Project Proposal: Recycling Plastic Cups and Bottle Lids Initiative
Major Area
Environmental Sustainability / Solid Waste Management. This project addresses waste reduction
and recycling practices on campus, focusing on plastic pollution and resource recovery. It
supports Philippine environmental policies (e.g., Republic Act 9003 on waste segregation) and
aligns with institutional commitments to eliminate single-use plastics.
Problem Statement
The Philippines generates a vast amount of plastic waste – approximately 2.7 million metric tons
annually, much of which ends up polluting waterways and landfills. In Cagayan de Oro City,
municipal waste is about 18% plastic by weight. At Phinma Cagayan de Oro College, disposable
plastic cups and bottle lids (from cafeterias, events, beverages, etc.) accumulate as solid waste,
but often lack proper disposal channels. Most such items currently go to general trash,
contributing to landfill burden and environmental leakage. Improper waste management in
schools has serious health and environmental consequences. Left unchecked, cup and lid waste
undermines sustainability goals and violates campus policies that aim to reduce single-use
plastics and practice waste segregation.
Project Team (Student Details)
STUDENT ID NO. NAME COURSE/YEAR EMAIL
Project Summary
This student-led project will create a low-cost campus recycling program specifically for plastic
cups and bottle lids. Over one semester, the team will place dedicated collection bins, run an
awareness campaign, and organize sorting sessions. Collected plastics will be manually sorted
and cleaned, then either sent to recyclers or creatively repurposed. Possible upcycling includes
turning cleaned cups/lids into school crafts (e.g. planters, art installations) or into “EcoBricks” by
packing shredded plastic into PET bottles for use as building [Link] will teach these
methods, engaging students in hands-on recycling. The project also encourages use of reusable
drinkware as a long-term alternative. By the end of the term, we expect reduced cup/lid waste to
landfill, new recycled products displayed on campus, and heightened student awareness of waste
segregation and reuse.
Proposed Solution and Methodology
Collection System: Install clearly labeled bins for plastic cups and plastic lids in dining areas and
high-traffic spots. Labels and posters will instruct users to rinse and deposit items. This enforces
source separation, as recommended by waste management programs.
Awareness Campaign:
Launch an educational outreach (flyers, announcements, brief info sessions) explaining the
environmental impact of plastics and how students can help. Emphasis on simple actions: use
bins correctly, clean waste, and prefer reuse. Educational materials will highlight that schools
benefit from proper waste management.
Sorting & Processing:
Weekly volunteer shifts will manually sort collected cups and lids by material type (e.g. PET,
PP, HDPE) using visual codes. Sorting by hand is cost-effective and builds awareness. Sorted
plastics will be washed in soapy water and air-dried. Any large or intact cups can be
flattened/shredded using simple tools (e.g. strong scissors or a cheap grinder, if available).
Repurposing Options:
Arts & Crafts: Organize student workshops (e.g. art club) to repurpose items. For example,
plastic lids can be painted and used in mosaic art, mobiles, or coasters; cups can become planters
or decorative lampshades. These projects demonstrate upcycling in practice.
EcoBricks: Shred excess plastic and tightly pack it into empty PET bottles to make EcoBricks.
EcoBricks serve as durable, insulating building blocks for future campus projects (e.g. garden
benches, planters, non-structural walls), reducing reliance on new materials.
Recycle Outlet: Any clean sorted plastic (especially #1 PET or #2 HDPE) that cannot be
repurposed will be collected for a recycling partner or drop-off center, if accessible. This
recovers material value and prevents waste.
Facility Use: Sorting will take place in a designated campus room or covered area (e.g. an
unused classroom or storeroom). A sink will be used for washing. Tables will serve as work
surfaces. All necessary tools (bins, buckets, gloves, basic art supplies) are either procured or
donated. The student team will handle logistics.
Encouraging Reuse: In parallel, the project will suggest alternatives like reusable cups or
encouraging students to bring their own mugs. While beyond the immediate budget, this
behavioral suggestion is noted as a sustainable option in line with university policies on
eliminating disposable plastics.
This approach leverages manual sorting and creative reuse, which are very low-cost methods. It
follows successful community principles: studies show that targeted awareness greatly increases
participation in source-separation, and that turning plastic waste into alternative products (like
EcoBricks) is both educational and effective.
Workplan / Timeline
Week 1-2 (Preparation): Form project team and assign roles. Purchase/obtain bins, gloves, and
cleaning/art supplies. Design and print awareness posters (budget permitting). Install collection
bins in cafeterias and gathering areas. Conduct an initial briefing/awareness session for students
and staff.
Week 3-4 (Implementation): Begin regular collection. Hold weekly volunteer sorting sessions
(e.g. Saturdays). Continue promoting the program on social media or campus bulletin. First craft
workshop: demonstrate a simple reuse project (e.g. making planters from cups).
Week 5 (Midterm Review): Evaluate progress (e.g. estimate weight of plastics collected). Share
mid-project results via campus newsletter or bulletin. Plan second workshop (e.g. creating
EcoBricks or art displays). If needed, adjust bin locations or increase outreach.
Week 6-8 (Conclusion): Complete final collections and sorting. Hold final repurposing workshop
to transform remaining plastics into end products (art pieces, eco-bricks). Display recycled-art
projects on campus (e.g. in a lobby or fair). Conduct a brief survey or informal feedback session
with participants. Document the project (photos, data) and finalize a report for the advisor.
Ongoing: After 2 months, ensure bins remain labeled and consider handing off maintenance to a
student organization. Provide suggestions to campus administration for future sustainability
efforts.
Required Facilities
Collection Bins: Two covered or lidded trash bins, clearly labeled for cups and lids. These will
be placed in dining halls/cafeterias (e.g. near drink stations) and possibly a common area.
Sorting/Storage Space: A small indoor area (classroom or storeroom) reserved for sorting
sessions and storage of collected plastics. This space needs tables and shelving (or clear floor
space) for staging and cleaning materials.
Water/Sinks: Access to a water source for rinsing plastics. Ideally, the sorting room should be
near a utility sink.
Workspace Furniture: Tables and chairs for volunteers to work at while sorting or crafting.
(Existing classroom furniture will be used.)
Cleaning/Protective Gear: Basic supplies such as soap/detergent, scrub brushes, gloves and
rags for cleaning sorted plastics.
Arts & Tools: Some art supplies (paint, glue, markers) and basic tools (scissors, utility knives)
for repurposing activities. These can be sourced cheaply or from donations.
Awareness Materials: Computer and printer (or print services) to create posters and flyers.
Bulletin boards or space on walls to display signage.
Most of these facilities are already on campus or can be provided by the student team; only
purchase of bins and consumables is budgeted. The project relies on existing campus
infrastructure wherever possible, keeping costs minimal.
Financial Breakdown
The total project budget is PHP 1,500, allocated as follows:
Collection bins (2 units): PHP 300 each – Total PHP 600. (Sturdy plastic bins with lids for
outdoor/indoor use.)
Sorting and cleaning supplies: PHP 200. (Includes gloves, detergent/soap, scrub pads, and
small buckets/towels.)
Awareness materials (posters/flyers): PHP 300. (Printing costs for laminated posters, flyers,
and bin labels.)
Arts/Crafts supplies: PHP 200. (Basic paints, brushes, glue, markers, and small hardware for
upcycling.)
Contingency fund: PHP 200. (For any unexpected costs, replacement of damaged items, or
additional supplies.)
Total = PHP 1,500.
All costs are kept low by using inexpensive materials and existing resources. For example,
common art supplies can often be donated or reused from previous projects. If possible, the team
will seek any free donations (old bins, scrap materials) to stretch the budget further.
Expected Outcomes
Waste Reduction: Significant diversion of plastic cups and lids from general trash. For instance,
an estimated several hundred cups/lids may be collected and recycled or reused by project end,
reducing landfill waste.
Recycled Products: Creation of visible upcycled items (e.g. art pieces, planters, EcoBricks)
displayed on campus. These serve as tangible results and educational exhibits.
Behavioral Change: Increased awareness of recycling: students learn to separate waste at
source. We expect volunteer participation and positive feedback, and at least 50% of surveyed
participants noting a change in disposal habits. (Previous campaigns saw a 55% adoption rate in
households.)
Skill Development: Student volunteers gain hands-on experience in waste management and
sustainability practices. Craft workshops teach creative reuse skills.
Sustainability Culture: The project lays groundwork for a long-term recycling program. By the
end, the campus will have an established process (bins and protocol) and documentation to
continue beyond the project term. This supports the college’s goal of a zero-waste lifestyle