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Solar-Powered Smart Bins: Development of a Trash Bin Integrated with an Ultrasonic

Sensor Device to Monitor Trash Levels with SMS Capabilities at Ateneo de Zamboanga
University

A RESEARCH PRESENTED TO
THE FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,
AND ENGINEERING
ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSITY
ZAMBOANGA CITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and SOCIETY

BY:
BASING, ANDIH REI S
MARTIN, DIZCIL MAE A
ROJAS, REESE AZZELEY J
ROYO, MIKAELA REIGN W
SILVEN, MOHAMMAD ADAM MUEZZIN U
TORREJOS, BILLIE JOYCE D
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CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

It is common to observe trash bins filled to the brim with garbage of all sorts. People

would then nonchalantly throw random rubbish into the container whether it’s full or not,

therefore just dirtying its immediate environment even more. In other garbage containers, the

content may not be visible from the outside, which makes it even more difficult to ascertain a

bin’s content. Cities all throughout the world are dealing with difficult issues, and one issue

that is becoming worse is solid waste management. At least thirty-three percent of the 2.01

billion metric tons of municipal solid garbage produced globally each year is improperly

managed for the environment (Kaza et al., 2018). Trash can end up on beaches and in gyres

and migrate through the rivers and oceans of the planet. Plastic waste is the most dangerous

kind of rubbish since it may affect people, animals, and the environment the most. Nearly all

bodies of water have it either on the bottom, floating near the surface, or suspended in the

water column. It travels by rivers to the ocean, where the currents carry it. It is frequently

consumed by fish and birds, filling their stomachs and concentrating harmful chemicals in

their tissues that ultimately lead to starvation. There are many more issues related to plastic

aquatic litter than just aesthetics. (EPA, 2020)

Through environmental contamination, one can develop diseases, such as asthma, birth

defects, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more. These issues will continue to increase if

environmental action is not established in the near future (Austin Downs, Richard Acevedo

and Kennedi Humble, 2019). According to Ecube Labs, the growing quantity of garbage and

pollution caused by the increased need for food and other necessities is one of the biggest
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issues that cities throughout the world are facing as a result of increased urbanization. More

often than not, public trash cans are overflowing before being picked up, which not only

results in dirty streets and unpleasant scents but also has detrimental effects on the

environment and public health.

The Philippines is one of the major producers of garbage in Southeast Asia and a major

cause of the pollution caused by plastic debris in the oceans. Numerous reasons contribute to

this, such as poor recycling rates, problems with collection, and inconsistent segregation of

plastic packaging across numerous local government units (LGU). Inadequate waste disposal

infrastructure, such as recycling centers and landfills, is present in many LGUs in the

Philippines. Due to this, the two main methods of getting rid of garbage were burning and

dumping, which is harmful to the environment and unhealthy for people (Manas, Johann

Jose Israel, 2023). The World Bank analysis found that non-collection of waste is typical in

regions not served by LGU collection trucks or barangay collection services, particularly in

impoverished or slum areas with constrained road networks. As a result, during flood

occurrences, trash ends up in the streets, vacant lots, and rivers. (Mary Ann LL. Reyes, 2023)

The first smart trash bin was created in 2013 by a start-up that was fully designed and

manufactured in France. The basic observation that garbage sorting in public spaces was

frequently intricate and under-optimized served as the impetus for the creation of

GreenCREATIVE, which was founded by Lucile Noury and Rémi Gomez. How is the sorting

made? Automatically, which simplifies the task for users and avoids mistakes. Thanks to

embedded sensors, in only 6 seconds and silently; once full, the smart bin sends an alert

message to let cleaning companies know they must come and empty the trays

(GreenCREATIVE, 2013).
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There are many other cities searching desperately for ways to lessen the burden of garbage

management. Among these are new bins called "Smart Bins," which use the Internet of Things

(IoT) to manage garbage considerably more effectively. Some Smart Bins are equipped with a

solar-powered garbage compactor that operates at a certain level, allowing them to contain up

to eight times as much waste without overflowing. Smart bins are far superior than

conventional garbage cans due to their unique blend of trash compaction technology and

sophisticated waste monitoring.

Global waste management is a problem with serious consequences for the environment

and human health. Animal life and ecosystems are harmed by the improper disposal of solid

waste, especially plastic, which pollutes rivers and seas. Particular problems with garbage

creation are seen in the Philippines, such as low recycling rates and limited infrastructure for

disposing of waste. In addition to detracting from aesthetics, trash also draws bugs and

illnesses.

