Department of Electronics & Telecommunication

MAHATMA GANDHI MISSION’S COLLEGE OF

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KAMOTHE,
NAVI MUMBAI-410209
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
[2020-2021]
ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATED
WASTE SEGREGATOR SYSTEM
BY
Mr. Ankit Pathak
Ms. Prajakta Patil
Ms. Harshada Waghmare
Mr. Saurav Yadav

Project Guide:- Mrs. Padmaja Deshpande

ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATED
WASTE SEGREGATOR SYSTEM
The purpose of this project is the realization of a compact, low cost,
and user-friendly segregation system for urban households to
streamline the waste management process.
ABSTRACT
The rapid growth in the population has also led to the surge in the volume of waste
being generated on a daily basis. This increase in the generation of waste due to
continuous growth in the urbanization and industrialization has become a severe
problem for the local and the national government. It is also posing a serious problem
for the local authorities to manage the wastes being dumped everywhere as landfill. To
ensure the minimal risk to the environment and human health, it is necessary to take
meticulous measures when segregating and transporting waste. Segregation of waste in
a proper manner brings to the limelight actual economic value of the waste. 
 Here we propose the use of an Auto Waste Segregator which is cheap and also an easy
to use solution for segregation of household waste. It is designed to segregate the waste
into three categories viz. metallic, dry and wet waste. The system makes use of moisture
sensor for the segregation of wet and dry waste and inductive proximity sensor for the
detection of metallic waste and an LCD display for displaying the result of segregation. 
PROBLEM STATEMENT
 Unplanned open dumping at landfill sites made by municipal is a common
method of disposal of waste. Human health, plant and animal life are affected due to
this method.
 The economic value of the waste generated is not realized unless it is
recycled completely. There is a need for a cheap and also an easy to use solution for
segregation of household waste
OBJECTIVE
 The main objective of this project is to design a segregator system based on the
first step before the recycling process. We designed the garbage separation or
segregation system of mixed garbage (used bottle & can of drinks and beverages
by the consumers, plastics, metals, vegetable & fruit waste, cooked food waste,
E waste etc. ) and classify them according to waste type.
 To design a system that segregate the waste into three categories viz. metallic,
dry and wet waste, thereby ensuring a higher quality of the material is retained
for recycling which means that more value could be recovered from the waste.
 To reduce occupational hazard for workers involved in the collection and
handling of waste.
 To reduce the overall time required for processing post segregation; it could be
directly sent to the recycling and processing plant instead of sending it to the
segregation plant than to the recycling plant
INTRODUCTION
Waste disposal is a huge cause for concern in the present world. The disposal method of
a voluminous amount of generated waste has had an adverse effect on the
environment. Unplanned open dumping at landfill sites made by municipal is a common
method of disposal of waste. Human health, plant and animal life are affected due to
this method.
When the waste is segregated into basic streams such as wet, dry and metallic, the waste
has a higher potential of recovery and consequently recycled and reused. The wet waste
fraction is often converted either into compost or methane-gas or both. Compost can
replace demand for chemical fertilizers, and biogas can be used as a source of energy.
The metallic waste could be reused or recycled.
Even though there are large-scale industrial waste segregators present, it is always much
better to segregate the waste at the source itself. The benefits of doing so are that a
higher quality of the material is retained for recycling which means that more value
could be recovered from the waste. The occupational hazard for waste workers is
reduced. 
What is waste segregation?
 Waste Segregation means to group Waste into different Categories. Each waste goes
into its category at the point of dumping or collection. 
 Waste segregation means dividing waste into dry and wet waste.
 Dry waste includes wood and related products, metals and glass.
 Wet waste typically refers to organic waste usually generated by eating establishments
and are heavy in weight due to dampness.

Why is waste segregation important?

 Segregating waste is in the best interest of our health and environment.
 When mixed dry and wet waste breaks down in landfill, it creates nasty greenhouse
gases.
 Segregating waste helps divert it from landfill ensuring it’s recycled properly.
 Mixed dry waste such as glass and paper can be turned into new products. This saves
energy and resources needed to create products from raw material.
Segregation of waste at source:

Which waste can Recyclable and Non Recyclable?

