraging people to recycle the used plastic bottles and aluminum cans, by giving
them rewards (Bee'ah, 2018). When someone drops a bottle or cans in a Reverse
Vending Machine (RVM), a unique barcode will be issued to the person. Then this
barcode should be scanned in the mobile application to activate it and give the user a
chance to win in the monthly draw for the “Bee’ah” Rewards program.

4.4 Type of Machines

Various types of machines shall be studied in this project to choose the proper
type that meet the basic design needs for the E-waste collecting machine.

4.4.1 Indexing Machine

An indexing machine refers to a specialized tool used to make precise circular
cuts on a workpiece. It improves each groove's accuracy or cut and allows for careful
changes needed in both direction and angle of cutting that would be extremely difficult
to achieve without the machine.
Different parts and components make up the indexing machine. The parts
include an indexing plate with holes connected to the crank. Manual rotation of the
crack turns the worm shaft, which then turns the worm and, consequently, the worm

13
wheel (Jha & Amin, 2018, p. 3). The worm wheel contains 40 teeth, and it is connected
to the spindle, which makes one complete rotation after all 40 teeth have gone through
the worm. The spindle is connected to the faceplate, which holds the workpiece and
turns as the spindle turns.
Various indexing methods apply depending on the type of cut and number of
teeth needed. These methods include; direct indexing, simple indexing, compound
indexing, differential indexing, and angular indexing. Differential indexing does not use
the worm and worm wheel. Instead, the index plate is fitted directly to the spindle. On
the other hand, simple indexing uses both the worm and worm wheel (Jha & Amin,
2018, p. 1). Differential indexing is applied when the number of cuts to be made is
greater than the number of holes on the indexing plate.
An essential use of indexing mechanisms is on milling tables for gear cutting.
Gear cutting refers to the process of turning a gear blank into a spur gear with the
number of gears needed (Jha & Amin, 2018, p. 3). The indexing machine is adjusted
accordingly to accommodate the changes and rotations required to make the cuts.
4.4.2 Automated Storage Machine
An automated storage machine is a computerized system of storage. The
machine refers to a storage unit equipped with computerized sensors capable of
receiving and retrieving goods when instructed. These computerized storage
machines are innovative and quite advantageous. Computerized storage machines
reduce the need for human labor. Because the system is automated, it becomes easier
to sort, store and retrieve any package stored within the unit; this cut down on the
number of people needed to operate the unit (Dexion, 2021). The automated storage
unit can also reduce picking time and decrease the floor space required for storage.
Various situations require automated storage machines. The machines are
effective where there is a large volume of goods moving in and out of a storage unit.
Automation decreases delays and reduces risks. Furthermore, the automated systems
are also used in areas where accuracy is paramount, and the risks involved are huge
(MHI, 2021). The automated units would take out the risks posed by human error and
improve efficiency and delivery. Third, the automated storage units are used in areas
with space constraints. The space available for storage is limited, and no waste of time
or space can be tolerated. Due to the storage machines' efficiency, the storage unit
can keep operating at capacity with minimal wastage or disruption.

14
 There are various types of automated storage systems. These computerized
system types are categorized into shelf-based, robotic, and bin-based picking (Tarr,
2021). The types of automated storage systems are selected and used based on the
operator's needs, the available space, the number of available workers, and more. An
example of a company that uses automated robotics retrieval systems in its
warehouses is Amazon.

15
 5. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research is concerned with developing an E-waste collection scheme that
grants reward points for people who will recycle their electronic waste. It is a smart
solution that will encourage people to get rid of the e-waste in an efficient way, where
it can be reused or recycled and to get the benefits from the internal components of
the E-waste as a reward points to be used in different local stores.

This study is considered as a conceptual study that will be based on a full

description of the machine design, as the machine design was made by
SOLIDWORKS program, and a smart application that is connected with the machine
that was built on Android Studio. Moreover, excel program will be used for the analysis
of annual data of E-waste production and other E-waste related data obtained from
Dubai Municipality. Which will help to identify how the E-waste collecting machine is
considered as a smart solution and will be helpful in reducing the E-waste negative
impacts that results from its random disposal or accumulation without proper
management.

The machine will have a unique design that attracts people and helps them to
see other people's contribution in dropping their E-wastes in the machine. Sections of
the machine will be transparent allowing people to see how the machine works and
the process of E-waste disposal in the different categories. As for the other opaque
side of the device, advertisements will be placed advertising the stores that will take
part of the project and will collaborate in providing discounts for people who are using
E-waste collection scheme, which in return offer discounts and services to those who
use the E-waste collecting machine.

The E-waste Collecting Machines will target different types of E-waste including
smartphones, tablets, iPads, iPods, laptops and some of the electronic accessories
like headphones, chargers and wires or cables. The internal division of the machine
will be divided into three different categories that can accommodate the different sizes
of electronic devices. The smart camera inside the machine will help in detecting the
sizes of the items being disposed, then it will sort it easily in the suitable category.

