Helixa: Eco-Technological Systems for Intelligent Recycling with a Gamification and Rewards Platform in Lima, Peru

Naveros-Peralta A.A.; Andía-Fierro T.G.; Quintana-Vasquez C.E.; Arzapalo-Torres J.; Zavala-Culis A.L.; Paico-Campos M.M. · CEUR Workshop Proceedings (2026)

Resumen

HELIXA was created, an eco-technological system based on smart recycling aimed at incentivizing and promoting the gathering and collection of plastic waste in university environments in Lima, Peru. The system is enhanced through the use of the Internet of Things applied to HELIXA’s smart recycling bin and a responsive web platform working in conjunction. This proposal addresses the growing issue of low citizen participation in recycling, the most significant driver of which is the lack of impact awareness among recyclers and the shortage of mechanisms and motivation that promote environmental sustainability in their surroundings. To address this issue, HELIXA adopted a modified waterfall model organized into six phases, from requirements analysis through prototype deployment and field testing at university events. As a result, a functional prototype was developed integrating an ESP32 microcontroller, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, an I2C LCD display, and a matrix keypad, connected to a responsive web platform with gamification mechanics for user registration, points, achievements, rankings, and rewards. Validation involved a convenience sample of 80 survey respondents and 65 registered platform users, with 359 bottles collected across two university environmental fairs, evidencing a reduction of plastic waste on campus and a positive preliminary economic analysis using Return on Investment (ROI), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The results indicated a positive user reception, solid technical feasibility, and potential for scaling to universities, municipalities, and companies with an interest in social and environmental responsibility.

Instituciones: Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades