Smart Segregating Trash Bin Using Image Processing

RATIONALE

Waste segregation has long been a concern in our environment. It results from a number of
natural and human causes. There needs to be a solution to this problem because unsegregated waste is
being dumped everywhere. Due to the daily increase in rubbish production, additional waste facilities
are also necessary. In order to address this problem, we must devise a way to make waste segregation
less complicated and more straightforward, additionally, to conserve space for waste. Due to these
factors, we decided to develop a robot that can automatically segregate waste making segregation
easier.

The issue of waste segregation has gained significant attention in recent years due to the
increasing concern over environmental sustainability. Waste segregation involves the separation of
different types of waste materials, such as plastics, paper, metals, and organic waste, to enable
efficient recycling and proper disposal. However, despite the implementation of segregation programs
and the provision of recycling facilities, waste segregation remains a challenging problem in many
communities globally. The primary contributor to this issue is typically reckless rubbish disposal by
individuals.

Numerous factors contribute to the waste segregation problem, including inadequate awareness
and education among individuals regarding the benefits and methods of waste segregation. This
problem asks for the government’s assistance by offering regulations and education to urge people to
be more responsible in waste segregation. Moreover, human robotics can be helpful in this situation.
By developing a robot that can make garbage sorting and simpler and easier, we may contribute to
reducing and decreasing the quantity of unorganized waste that we dispose of each day.

Automated waste segregating systems and smart bins are not only environmentally friendly but
also cost-effective. According to a study by S. S. Kulkarni et al. (2019), the use of smart bins can
reduce the cost of waste management by up to 50%. The study found that the use of smart bins can
help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and increase the amount of waste that is recycled.
Therefore, this study shows that the creation of a robot with the ability to automatically sort trash and
compress waste can assist save more space for waste disposal.

Another study by Singh et al.(2018) presented Smart Bin, a bin that is able to segregate waste at
source with no human intervention and can automatically alert the waste collection center when the
bin is full. The study found that Smart Bin could help solve the waste segregation problem and help
build a greener society, with no compromise on health and hygiene. As a result, we can infer from
this study that developing a bin with automated features can help address the problem of waste
disposal.
 According to the Philippine Information Agency(2020) ,In the Philippines, waste segregation has
emerged as a crucial issue in recent years due to the country’s growing population and limited waste
management infrastructure. Problems with trash segregation tend to be concentrated in densely
populated areas. A study published in the Philippine E-Journals found that despite numerous efforts
to implement a policy on solid waste management, problems persist in schools. We became aware of
the problem of trash segregation at our school because there are not enough locations for rubbish
disposal, and due to the high student and staff population. Thus as researchers, we made the decision
to create a robotics project to address this issue. Because of this, our project will be beneficial in
settings like schools and public spaces.

The main objective of this research is to design and create a system that effectively separates
waste materials with image processing system. This project will address the problem of poor waste
segregation while ensuring waste is properly managed. By doing this, the cleanliness of our
surroundings can be preserved. We are researchers who have seen the effects that improper waste
segregation has on the environment, which motivates us to try to create a solution for this problem.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS
Generally, this study aims to assess the efficiency and reliability of automated trash segregating
trash bin with smart shredder in trash segregation.

1. What is the robot’s success rate for sorting trash?

2. How can the robot evaluate the trash before classifying in terms of:

2.1 Size
2.2 Color
2.3 Texture

3. What varieties of waste can the robot segregate in terms of size, weight or moisture?

GOALS/EXPECTED OUTCOMES
 1. The system that was developed could segregate trash.

2. There is a difference in how it classifies garbage based on the following factors:

2.1 Color, and

2.2 Moisture content.

PROCEDURE

The study will utilize the knowledge from previous literatures and studies as guide in conducting
this research. For this study, literatures and studies related to automated segregating machines, as this
study will need to use different type of sensors, specially imaged-based sensors that will be implied to
this study. The gathered information of the researchers will be used as a guide to conduct a guided
production.

SENSORS
The researchers plan to utilize Arduino Uno and program it through the Arduino API in
order to feed data into the various machine components. This will function as the mechanism's
control panel. The robot will categorize garbage into three types using image-based sensors.
MOTORS
Servo motors will be the motors inside the bin. The servo motors will open the hatches
leading to the bins, and the trash will be delivered into the proper container after the image based
sensor identifies the garbage into the appropriate classification.
POWER SUPPLY
Power supply with a voltage regulator will be employed to ensure a voltage supply. A 9V
battery or a 5V USB power supply can be used to power the Arduino, but separate power supply
will be used if needed for the servo motors and the sensor to avoid malfunctions or erratic
performance.

PROCEDURES:

The upper part will first be assembled, setting up the electronics of the machine. The
frame for the waste collection inlet will be created, and the image based sensor will be placed
near for garbage detection. The waste collection inlet will have an opening hatch below, which it
will hold the garbage before getting down the bin. A servo motor will be employed for the
opening and closing function of the hatch. The sensor and the servo motor will be linked into the
Arduino, which is coded to give commands to the motors.

The bottom part of the mechanism will consist of three separate bins; Biodegradable, Non-
biodegradable and Recyclable. These containers will be mounted onto a circle disk, which can be
turned by a servo motor. The servo motor will also be linked to Arduino, where the Arduino will
be coded to get information from the sensors, before giving the command to the servo motor and
turn to match the appropriate bin that the trash will fall into.

The researchers will prepare the foundation of the trash bin, well-designed to fit in the
electrical components and containers inside for the assembly of the machine. Imaged based
sensor will be employed in waste collection inlet, to monitor and classify the variety of the
waste. Then the researchers will assemble the parts as shown in the diagram.

The robot’s success rate, durability, and user satisfaction will all be monitored and
recorded by the researchers during the device’s implementation. After that, the information
gathered and feedbacks will be documented for later data analysis.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The automated segregating trash bin will be designed using motors and sensors. The
Arduino Uno will serve as the main control of the machine as it controls the activities of hatches
and the servo motors. Initially, the waste will be collected using a waste collection inlet. Then it
passes through the sensors for monitoring, before a hatch opens up leading to the appropriate
bin that is set by the sensor for classification. Based from the sensors, the Arduino will control
the servo motor to rotate to match the appropriate bin that the garbage will fall onto after the
hatch opens up.
 OPENING
IMAGE-BASED
WASTE GATE
Type equation here . SENSOR
HATCH

ARDUINO

NON
BIO
BIODEGRAD RECYCABLES
DEGRADABLE
ABLE

SERVO
MOTOR

RISK AND SAFETY

In addition, there are risks associated with connecting wires, including the possibility of
electric shock, the possibility of fire, and the imperative requirement to adhere to electrical
regulations. Future researchers will place a higher priority on safety precautions, following
electrical codes, and stressing the importance of grounding, insulation, and secure
connections. In the future, it will be crucial to realize that regular inspections and
maintenance are necessary to prevent accidents and prolong the life of electrical equipment.
The researcher’s dedication to safety measures will demonstrate the effort they put into
creating a setting that is both safe and conducive to conducting the study.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The automated segregating trash bin will be designed using motors and sensors. The
Arduino Uno will serve as the main control of the machine as it controls the activities of hatches
and the servo motors. Initially, the waste will be collected using a waste collection inlet. Then it
passes through the sensors for monitoring, before a hatch opens up leading to the appropriate
bin that is set by the sensor for classification. Based from the sensors, the Arduino will control
the servo motor to rotate to match the appropriate bin that the garbage will fall onto after the
hatch opens up.

OPENING
IMAGE-BASED
WASTE GATE
Type equation here . SENSOR
HATCH

ARDUINO

NON
BIO
BIODEGRAD RECYCABLES
DEGRADABLE
ABLE

SERVO
MOTOR
DATA ANALYSIS

In the upcoming stages of this research, advanced data analysis methods will be
employed to thoroughly examine the complexities of the research questions and derive
significant insights from the gathered data. The collected data will be valuable for identifying the
limitations and areas of the study that require improvement. The study will utilize descriptive,
correlation, and time-based analysis to assess the performance and efficiency of the robot.
Various aspects of the robot, including success rate, power cost, consistency, durability and user
satisfaction, will be recorded to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its functionality. In
summary, advanced data analysis methods can enhance the interpretation of research findings,
leading to well-founded conclusions and informed suggestions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Endaya, J. P. S., Mabitasan Jr., F. S., & Gonzales, J. C. M. (2022). Design and
Implementation of Automated Waste Segregator with Smart Compression. Bachelor of
Science in Electronics Engineering. Laguna State Polytechnic University. [Link]
(https://lpulaguna.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6.-Endaya-Mabitasan-Gonzales-
Waste-Segregator.pdf)

 Singh, A., Kumar, A., & Kumar, S. (2018). SmartBin-Automatic waste segregation and
collection. 2018 International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communications
and Informatics (ICACCI). [Link](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8479531)

 Kulkarni, S. S., & Kulkarni, S. (2019). Smart Dustbin: A Cost-Effective Solution for
Waste Management. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology
(IJEAT), 9(1), 1-4. [Link]
(https://www.ijeat.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v9i1/A9862109119.pdf)

 Prasad, K. R. S., & Kumar, V. (2019). Smart Garbage Monitoring System Using IoT.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE),
8(8), 1-5. [Link]
(https://www.ijitee.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v8i8/H1209058819.pdf)
 Design and Implementation of Automated Waste Segregator with Smart ....
https://lpulaguna.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6.-Endaya-Mabitasan-Gonzales-
Waste-Segregator.pdf.

 SmartBin-Automatic waste segregation and collection.

 Design and Implementation of Automated Waste Segregator with Smart ....

 AUTOMATIC WASTE SEGREGATING SYSTEM AND SMART BIN.

 Recovering the Environment through Proper Waste Segregation. Retrieved from