The process of the E-waste collecting machine starts with entering a personal
identifier, such as scanning a special barcode for each user that is being created in

16
the specially designed application for this project called “E-Waste Wallet” application
using email ID, as the first step before disposing of the device. Then the client will
deposit the device into E-waste Collecting Machine, specifically on the tray that is on
the machine gate, where the machine will identify the size of the device, take a picture
of the device by camera and then categorize it into the right category with a barcode
sticker to be sticked on top of each device. The barcode sticker which will be placed
on the device will contain the clients’ information that was taken from the barcode.
With regards to the fullness of the machine, ultrasonic sensors will be installed in the
E-waste collecting machine to detect how full the machine is with electronic waste, as
the wireless sensors will help in sending notifications and alerts at different times. The
first time of notification is when the machine is partially and close to being full and the
second time is when the E-waste machine is completely full.

There will be a collaboration with a certain approved E-waste recycling

company to help in evaluating the devices later on. A person will get the reward points
based on the price of the valuable components available on the electronic device itself,
then the points will be transferred to the clients’ E-Waste Wallet application. There will
be a smart application on both iOS (Apple) and Android called “E-waste wallet”
associated with the personal email, through which a person can see all the stores and
services through which they can use these reward points.

17
 6. PROJECT DISCRETIONS
The project contains software and hardware design, which will be detailed in
this section. The flowchart of the process of the project is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Flowchart of process

18
 6.1 Hardware
E-waste collecting machine is designed by SOLIDSWORKS program. The
height of the machine is 1481 mm, the width is 958 mm and the length is 995 mm.
And it is built for 3-axis motions with three mechanisms. Figure 2 is shown the 3D-
representation of the machine, and Figure 3 is shown the internal parts of the machine.
The designed shelfs in the machine, on which the e-devices will be placed, have holes
in it which is shown in Figure 4, in order to decrease the weight, reduce the
manufacturing cost, as well as for the purpose of ventilation. More details and figures
are available in Appendix.

Figure 2 3D representation of the Figure 3 3D representation of the Figure 4 Shelf's Holes

machine interior machine

6.1.1 Detailed Assembly

To position and secure parts, a T-slot nut and a threaded clamp are utilized. To
minimize rotational friction and sustain radial and axial loads, a ball bearing is utilized.
A guide rail guides a piece of equipment's vertical or horizontal movement and weight
in a linear manner. The T slot frame allows parts to interlock and lock in place without
the need for welding or other ways of joining. Closed Gussets are used to join profiles
at 90° angles without the need of any other fasteners. Gearboxes, pumps, electric
motors, and clutches all benefit from angular contact bearings. The movement of the
deposited object is aided by conveyor belts. Electric motors necessitate the use of
deep ball bearings. Timing pulleys feature uniformly spaced axial grooves carved into
their perimeter for proper, positive contact with the mating teeth. A timing belt is also
used with a timing pulley. Position controlled DC motors are used as the position
control of a DC motor is critical in precision control applications. A motor position

19
controller's job is to accept a signal that represents the needed angle and operate a
motor at that angle.

6.1.2 Detailed Mechanisms

The system is designed to take the electronics devices inside and store them
in the compartments as per their specific sizes of the devices. The sliding conveyor
mechanism is used to slide and insert the devices inside the compartment. The
stepper motor with belt mechanism is used for 3 axis motion in the machine to locate
the device into the required place as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 The machine’s mechanisms detail

20
 6.2 Software
The second part of the design in this project is software which is building an
application for clients. The purpose of the application is to slow down the whole
process of E-Waste in general and it is called “E-Waste Wallet”. Figure 7 is shown in
the screenshot of the application’s main page.

Figure 6 Application’s main page Figure 7 Start’s Screen

6.2.1 Technologies Used

This application is built using “Android Studio” which uses the programming
language of Kotlin/JAVA. JAVA/Kotlin was mainly used to build up the front end. For
the Databases firebase was used.

6.2.2 Usage
For the usage of the application, first of all, the client has to sign up with his
email account and then he will arrive on the main screen. If a client wants to use it for
an e-waste machine, he can click on the menu on the top-left and select barcodes.
Now he can place his mobile in the machine to scan his barcode. The Barcode will
be generated from the application and it will contain client’s information. After dropping
his device in the machine, the device will be added successfully in the application. And
from the main page the client can check the history of devices by clicking on the option
of “My E-Wastes”. It will take him to the screen of the history of devices. Other than

21
that, on the main page he can find “Rewards”, which he will get some rewards points
after dropping his device and it will be shown on that screen. Furthermore, “Inquiry”
Section is used if a client is confused about it or wants to reach the admin. Therefore,
the client can find application admin’s information over there. The client can find where
can use the rewards from different market places of the whole UAE which is shown in
the main screen section called “Stores”. In the menu, there is a “Settings” option
where the client can update his profile.

6.2.3 Detailed Working of the Application

E-waste wallet was developed using the IDE of “Android Studio”, and for
databases from “Firebase”. This application is mainly for android operating system
and it is support minimum level of 5.0 of android version, and minimum play store API
21+. This application can be only used on android operating systems.
Accessing Application on Different Operating System
To access the application on the desktop or computer, some sort of android
emulator should be available in it. One of the most popular software is “Bluestack”.

Sign-Up Process
First when the client opens up the app, two options will be shown in application
“Sign Up” and “Sign In”, where in both screens the client can enter the required
information. It’s a simple name, email, password sign up and similar for the sign In
process. Figure 8 and Figure 9 are shown the screenshot of “Sign Up” and “Sign In”.

22
 Figure 8 Sign In Screen Figure 9 Sign Up Screen Figure 10 Account's Screen

Understanding the interface

Here it’s a simple process, when a client is signed up in the application, the
client will be going to land on an easy G-UI (Graphical User Interface). Where are four
options are stated:

a. Rewards
b. My E-waste Devices
c. Stores
d. Inquires
There is also a side menu on the top left corner of the application where some
different options are stated.
Connection with E-Waste Machines
On the main screen the client can find the menu on the top-left of the screen.
First, the client has to select an option called “Barcodes” which is shown in Figure 11,
and the application will give a special barcode on the screen. Therefore, the client will
be going to place the mobile phone in the machine, so the machine can just simply
scan the barcode and connect to the device to retrieve data from the database.

23
 Figure 11 Barcode’s Screen Figure 12 History’s Screen Figure 13 Rewards’ s Screen

Checking history of devices

On the main screen after sign-up/sign-in, the client will find a box/option called
“My E-waste”. Here user can find the whole history of submitted devices and it shown
in Figure 12.

Rewards
If a client submits a device to an e-waste machine, the rewards from it will be
shown in the screen called “Rewards” on the main page. Here the user can also find
the information of rewards on different devices. Figure 13 is shown the screenshot of
the rewards in the application.

Settings in the Menu

On the menu on screen top-left, the user can find the settings option in the
menu and in this option the user can update his profile mainly.

Inquiries
Here users can contact the e-waste wallet team, through different options.

24
 Figure 14 Settings 's Screen Figure 15 Inquiries ‘s Screen Figure 16 Stores ’s Screen

6.3 Project Budget

The project is subjected to the cost of E-waste Collecting Machine with full
details. Table 7 is shown all contents of this machine including component,
purchasing, programming, production and mobile application. The cost of achieving
one E-waste Collecting Machine is AED 32,150.

25
 7. SOURCES OF DATA
The data collected in the research on sustainable cities aiming at e-waste
collecting machines are reliable in arriving at a credible conclusion. Throughout the
project, data was collected from Dubai Municipality. Table 1 reflects the quantities of
E-waste generated in Dubai between 2016 and 2020.

Table 1 The quantities of E-waste generated in Dubai between 2016 and 2020

Year Quantities (Tons)

2016 1,490

2017 3,962

2018 4,461

2019 4,663

2020 2,822

Data collected in this project were addressing the research objectives including
examining the existing policies and regulatory provisions regulating e-waste
management and both primary and secondary data. Those data aimed at determining
gaps in the current policy frameworks in e-waste management and sustainable city
development.

To examine how cities handle e-wastes in manufacturing and processing sectors,

both primary and secondary data collected aimed to determine stakeholder
engagement on matters concerning e-wastes management and how its
mismanagement affects the environment and the respective sectors. Those data
would also help to assess e-waste disposal and determine an effective management
process. The project further intended to examine critical challenges of e-waste
management. Achieving this objective involved collecting primary and secondary data
that would assess compliance on environmental legislation among industries and their
effectiveness.

26
 8. IMPACTS ANALYSIS
8.1 Industries Awareness Analysis
How e-waste elements are disposed of in different sectors such as
manufacturing and processing was analyzed. The results from this study indicated that
over 80% of industries in the country had established procedures of handling e-waste
while others still lack a framework because of being new or mismanagement of
resources. The high conformity concerning handling e-waste in Dubai justifies that
many manufacturing and processing industries in Dubai have well-established
frameworks that consider internationally accepted standards of e-waste disposal
Figure 17 represents the conformity that Dubai holds regarding those standards
(Meenakshisundaram & Sinha, 2011).

