Department of Renewable Energy Engineering
Microcontroller Systems REE514
Spring 2024/2025
Smart Trash Bin Project Using Arduino
Prepared:
Mohammed Al-Sherif 22210050
Hasan Alghazali 22210015
Supervised:
DR Mohammed Nuri Hussein
Introduction:
In the era of technological advancement and the spread of concepts
like Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), the Smart Trash
Bin project is a simple yet effective solution that integrates
electronics and programming to improve user experience. This
project utilizes an Arduino-based system that automatically opens
the bin lid when a person approaches, thereby promoting hygiene
and reducing surface contact.
Project Objectives:
1) Improve public hygiene by minimizing the need for manual contact with
the bin lid.
2) Save energy by operating only when needed.
3) Provide practical application for learning electronics and programming
concepts like sensors, actuators, and automation.
4) Use cost-effective and easily accessible components.
Circuit Diagram:
The smart trash can system is made of interconnected electronic components working together
harmoniously. The circuit diagram illustrates how each component is connected precisely.
1. Arduino Uno Board:
It is the brain of the system. It receives signals from the sensor and controls the movement of the
servo motor.
2. Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04):
- VCC connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
- GND connects to GND.
- Trig connects to digital pin D9.
- Echo connects to digital pin D10.
The sensor measures the distance between the trash can and an approaching object (such as a
hand) using ultrasonic waves.
3. Servo Motor (SG90):
- Signal connects to digital pin D6.
- VCC connects to 5V (an external power source is recommended for better performance).
- GND connects to GND.
The servo motor is used to open and close the lid of the trash can, based on Arduino
commands.
Figure(1): circuit diagram of Smart Trash Bin Project Using Arduino
Used Components:
Component Description
Arduino Uno Microcontroller board responsible
for signal processing and system
control.
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) Detects the presence of an object or
person within a specific range (e.g.,
10–30 cm).
Servo Motor Controls the movement of the bin
lid (opening and closing).
Regular Trash Bin Modified to accommodate motor
and lid mechanism.
Resistors and Wires For connecting electrical
components.
Power Source (9V Battery or USB) Supplies power to Arduino and
other components.
Execution Steps:
1. Mechanical Setup:
• Mount the servo motor on the trash bin lid to enable upward (open) and
downward(close)movement.
• Position the ultrasonic sensor at a suitable location (e.g., front of the bin) to
detect nearby objects.
2. Electrical Connections:
• HC-SR04 to Arduino:
- VCC connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
- GND connects to GND.
- Trig connects to digital pin D9.
- Echo connects to digital pin D10.
• Servo Motor:
- Signal connects to digital pin D6.
- VCC connects to 5V (an external power source is recommended for better performance).
- GND connects to GND.
3. Arduino Programming:
The Arduino C++ code reads the sensor data and activates the servo motor when a person
is nearby.
Project Results:
• The system performs effectively, automatically opening the lid when a
person approaches and closing it after 3 seconds.
• The primary goal of reducing contact with the trash bin is achieved.
• Additional sensors (e.g., infrared) can be added for improved accuracy.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenge Solution
Unstable servo movement Use a sufficient power source (e.g.,
9V battery).
Distance measurement errors Calibrate the sensor and test with
various distances.
Connection issues Ensure proper wiring and secure
connections.
Future Improvements:
1. Add a UV light system for sterilization.
2. Connect the project to the internet (IoT) to send alerts when the bin is full.
3. Optimize energy consumption using a PIR sensor.
Conclusion:
The Smart Trash Bin project using Arduino is a practical
implementation of automation and simple AI in daily life. It is
suitable for use in homes, offices, and hospitals to improve hygiene
and reduce germ transmission. This project serves as a stepping
stone toward more advanced smart home systems.
References:
- Arduino Official Website: https://www.arduino.cc/
- HC-SR04 Datasheet:
https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Sensors/Proximity/HCSR04.pdf
- Servo.h Library: https://www.arduino.cc/reference/en/libraries/servo/
