Research Symposium

BIO

Alfie Grayling is a sophomore at Florida State University who is majoring in Management Information Systems and made the FSU spring dean's list in 2025. He has research experience from high school and middle school that helped him to understand how to conduct research when coming to college and choosing to do research. He is mentored by Changhyun (Lyon) Nam in his research and received a lot of help from his mentor. He is also working towards earning a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems with career goals of entering into a technology related job.

Strategies for Enhancing Interoperability between Mobile Apps and Waste Systems

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how IoT‑enabled smart waste management systems, specifically connected waste bins and mobile applications, can enhance user engagement, optimize waste‑disposal behaviors, and support upcycling practices. A mixed‑methods approach was employed. Following a literature review and pilot testing, a survey was developed that included demographic items, multiple‑choice questions, and open‑ended prompts. Qualitative data were also collected through in‑depth, one‑on‑one interviews and online surveys with 48 male participants, with an average age of 20. Each interview lasted approximately 10 minutes, and online surveys required about 5–10 minutes to complete. The survey responses were analyzed using Qualtrics and qualitative content analysis. Findings provide insights into user‑centered design considerations, behavioral incentives, and the technical and experiential factors needed to develop a cohesive, scalable, and user‑friendly smart waste system. These results offer implications for universities, municipalities, and developers seeking to improve recycling efficiency through IoT‑driven solutions.

Keywords: Recycling, Upcycling, IoT, Smart, Waste