20%

80%

Presence of procedures for handling e-waste Absence of procedures

Figure 17 The conformity that Dubai hold regarding international standards

Another aspect of e-waste management that this research explored is the

presence of health and safety measures in industries operating in Dubai. The results
from the analysis of collected data indicated that over 85% of the industries had
established health and safety disposal measures while 15% were reluctant in updating
their frameworks to accommodate current standards and international health
provisions. Some aspects that were noted in safe industries included practical safety
policies, working procedures, and well-defined disposal process from the industry to
recycling.

Some renewable materials that dominate e-waste in the country include Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) electronic gadgets, computers, silver,
and copper (Barabad, 2018). More than 53 metric tons of e-waste were accounted for

27
in 2019 and the trend in its increase showcase double digits in the next 2 decades
(Attia, 2021). However, among those e-wastes, around 20% were recycled, implying
that Dubai loses many valuable resources to waste. To address the issue of minimal
recycling that was experienced in UAE, this study has stated that implementing Smart
City Solution will enhance recycling of wastes such as electronic gadgets and
computers by allowing every industry to collect their disposable parts that this
framework will aid re-using in other industries or returned to the same industries where
they were disposed.

8.2 Human Awareness Analysis

Creating awareness is one effective way of promoting recycling of e-wastes as
a proper disposal mechanism among industries in UAE. According to this research
(Attia, 2021), 21.1% of individuals in the country have high awareness, 19.3% noted
that they have average awareness, 26.3% citing low awareness while 33.3% indicated
that the lack awareness about recycling of e-wastes such as computer parts and other
electronic gadgets as shown in Figure 18.

Yes - High awareness 21.10%

Yes - Average awareness 19.30%

Yes - low awareness 26.30%

No - zero idea 33.30%

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

Figure 18 Rates of awareness for recycling of e-wastes

8.3 Environment Impact Analysis

E-wastes are toxic and can be biodegradable making them accumulate in the
environment. Besides, disposal practices such as open-air burning make them release
harmful materials that leach significant components of the environment. Hence, a
circular approach for electronics to increase production and consumption of electronic
items. For instance, changes in technology such Internet of Things (IoT) or cloud

28
computing are likely to curb the endeavor to limit the electronics industry since they
will increase the service models.

E-waste contains over 1,000 different substances divided into hazardous and
non-hazardous categories. E-wastes consist of ferrous metals, nonferrous metals,
plastic, glass, and others. Figure 19 shows the percentages of electronic waste
components (Needhidasan, 2014). Plastic is one of the components that has a
negative impact on the environment if e-waste is not disposed of in the proper way.
Throwing e-waste, which contains a high percentage of plastic, into the regular landfill,
leads to a risk. It will generate some toxic furans in the soil that may cause a
carcinogenic substance, as well as may provide the air with dangerous and toxic
pollutants. To reduce these risks, disposal of the unwanted device, in a place for
proper disposal, is required. This is what the E-waste collecting machine will provide,
which ensures proper disposal of the e-waste. Moreover, the plastic in the e-waste
can be recycled for re-used in many other products. As mentioned in the study by
(Needhidasan, 2014), that percentage’s weight of plastic in a computer is around 23%
and it can be recycled by 20%. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the negative impact
of plastic and benefit from recycling.

16%

50%
21%

13%

Ferrous metals Non-Ferrous Plastic Others

Figure 19 Percentage of items in the E-waste

As mentioned earlier, cell phones contain valuable and invaluable or toxic

materials as well. Phone batteries are one of the contents, which contain a dangerous
element that increases the percentage of environmental pollution and affects the
environment if not handled properly. Cadmium is one of the elements that are found

29
in mobile batteries, and if the mobile is disposed of randomly, the environment will be
negatively affected, especially water, as well as human health. This contamination is
not a one-time occurrence but is cumulative, as it increases whenever there is an
improper disposal of phones by dumping them randomly in the landfills.

According to (Velmurugan, 2016), the decomposition of phone components or

computer chips leads to soil and groundwater pollution, which in turn affects human
health. It is worth noting that one mobile battery is enough to pollute 600,000 liters of
water, and this means that larger quantities of phones will certainly increase the
pollution rate if they are randomly dumped in the landfill. Moreover, the decomposition
of computer chips that are improperly dumped in landfill leads to the formation of acids
that can penetrate the soil and lead to soil acidification.

Table 2 Analysis of treatment of mobile phones battery

Material Cadmium Cadmium
No. mobile phone battery 1 1,144,915.61
Water polluted (L) 600,000 686,949,363,000.00

Referring to the study (Attia, 2021), the population of Dubai reached nearly
3,438,185 million in 2021, pointing out that they are from different nationalities and
minds. Not all people are aware of the negative impacts that might be resulted of e-
waste accumulation and how important it is to dispose of it properly. Figure 18 shows
that 33.3% of people are not aware about the proper way of E-waste disposal. From
the total population of Dubai, 33.3% unaware people refers to 1,144,915.61 people,
who can use the traditional ways of disposal and getting rid of their phones and
batteries. Predicting that if the huge population gets rid of their phones or batteries
improperly, this will result in 686,949,363,000.00 liters of polluted water from the
cadmium element.

