Chapter 1

The Problem

Background of the Study

In some days, trash cans on streets are spilled out and that leaves to the scattering

of garbage, foul odor and residents redoing their work. In common cases, this leaves to

point dogs for doing so.

Collins (2007) stated that scavengers are animals who feed on refuse. Locally, it

is common for cats and dogs to scavenge for food in garbage bins. Dogs are scavengers,

as disgusting as we think out of it, dogs perceive trash cans as a dispenser of free food.

They therefore, are attracted to it because of all the smelly contents in it, even if the food

has gone past its level of decomposition and is spoiled rotten(bestpethomeremedies.com).

On the other hand, cats are the same like that to dogs as stated by users in some

site. they would caught their pets scavenging through their trash bins (catworld.com.au).

The concept is similar to that of the electric fence except that the researchers

decided to apply this concept in trash cans for it is common in our locality. Electric

fences are designed to create an electrical circuit when touched by a person or animal.

Though, the researchers assure that the voltage won’t be deadly and that it would only

create a shock of which will warn the scavenger to not go near the trash can again

(wikipedia.org).

There are no existing devices or inventions to prevent animals from scavenging

through trash bins but there are existing methods like spraying ammonia around trash can

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lids. Some repellants to keep stray dogs out can be made right from the comfort of your

home. For instance, Cheyenne pepper, ammonia soaked cotton balls, sliced citrus fruits

and coffee filters soaked in vinegar are all used to deter strays. They are to be placed in

areas where stray dogs might find something to get into. Supposedly, the smell and the

taste of these deterrents turn stray dogs off sending them looking for their meals in other

areas. All of these deterrents can be effective for a while, but it takes constant

reapplication which could leave your pockets struggling. Not to mention some deterrents

such as ammonia are bad for plants and soil. Ammonia would also be the cause of

respiratory issues to your pet (wildlife-removal.com)

This study also aims to create a project of which consists of a trash can, metal

screen, basin, inverter, battery, wires, indicator light and switch. The aim of this project is

to create a design of which will eliminate the said effects of which is done by scavengers.

With this, people will no longer cover their noses and mouths as they walk on streets and

the community would be healthy and would see their surroundings as garbage-free.

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Conceptual Framework

Trash Can DC/Chargeable Battery

Scavenger-free Electric
Trash Can

Scavenger

Electric Shock

Figure 1.Schematic Diagram

The main component in this study is the trash can. A charging system is applied to

the trash can in order to have a product of a scavenger-free electric trash can. The study is

then tested on scavengers, the product will produce an electric shock of which will not

allow the subjects to come near to trash cans again.

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to produce an electric scavenger-free trash can for scavenge

forestallment out of an inverter, motor battery, switch, wires, metal screen, indicator light

and trash can.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. To what level of difference does the commercial trash can and experimental

trash cans in terms of cost acceptability.

2. To what level of difference does the commercial trash can and experimental

trash cans in terms of its effectiveness.

3. Is there any significant difference between the commercial trash can and

improvised trash can?

Hypothesis

The affirmative hypotheses below are tested at 5% level of significance.

1. There is a significant difference between the commercial trash can and

improvised trash can in terms of its cost affordability.

2. There is a significant difference between the commercial trash can and

improvised trash can in terms of its functionality.

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Significance of the Study

Garbage collectors and Street Sweepers

The product is useful to garbage collectors and street sweepers, for the product’s

purpose is to improve sanitation within the community. With this, street cleaners and

garbage collectors are safe from dog-related diseases and also, it prevents burden in their

work.

Residents

The product is also beneficial to residents forit is affordable, reliable and durable.

It will prevent the scattering of garbage, foul odor.

Community

The community will benefit from this product for it will now prevent scavengers

from scavenging through garbage bins of which will lead to bad effects. With this be

installed in every street in the barangay, the community will be disease-free.

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Scope and Limitation

The study was conducted last August 23,2014 at the Barangay Lumbia.

The product is intended to be used in communities, particularly in Baranagays. It

is intended to scare scavengers away to avoid the scattering of garbage, foul odor and

spreading of diseases. It is also intended for garbage collectors, street sweepers, residents

and in general, to the community.

Definition of Terms

Scavenger.It refers to any animal that eats refuse and decaying organic matter

(Webster’s New World College dictionary).

Trash can.It refers to a container for the disposal of dry waste matter(Random

House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary).

Electric shock.It refers to the physiological reaction,characterized by pain and

muscular spasm ,to the passage of an electric current through the body that can affect

the respiratory system and heart rhythm(Collins English Dictionary—Complete and

Unabridged).

Garbage.It refers to the spoiled or waste food,as from a market or kitchen,that is

thrown away(Webster’s New World College dictionary).

Power inverter.It refers to an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct

current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The input voltage, output voltage and

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frequency, and overall power handling depend on the design of the specific device or

circuitry (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_inverter).

Service span or life span.It refers to the average or maximum length of time an

organism, material, or object can be expected to survive or last (The American

Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition).

Commercial.It refers to connection with commerce or trade (Webster’s New

world College dictionary).