Abstract
All around the world, there is a waste crisis. We are producing excessive amounts of products and goods that get discarded so quickly that our infrastructure and environment can’t handle it (UN Environment Programme, 2025). Overconsumption is running rampant and our cities are full of waste. The more we mindlessly produce, the greater the impact on the environment increases. The sociotechnical problem at hand is multifaceted and can be explored through many different types of studies. Society, naively and unknowingly, shapes production patterns, causing companies to over produce, leading to excessive production that has major repercussions. Through my STS research, and my capstone project, this sociotechnical problem is examined through two lenses: the possible outcome of knowledge loss due to overconsumption, and how we might mitigate the damage done by taking care of our cities. This sociotechnical problem affects everyone all around the world, making this research not only relevant, but also valuable.
For my technical project, my team and I took on the ASME Student Design Challenge. This year’s challenge involved creating a waste collection device to drive around a model city, gathering recycling and waste materials. While this research is only a model, it represents the bigger global issue at hand: too much waste is being created. To complete this project, we designed the first prototype around the most limiting constraints on height, width, material weight, and battery type. The approach used for this research included literature review on previous competition winners and specifications, as well as design iteration and testing. After many iterations, the final device is able to complete the waste collection tasks at the competition level, while still falling within given constraints and specifications.
The waste crisis around the world not only affects our cities and environment, but it also affects our habits. My STS research argues that overconsumption causes knowledge loss. What happens when the product you just bought breaks? Is your first instinct to buy a new one? Is repairing it even an option? When society becomes reliant on producers to continuously provide products that are destined to break, yet are easily accessible, we fall into a cycle of overconsumption and knowledge loss. When we consume products at unfathomable rates, companies see no need to create quality products, further causing us to repurchase items. When society mindlessly continues to purchase products, we forget how to repair or even make our own goods, continuing the cycle. This research was examined through the SCOT framework (Pinche & Bijker, 1984), which gave insight into the paradoxical nature of this problem. Through literature reviews on previous and current technologies, and analysis of waste data, it becomes clear that this research is important and relevant because it shows the risk of becoming dependent on a cycle that causes us to lose our knowledge and continuously overconsume.
The cycle of overconsumption and knowledge loss is a daunting problem to face, along with the ramifications caused by excess waste. Between my technical and STS research, moving forward with these issues becomes a little more manageable. If we are able to build the infrastructure to keep the environment clean, and encourage learning about our belongings and how to repair them, we can contribute to ending the waste crisis. One of the biggest hurdles is acknowledging the cycle society has fallen victim to. From my technical research, seeing firsthand how excess waste affects everyone gives insight into the reality of the situation. With my STS research highlighting the cycle, we can actively avoid taking part in it and attempt to relearn the knowledge that was lost. For further research, collecting data through surveys from different generations about their knowledge/attitude towards repairing instead of replacing would highlight where the issue started by looking at patterns from technology/products available and comparing that to production and waste trends. Limitations of this study include: not being able to change consumer habits on a large scale, and minimal changes can be made to existing infrastructure that would be widely accepted.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank my family for continuously encouraging curiosity. Whether helping out in the garage or learning how to sew, I was never at a loss for something new to learn. I would also like to thank Professor Wylie for her continuous encouragement towards exploring topics that we’re passionate about.