Inventive solutions, such as smart bins with Internet of Things connectivity, have surfaced

to tackle these issues. Reducing the frequency of collections and increasing efficiency, these

bins can condense waste and offer real-time data to improve rubbish collection. Reducing the

harmful consequences of waste on the environment and public health requires the adoption of

sustainable methods.

To conclude, this research introduces a solution that combines technological innovation

with environmental consciousness for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

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The researchers aim to create a Solar-Powered Trash Bin Sensor that can be helpful to

janitors and students. The research objectives to be completed are the following:

1. Design a Solar-Powered Ultrasonic Sensor for Trash Bins that can transmit

SMS to janitors.

2. Test its capabilities to ensure it has succeeded in its function to detect trash

levels and notify janitorial staff to unload its content.

3. Identify ways to improve the product for future researchers.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This prototype is mainly focusing on the outdoor areas of the Ateneo de Zamboanga

University Salvador Campus, as interiors will restrict the project’s solar power capacity. It will

be utilizing an Arduino Microcontroller, an HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, a SIM800L GSM

Module, a Solar Panel and as well as a 6V Battery to carry out its operations.

On the other hand, this prototype will not be waterproof. Creating a water-resistant

design is beyond the scope of our project’s intention to create a simple Smart Bin, which is

why we recommend future researchers to build upon this research and thus create an improved

version.

Another severe limitation is on the researcher’s limited knowledge on computer

programming. Having to utilize related literature and read multiple articles, this prototype will

be designed by beginners, and thus may encounter issues especially during the development

phase.
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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Battery - The prototype’s main source of power, which will be charged by a Solar Panel.

GSM Module (SIM800L) - A chip that can be integrated with a SIM card and would be used

to send SMS messages to janitors.

Microcontroller (Arduino) - A mini-motherboard where we can insert all our peripherals and

control them such as the HC-SR404 and the SIM800L.

Solar Panel - A device used to harness solar energy to power the Smart Bin.

Solar-Powered Smart Bin - A solar-powered trash bin that is able to detect if it is full–if so,

would send a notification to janitors to clear out its content.

Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) - A device that can detect the content of a trash bin if the fill

has reached a certain threshold.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The implementation of the Solar Powered Trash Bin Sensor will hold profound

significance in the context of waste management. As we know, there is an increase in trash

piled up on the streets, and this study aims to address and put an intervention to the issue.

First, it teaches the community, especially the newer generations, how to clean the

environment. Not only in throwing garbage but also addresses power conservation and

efficiency, relying on solar power rather than traditional power sources.

Second, the sensors that monitor the waste levels will prevent the overstacking of

trash, ensuring that it will be taken away promptly and reduce the risk of overflow. Not only
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that, but it optimizes collection schedules and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the

environment.

For the ADZU community, the faculty, and the students, this serves as an improved

implementation of the Clean As You Go (CLAYGO) rule, Not only will it encourage the

students and staff to throw their trash in the bin, but it alerts the janitors on when the trash bins

are full as soon as the sensors start.

Future researchers may use this study as a stepping stool to further innovate and

advance the technology. Future research may reference this study as a basis for their

observations and improve its effectiveness.

In conclusion, this study revolutionizes the way we manage our waste. With the

integration of power efficiency, renewable energy, and real-time monitoring. As cities strive

for a more sustainable and efficient way of living, this study aims to mitigate the issue in new

ways.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

It is important for sanitary workers to know immediately when the content of a trash

container is full or filled. Likewise, it is also essential to review the past studies and literature

that have covered the aspects of a Smart Trash Bin, and the problems that the Smart Bin

solution seeks to counter. As the problem of lacking Solid Waste Management persists, we’ll

be covering the various literature by summarizing their abstracts, pros and cons, and their

significance; in both international and local.

WASTE PROBLEM

LOCAL
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A Long-Standing Problem: A Review on the Solid Waste Management in the

Philippines

(Ericson E. Coracero, et. al.)

This extensive study dabbles into the overall solid waste management that the

Philippines has been lacking thereof. Already considered a pressing global issue, the

country still continues to build up a rising amount of waste which will further increase

in the succeeding years.