In addition, a good case found in the study is China (Zhang, 2012); one of the
most generated E-waste and polluted countries worldwide. Besides, most carbon
dioxide emissions in it and Figure 20 shows the amount of carbon dioxide emissions
from 2009 to 2019 (EIA, 2021). On the other hand, China recycles about 28 million
tons of e-waste per year, which is equivalent to 12% of the total e-waste generation
(approx. 230 million ton) (Lu, 2014). In 2009, e-waste recycling in China reduced CO2
emissions by more than 90 million tons, which is more than 1.2% of the total, as

30
mentioned in the study (Zhang, 2012). Obviously, the emissions are increasing due to
the increase in the population. However, emissions can be reduced if China increases
the amount of e-waste recycling in a proper way with a larger and wider scale, there
will be a tangible observation. Hence, the e-waste is properly treated by 100%, the
emissions will be reduced by 10% yearly in China as shown in Table 3.

China United Arab Emirates

12000 350
10000 300
250
8000
200
6000
150
4000 100
2000 50
0 0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

Figure 20 CO2 emissions (million tons CO2) - China Figure 21 CO2 emissions (million tons CO2) - UAE

Table 3 The analysis of reducing of CO2 emissions by recycling

Percentage
Percentage of
Reduction of CO2
Recycling
emissions
12.00% 1.20%
100% 10.0%

As in the UAE, the percentage of carbon dioxide emissions is constantly

increasing (EIA, 2021), as shown in Figure 21. If the UAE recycles e-waste properly,
it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 10% per year. Figure 22 shows the
reductions of CO2 emissions in-case of 100% recycling e-waste well.
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Real Reduced by 10%

Figure 22 Real and 10% reducing CO2 emissions (million tons CO2)

31
 8.4 Economy Impact Analysis
The electronic devices are valuable and contain numerous important
components that people can benefit from, as well as the country. According to study
mentioned in (Attia, 2021), mobile phones are one of the most widespread electronic
devices that contain a good source of valuable material and can be reused while
recycling well. The materials that are found in mobile phones are gold, copper, silver
and palladium, and all are considered as valuable contents to be reused for diverse
purposes. The analysis in this research was conducted for mobile phones only and
the valuable materials available therein as per mentioned in the study.
All the analyses below are based on the prices of materials in kilograms and
metric tons in the world market. The price of each material per one kilogram is shown
in Table 4. These prices were obtained on Dec 12, 2021, and are subjected to changes
according to the price change in the global market. Referring to the study and prices
collected from the global market for each material, one million collected and well
recycled mobile phones will provide 24 Kg of gold (Gold Eagle, 2021) with an estimated
price of AED 5,053,587.60, 9000 Kg of copper (Index Mundi, 2021) with an estimated
price of AED 354,464.20, 250 Kg of silver (Gold Eagle, 2021) with an estimated price of
AED 654,837.50 and 9 Kg Palladium (Gold Eagle, 2021) with an estimated price of AED
1,869.551.37. Through the obtained data and analysis, it was concluded that one well
recycled mobile phone will provide a benefit approximately AED 7.93. Table 4 is shown
also the benefit that could be obtained from each material if one mobile phone was
recycled well.
Table 4 Analysis of materials generated from 1 million mobile phones recycled

Amount
Amount
Weight Price Amount (AED)
No. Material Per (AED)
(Kg) (AED) (AED) /Kg 1,000,000
1 mobile
mobile
Kilo
1 Gold 24 210,566.15
gram
210,566.15 5,053,587.60 5.05

2 Copper 9000 35,729.39 Metric 39.38 354,464.20 0.35

Ton
Kilo
3 Silver 250 2,619.35
gram
2,619.35 654,837.50 0.65
Kilo
4 Palladium 9 207,727.93
gram
207,727.93 1,869,551.37 1.87

Total 420,952.81 7,932,440.67 7.93

32
 Regarding the manufacture of E-waste collecting machines that provides users
with rewards points, the risk is not taken in the manufacture of such machines because
the benefits may not be precisely known. However, in this research the data were
studied and analyzed. Analysis will show the number of years during which the
benefits can be obtained after the machine manufacturing process and distribution.
Table 5 is shown the benefits that will be obtained in the event that one or more
machines are manufactured over a period of one or multiple years.
Table 5 Analysis of number of mobile phones to be recycled per day

Duration (year) 1 2 3
No. machine 1 1 1
Total Cost (AED) 32,150.00 32,150.00 32,150.00
No. mobiles for total
4,052.98 4,052.98 4052.98
cost
No. mobile per each
12 6 4
day

