WasteAway: An Android Recycling App
Tags: reactnative, android, jsx, testing
Published: 2020-04-20 14:42:01

---
title: WasteAway: An Android Recycling App
published: true
description: Over the last few weeks, I've been learning React Native for my final year of university dissertation. Now, it's on the Google Play Store - and I need your help.
tags: react native, android, jsx, testing
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/yw3rgdm9u49oj8amghib.png
---
University has been a long, four-year journey but I'm finally nearing the end.

**And I've just published my first ever mobile app.**

Over the last few weeks, I've been learning React Native as part of my final year project at Staffordshire University. It's been gruelling and tough and at times I've had no motivation at all. _Nevertheless, she persisted._ If you're that way inclined, you can [read the code logs](https://github.com/kitella1/FYP-Logs) that I produced over the entire process. They're not exactly page turners; I read a _lot_ of research papers for several months whilst designing this app and it shows. They do, however, document my entire thought process for the creation of this application.

Now, after many months of blood, sweat, and tears, [WasteAway is on the Google Play Store](https://wasteaway-fyp.web.app/#/) - and I need help.

My dissertation is focused around the climate crisis and how to reduce household impact on it. WasteAway was designed to encourage household recycling, using the principles of Gamification to do so. Users can earn points by recycling everyday household items and entering the global leader board to compete for the top spot.

I'm in need of Android users to download and test the app. Currently, I've got a small pool of friends and peers who are using the app daily and reporting bugs but the more the merrier.

The website specifies the criteria for participation so please [check it out] (https://wasteaway-fyp.web.app/#/). I've also listed the steps to participate below:
1. Download the application from the Google Play Store.
2. Fill out the [Preliminary Questionnaire](https://staffordshire.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cverB4XpSYpUx4p).
3. Use the application for at least 7 days.
4. If you experience any problems, errors, or bugs, please report them using the [Bug Report Form](https://staffordshire.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UmnJgckERM24XX).
5. Once you've completed the minimum test period, fill out the [Application Review Questionnaire](https://staffordshire.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1XiTKdkdZDLIRnf).
7. Testing will end on the 27th of April. Please ensure your bugs are reported and that an Application Review Questionnaire has been filled out by then.

I'm so excited to see my creation on the Google Play Store; 'Watch This Space' as TeaCosy Creations will absolutely be making and publishing more apps where I'm able. I've definitely caught the bug. It's a little surreal to see an app that _I've_ created on a store with so many _actual_ developers. Currently, I'm suffering from some childlike giddiness.

WasteAway may be a little rough around the edges but I'm looking to polish it in the second iteration of development. Please, if you're willing and able, consider helping me do so. I'd really appreciate it.