This study tackles an amount of variables contributing to this environmental

issue, such as; the sources and composition of Municipal Solid Waste; the rate that

Waste generates; Solid Waste impacts on health and the environment; the

implementation of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of

2000); and the legal framework containing all subsequent legislations and policies

pertaining to this issue. This study greatly emphasizes citizen participation in order to

meet the vision of a trash-free Philippines. Our study aims to create a simple prototype

that can be integrated into various trash bins with simple features such as the ability to

sense the level of content, and the ability to notify authorities to empty its load. In

essence, our study aims to create a stepping stone for future innovators to build upon,

and hopefully be able to implement it at a massive scale for a trash-free Philippines.

INTERNATIONAL

Municipal Solid Waste Management Challenges and Problems for Cities in

Low-Income and Developing Countries

(Mahmood Zohoori, et. al.)

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This study highlights the multifaceted nature of solid waste management

(SWM) in developing countries, especially low-income countries. It identifies

challenges facing cities, including increased waste generation, financial pressure on

municipal budgets and a lack of understanding of waste management issues. This

article highlights the importance of data and information in the management of

change, implementation and planning of waste management systems in cities.

The main issues discussed were the impact of weak economic growth on rising

poverty levels, unplanned resettlement due to rural-urban migration, and political

interference related to the effectiveness of internal controls. Vulnerability to surface

and groundwater contamination was identified due to the lack of local authorities in

the selection of waste disposal sites. Illegal dumping is an economic and

environmental threat to urban areas.

The study also found several barriers to effective waste management, including

insufficient operation of garbage collection vehicles, poor infrastructure and lack of

funding. However, this article recognizes successful low-tech approaches in cities in

Asia, Africa and Latin America, including the introduction of informal waste

collectors. It advocates waste management systems as a social, economic and

environmental solution to the pressing problems facing cities in low-income

developing countries in terms of waste management.

SMART BINS

LOCAL
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Design and Development of a Smart Trash Bin for Recyclable Wastes

(Earl John C. Flores, et al.) (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University –Mid

La Union Campus, City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines)

Their study indulges in nearly the exact research that we are writing and

developing. The Smart Trash Bin they’ve designed makes use of an Arduino

microcontroller to segregate recyclable materials, monitor trash levels, and to send an

SMS alarm to any sanitary authorities through GSM communication. These are all in

process whilst powered by solar energy, which is overall cost-effective and

environmentally friendly.

Other than being able to detect trash levels, it also has the capability to

segregate metal from non-metal. Using servo motors through the microcontroller,

these motors will be able to open a lid within if it has detected a specific material it

was programmed to segregate. It is said to have cost 180$ or around the average of

9895 PHP at the time of its publishing. Our research aims to lessen the costs to procure

such technology by focusing only on the aspect of detecting trash bin levels.

GULP: Solar-Powered Smart Garbage Segregation Bins with SMS Notification

and Machine Learning Image Processing

(Jerome B. Sigongan, et al.) (College of Computer Studies, Northern Bukidnon State

College, Philippines)

Their study makes use of the Agile Methodology, which boasts six phases in

the research; Plan, Design, Develop, Test, Release, Feedback. This methodology

enables them to manage their workloads effectively to create a high-quality product

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whilst staying within their budget. Their product mostly dabbles on Smart Garbage

Segregation, making use of Servo Motors to open and close lids.

Overall, their prototype is highly robust, making use of several Ultrasonic

sensors for each type of trash that would be segregated, such as; Biodegradable;

Non-Biodegradable; and Recyclable. It makes use of a Raspberry Pi 4 Model-B for its

camera to achieve Machine Learning Image Processing capabilities, which means it is

able to detect what type of garbage is thrown into its container, and segregate it

accordingly to its designated type. Making use of Solar Power as well, their prototype

has integrated its own SMS capacity through a GSM module with the sole intention of

notifying nearby janitors to unload its content.

INTERNATIONAL

The Design and Implementation of Smart Trash Bin

(Fady E. F. Samann) (College of Engineering, Department of Computer and

Communication, Nawroz University, Duhok, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan)

Mr. Samann’s study nearly aligns with the goals of our research. His study

makes use of the same Arduino microcontroller, alongside an ultrasonic sensor to

monitor the fullness level of a container and give SMS alerts using a GSM module.

The system is also powered by solar energy, moreover, the system provides an option

of charging external portable devices using its power bank. It can also store its usage

and fullness events on a memory card, which is also used to play an audio message

using a speaker when the bin is being used.

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Unlike our research, Mr. Samann’s study makes use of audio design and

speakers to enhance its immersive use as a Smart Trash Bin. However, one particular

con is that this Trash Bin is its own device, rather than being a network of peripherals

that can be implemented to any outdoor trash bin. In our research, we aim to be cost

effective and make use of current materials and assets.