The cost of manufacturing one E-waste collecting machine is 32,150 AED,

including the mobile phone smart application. This cost can be covered if one or more
devices will be manufactured regarding the analysis. Referring to the analysis that has
been done, 4,053 mobile phones must be collected in order to recover the cost of
manufacturing the device, including the smart application. This means that 12 mobile
phones must be collected on a daily basis until the end of the year.
In the case of manufacturing the machine and getting the manufacturing cost
and benefits within two years, the cost of one machine manufacturing and the number
of mobile phones collected will remain the same. However, the collection on a daily
basis will differ, as 6 mobile phones must be collected on a daily basis to get the cost
back. According to Table 5, illustrates the number of mobile phones that must be
collected within three years and on a daily basis to get the manufacturing cost back.
The analysis showed that the number of mobile phones being collected on a daily
basis will be lower in the case of increasing the years to get the manufacturing cost
and benefits.
From the foregoing, it was found that it is possible to take advantage of
collecting mobile phones and recycling them properly to obtain valuable materials that
can benefit the individual and the country in general if they were sold. The analysis
showed that the future fabrication of this machine will help in reducing the negative
impacts that usually result from the accumulation of E-waste or the improper disposal

33
of E-waste. Investing in such a project and fabrication of the E-waste collecting
machine that grants points to the users is a good idea and a chance for good revenue
over the years.
This analysis supports the importance of having and manufacturing the E-waste
collecting machine to spread the awareness among people, as well as to help them in
getting the benefit while using the machine. Additionally, to save the environment from
any negative impacts that could result from the random disposal of E-wastes.

34
 9. RESULTS
E-waste management in UAE is a major concern and becoming more complex
as industries rise. This research noted that rise in production since 2016 has led to a
consequent widening of e-wastes such as copper, computers, and other electronic
gadgets as shown in Table 1. However, from Table 1, the percentage of e-wastes
reduced significantly in 2020 when it recorded 2820 tones despite an exponential
increase from 1490, 3962, 4461, and 4663 tons in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019
respectively.

The e-waste machine solution is expected to increase recycling e-waste as

opposed to other disposal mechanisms that are applied by some industries in the
country. Designing this machine and fabricating it to accommodate software as it
collects and record e-wastes from industries justifies its adaptability to seasons and
advancing technology. However, for sustainable outcomes of e-wastes, the concerned
bodies should create awareness about the importance of disposing e-wastes by
refurbishing them and reusing for other uses instead of using traditional disposal
means.

Finally, the data analysis in this research helped support the goal that was set
at the beginning, which is the designing and create a business model to help in
reaching to the stage of machine fabrication after convincing with adopting such
technology in the United Arab Emirates by looking into the benefits related to the
environment, people and economy. It turned out that such machines are useful and
can be invested in, especially since the costs are not expensive for large companies
that manufacture machines at more expensive prices. Likewise, the fabrication cost
can be returned during at least a year up to three years.

35
 10. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK
10.1 Future work and Limitations
Most of the projects are facing limitations when it comes to the implementation
stage or doing the project in terms of writing and providing detailed solutions. The main
limitation that was faced at the work stage was the difficulty of fabricating the E-waste
collecting machine.
E-waste collecting machine fabrication requires time, skilled human cadres and
sponsorship as a money. These things were not widely available, therefore, the
second choice to be done is to write a detailed business plan and provide how this
machine is a smart solution for the cities to get the advantages among the economy,
environment and human. All the information could be presented to the companies that
wish to manufacture the machine in the future when the capabilities become available.
Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact in providing students with
sponsorship from the companies or government institutions. Some companies such
as Bee’ah and Emirates Environmental group were contacted to help in granting
money, but most were not able to do so, because of the cost of machine fabrication
and the smart application. All the discussions end up without good results, but they
were helpful with regards to providing information that will help in enhancing the E-
waste collecting machine. Some of the challenges that people face while working are
only strengths and motives for improving and developing the study and striving to add
to the project that was presented.

10.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, E-waste accumulation is a serious issue that the world faces and
it keeps increasing as population increases. Therefore, the E-waste collecting
machine is the solution to be developed to reduce the random disposal of electronic
waste, in addition, to encourage people to get rid of unwanted or end-of-life electronic
devices, as people will be granted reward points that can be used in various local
shops. This project is considered as a commercial project since the multiple benefit
for a group of people, including E-waste companies, clients who will get rid of their E-
waste and the commercial stores who are going to be partners in providing some offers
to people. Finally, this research includes all the details required for machine fabrication
and it is helpful for those who want to implement a smart solution for E-waste
management.

36
 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Gold Eagle. (2021). Current Price of Palladium Today (UAE Dirham). Retrieved December 12, 2021, from Gold-
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Heacock, M. (2016). E-waste and harm to vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environmental
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Ilankoon, I. M. (2018). E-waste in the international context–A review of trade flows, regulations, hazards,
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Index Mundi. (2021). Copper, grade A cathode. Retrieved December 12, 2021, from Index Mundi:
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38
 APPENDIX
11.1 PROJECT DISCRETIONS Details
More details about the machine fabrication, components used, 3D sketched design and budget.