Development of Solar-Powered of Sensors Based Smart Waste Monitoring System

(Polaiah Bojja, et. al.)

Their study is highly similar to the first and second additions to this list of

reviewed literature, in which they make great use of Ultrasonic Sensors to detect levels

of trash within trash bins, whilst solar-powered, and make use of servo motors to open

the lid of the trash bin. One thing that separates them from the rest is the use of

geolocation through WiFi. Their proposal is to make use of geo-tracking in order to

provide the authorities a visual on where each trash bin is located. It’s overall a right

step into a smart environmentally friendly city.

As our scope is only focused within the Ateneo de Zamboanga campus, we do

not feel the need of geo tracking in our prototype. We hope that our study may serve as

the foundations for future researchers to continue and perhaps produce these new

avenues.

CHAPTER II

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
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This chapter presents the methodology adopted in investigating the effectiveness of

solar-powered smart bins equipped with ultrasonic sensors for effective waste management at

Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The study aims to design and evaluate a device that can

monitor trash levels and notify janitorial staff via SMS, addressing the specific objectives of

optimizing waste collection processes and enhancing campus cleanliness.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study will employ a quantitative research design as it allows for the measurement

and analysis of numerical data related to the Smart Bin’s content level and the Ultrasonic

Sensor’s performance, such as accuracy, SMS success rate, response time, and energy

efficiency.

MATERIALS NEEDED

1. Arduino UNO R3 Microcontroller and

Peripherals
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2. HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Ranging Sensor

3. 18 V 20 Watt Solar Panel

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4. SIM800L V2 GSM GPRS Module

5. 6-Volt 4Amp/h Battery

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6. Hooded Trash Bin

Table1: Images of essential materials.

PROCEDURES

1. Cut out a hole big enough for the ultrasonic sensor to fit in besides the lid of the trash bin.

2. Build 2 acrylic boxes and place each box on both opposing sides of the lid.

3. Install the ultrasonic sensor to the trash bin’s lid securing it with duct tape inside the box.
Ensure that the wiring is properly and neatly installed as well.

4. Calibrate the ultrasonic sensor to the correct calibration, such as the right sensitivity,
distance, and sampling frequency.

5. Attach both the microcontroller and communication module on the ultrasonic sensor.

6. Attach the rechargeable battery inside the other box.

7. Attach the solar panel on top of the lid and connect it to the rechargeable battery and the
microcontroller.

8. Program the microcontroller to check if the trash bin is full and to trigger the
communication module.

9. Program the communication module to send notifications to the janitors.

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Figure 2a: Diagram of the Smart Bin with parts labeled

Figure 2b: Smart Bin Diagram, opposite side.

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Figure 3: Diagram of the overall function

TESTING OF PROTOTYPE

For this prototype to function, the researchers must make sure to test two essential

parts of the prototype: the power source, and the microcontroller’s programming. LED bulbs

will be implemented as to provide a visual representation of the prototype’s energy levels,

such as follows:

LED COLOR CONNECTION PURPOSE

GREEN +5V Powered

RED GND Not Powered

Table 2: Testing of the power source.
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After successful testing of the prototype’s power source, a secondary test must be done

on the microcontroller’s programming.

CONTENT OF TRASH BIN INDICATOR VERDICT

EMPTY DOES NOT SEND SMS Working

EMPTY SENDS SMS Error.

FULL/THRESHOLD REACHED DOES NOT SEND SMS Error

FULL/THRESHOLD REACHED SENDS SMS Working

Table 3: Testing of the main components of the prototype.

As indicated in Table 3, it is imperative that in both Empty and Full states should not

end up in an error, otherwise it’ll be further improved on and tested again to ensure it meets

the objectives of this study.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

The researchers are committed to upholding the rules and regulations set forth by

Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This includes a conscientious effort to avoid the use of

materials that are banned or not allowed within campus premises, such as plastic bottles,

plastic bags, and styrofoam cups. By adhering to these restrictions, the research project

ensures alignment with the university's sustainability goals and environmental policies.

In addition to material considerations, the researchers prioritize safety standards during

the creation of the Smart Bin prototype, especially concerning electric wirings and other

electronic devices. Rigorous adherence to safety protocols ensures the well-being of

individuals involved in the project and minimizes the risk of accidents or hazards. This

commitment to safety extends to the eventual deployment and use of the Smart Bin,

prioritizing the protection of users and the environment.

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