11.1.1 Fabrication of the Machine

The machine will be constructed in a unique way that will draw people's
attention and allow them to view other people's contributions to the machine by
dumping their E-waste in it. Half of the E-waste collection machine will be transparent
or glassy, allowing users to view how it works and the E-waste disposal process in
each of the machine's categories. On the device's opposite opaque side,
advertisements will be posted about the participating shops, which will give discounts
and services to customers who use the E-waste collection machine in exchange for
their participation.

11.1.2 Components Used

The list below is for the components that have been used in the design of the
machine, and Table 6 is shown the details of these components.

● T slot nut
● Guide rail
● Rail Carriage
● T slot frame
● T slot bracket Closed Gusset
● Angular Contact ball bearing
● Ball screw
● Ball Nut
● Guide rail
● Rail Carriage
● Conveyor Belt
● Ball screw
● Ball Nut
● Deep groove ball bearing
● Position controlled DC motor
● Corner bracket
● Timing pulley

39
 ● Timing belt
● Stepper motor
● Ball bearing
Used components in the E-waste collecting machine
Table 6 Components used in machine's design

NO Product
Description Sizes Supplier Link Material
number
1 T sloted frame 45 x 45 5537T103 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/5537T103 Aluminum
2 Zinc Plated
T slot nut M6 6000N138 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6000N138
Steel
3 Guide rail 23 6709K53 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6709K53 Steel
4 Rail Carriage 23 6709K16 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6709K16 Steel-rubber
5 T slot frame 45 x 90 5537T113 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/5537T113 Aluminum
6 T slot bracket anodised
45 5537T196 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/5537T196
Closed Gusset aluminum
7 Angular
Contact ball 17x40x12 6680K14 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6680K14 standard
bearing
8 Ball screw 20mm PND 20x5 R SKF Steel
9 Ball Nut 20mm PND 20x5 R SKF Steel
10 Guide rail 20 mm 6709K43 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6709K43 Steel
11 Rail Carriage 20 mm 6709K14 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6709K14 Steel-rubber
12 t=0.110, w=
Conveyor Belt 1382N214 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/1382N214 green pvc
16in, l=30in
13 Ball screw 16 mm PND16x5 R SKF Steel
14 Ball Nut 16 mm PND16x5 R SKF Steel
15 Deep groove
12x37x17 2349K767 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/2349K767 Steel
ball bearing
16 Deep groove
10x26x8 2349K142 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/2349K412 Steel
ball bearing
17 Posistion
controlled Dc 21 in-oz 6627T101 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/6627T101 Copper
motor
18 https://in.misumi-
Corner bracket HBLFSNF8 Misumi ec.com/vona2/detail/110300449520/? Aluminum
HissuCode=HBLFSNF8
19 Timing pulley T5x 25 x16 1428N5 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/1428N5 Aluminum
20 Timing belt T5x 245x16 1679K452 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/1679K452 Urethane
21 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d
Stepper motor 19 kg-cm 1478 Digikey etail/pololu-
corporation/1478/10449959
22 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d
Stepper motor 9 kg-cm 1473 Digikey etail/pololu-
corporation/1473/10449954
23 Ball bearing 12 x28 8 2349k419 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/2349K413 steel
24 Timing pulley T5x14x10 1428n22 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/1428N22 Aluminum
25 Timing belt T5x270x10 1679k454 McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/1679K454 Urethane

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11.1.3 Other Electronic Components

AIDA Imaging CAMERA

The AIDA Imaging Full HD HDMI Camera with TRS Stereo Audio Input is a
small camera that may be used for web conferencing, sports, car racing, surveillance,
medical, broadcasting, live production, education, houses of worship, and other uses.
The camera, which is 1.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches tall and 3 inches deep, may fit in
a number of areas where a small footprint is useful, such as a dashcam in a race
vehicle or an operating room corner. The camera shoots in HD at up to 60 frames per
second, has a C/CS mount for interchangeable lenses, and comes with a 4mm lens
with iris control. The camera features a sync connection for syncing up to the sync
signal in a broadcast facility, as well as an HDMI output for viewing and/or recording
the picture on switchers, displays, recorders, and other devices. The camera uses
white balance and noise reduction, as well as motion adjusted temporal noise
reduction and wide dynamic range (WDR) to assist deliver a clean image. The camera
has a sync input that allows it to function in a broadcast situation without a hitch. In
the camera, it may create privacy zones. Therefore, the AIDA Imaging camera will
detect the location of the deposited e-device then it will differentiate between the
different devices regarding the sizes. The camera is giving the signal to the controller
to move the motor in a certain position to insert the device to the designated
compartment.

Barcode Scanner
In this scanner, manual/auto-sensing scanning is supported, and there are two
modes to choose from. It is a bar-code scanner module that supports 1D/2D bar-codes
on paper, film, and screen. It contains a high-sensitivity sensor and modern technology
that allows it to scan quickly and correctly. It's little in size, and it's simple to embed
and repair. Plug & play, no need for drivers, and easy to use. It has a long service life
and is dust-proof and shock-proof. It specializes in software decoding algorithms and
allows for customization. It's used in areas like parcel lockers, supermarket lockers,
ticket machines, logistics, and hospitals, among others. This scanner will identify the
client that wants to get rid of his e-device.

Ultra Sonic Sensor

Ultrasonic sensors will be installed in the E-waste collecting machine to detect
how full the machine is with electronic waste, as the wireless sensors will help in

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sending notifications and alerts at different times. The first time of notification is when
the machine is partially and close to being full and the second time is when the E-
waste machine is completely full. An automated storage machine is a computerized
system of storage. The machine refers to a storage unit equipped with computerized
sensors capable of receiving and retrieving goods when instructed.

Pinter
In the design of the machine, a small printer will be attached on the tray near to
the camera. The aim of this printer is to print the barcode of the client's information
and stick it to his e-waste device.

11.1.4 Stress Analysis

The stress test has been done in the design of the machine. Therefore, the first
step is considering the parts of the machine which will be carrying the load or weight
of the machine. Then, it is going to do the stress and strain analysis to make sure the
parts can hold the required amount of force acting on it. Online simulation software
was used that is called Simscale, which allows engineers to analyze the structure
forces, pressure and strain values.
Aluminum extrusion profiles in design are used to make the machine structure. As
shown in the Figure 23, the aluminum extrusion profiles were used to build structure
and used to fix the mechanisms on it.

Figure 23 Machine structure

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Analysis of Aluminum Extrusion Profile
One small lengthy part from the structure is considered and performed analysis
on that part. The results show that the parts can lift and carry the load/weight. It
assigned a force of 1500N to check the results of how much strain will happen.

Figure 24 Apply 1500N on aluminum profile for stress test

Secondly, the aluminum profile was fixed from both sides to fix geometry and
apply force of 1500N to prove the deflection in the part. The result was very fruitful as
the part is under the safe limit of deflection and value of strain.
Once the force of 1500N (≈150KG) exerts on the structure, it will show some
value of strain in the material. With results it found out that the force applied is the
same and under the safe limit of structure to hold the weight of the machine and
devices as shown in Figure 25.

Figure 25 Pass result of the stress test on aluminum profile

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11.1.5 3D Sketches of the Machine

Figure 26 Back side design of the machine Figure 27 Front side design of the machine

Figure 28 Left side design of the machine Figure 29 Right side design of the machine

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Figure 30 X-axis mechanisms design of the Figure 31 Y-axis mechanisms design of the
machine machine

Figure 32 Z-axis mechanisms design of the Figure 33 Sliding design of the machine
machine

Figure 34 Camera and printer Figure 35 Space for modem and supply

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11.1.6 Detailed Budget
Table 7 E-waste Collecting Machine's cost

Description Cost in AED

a. Design Cost 2,900.00
b. Purchasing
- Electronics 2,300.00
- Mechanism 2,100.00
c. Coding & Programming
- Programming and Algorithms 5,300.00
- LED Interface Display 1,100.00
d. Production
- Mechanical Fabrication 9,000
- Mechanical Parts 2,000
- 3D Printing Parts 1,450
e. Mobile Application 6,000
Total Cost AED 32,150

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11.2 Response Email from Dubai Municipality

1. How much E-waste being generated in Dubai each year ?

Year Quantities (Tons)
2016 1,490
2017 3,962
2018 4,461
2019 4,663
2020 2,822

2. What are the types of E-waste do usually find and the percentage of each of them ?

 Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) electronic gadgets, computers, and
other electronic gadgets.

 (Spent batteries) Spent lead-acid batteries, whole or crushed.

 (Spent batteries) Alkaline and other types such as Li-ion/NiMH.

3. For each E-waste type, what are the items than can be reused and recycled ? All of the items
mentioned above can be recycled.

4. Do you get profit of the items being recycled ? and how much it would be ? No, DM does not
get profit from recycling these items since they are recycled by private recycling companies.

5. What is the weight and volume of the E-waste in general annually & the weight/volume of
each type of E-waste annually? The weight of the E-waste in general mentioned in the above
table, while the weight of each type is not available with DM.

6. What are the methods that Dubai Municipality use to get rid of the unneeded/not useful E-
waste ? As mentioned above private recycling companies are responsible of recycling E-waste
not DM, therefore this information can be clarified by one of the recycling companies.

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