LITERATURE REVIEW
 Existing System:
With the increasing quantity of waste generated and restricted lowland house for
waste disposal, utilization is one in all the necessary approaches to manage the waste
effectively. Nowdays, in this modern world instead of using the work normally.
Concern over the atmosphere is being seen as a massive increase in recycling
globally that has full-grown to be a vital a part of trendy civilization. There is no
such system for segregation of wastes into categories such as dry, wet and metallic
wastes at the household level.

 Proposed System:
At present there is no such system for segregation of wastes into categories such
as dry, wet and metallic wastes at the household level. An Automated Waste
Segregator (AWS) can be used at the household level so that the waste can be sent
directly for processing. The automated waste segregator employs inductive sensors
to identify metallic items, and capacitive sensors to distinguish between wet and dry
waste depending upon the threshold values set.
It cannot segregate ceramic into dry waste because it has the higher relative
dielectric constant as compared to other dry wastes that are segregated. By
increasing accuracy and overall efficiency, we can eliminate noise. The limitations
of this system are it can segregate only one type of waste at a time with an assigned
priority for metal, wet and dry waste. Thus, buffer spaces can be used to segregate
a mixed type of waste. Since the time for sensing metal objects is low the entire
sensing module can be placed along a single platform where the object is stable to
ensure better results. Ultrasonic Sensors are used to monitor the garbage collection.
When the garbage reaches the sensor level an interrupt is sent to the
microcontroller.
Advanced processing techniques can be incorporated once the waste has been
segregated, methods for individual material feeding for local use so that the
segregation can be performed continuously once the waste is dumped, image
sensing can be used to segregate materials through Image processing technology. It
has an advantage of reduced manpower, improved accuracy and speed of
management of waste. It also avoids the risk of working in hazardous places. This
work can be implemented by making use of a robotic arm in the future to pick and
place certain materials which can be re-used. The bins can be unloaded by placing
limit sensors at the top of each bin.
Depending upon the above survey we will be implementing an AWS using Arduino
UNO with a feedback system which will be implemented using an Ultrasonic
Distance Measure Sensor, and as the garbage reaches the sensor level which is
attached in the bin an interrupt is sent to the microcontroller and a message is
displayed on LCD saying bin is full and the microcontroller enters low power mode
till it is not reset. We had proposed a standing model for the system to be
implemented but to improve the accuracy and feasibility of the system and to make
the system cost effective we chose to make a system using a conveyer belt and
mounting different sensors at the sides of the belt so as to segregate waste.
HARDWARE REQUIRED
 Arduino
 IR Sensor
 Metal Sensor
 Moisture Sensor
 DC Motor
 LCD
 Motor Driver System
 Resistors
 Transistor
 Diodes
 PCB
 Cables & Connectors
 Capacitors
 Arduino
The Arduino Uno is a popularly used open-
source micro-controller board that runs on
ATmega 328P micro-controller. This board
contains a set of digital and analog I/O data
pins that are used to interface this board
with other electronic components. Arduino
Uno consists of 14 digital pins and 6 analog
pins. This board can be programmed with
the help of Arduino IDE (Integrated
Development Environment) that supports
embedded C, its back-end is constructed
using JAVA. Uno consists of an USB port
through which the code can be uploaded on
to the board. This post can also be used to
power the board by connecting it to a
laptop, PC, etc. Along with a USB port, it
also has a DC input power jack. An external
battery of 9V can also be used to power
Arduino board.
 IR Sensor
IR sensor is one of the most commonly used
sensors in the field of electronics, it has a large
number of applications at the domestic as well
as at the industrial level. IR module is a sensor
module that consists of both IR transmitter and
a receiver. Operating voltage of this module is 5
volts and the obstacle detection range is 5 cm
that can be increased by 15 cm. An IR sensor
can detect the heat of an object as well any
motion in the surrounding. The functioning of
an IR module is pretty straightforward. As the
module contains both transmitter and receiver.
When powered, IR transmitter starts to transmit
continuous IR waves, if an obstacle is placed in
the path of the waves, they get reflected back
from the obstacle and are received by the
receiver.
 Metal Sensor
An Inductive Proximity Sensor is a non-
contact electronic proximity sensor used for
the detection of metals. Sensing range of this
sensor completely depends upon the metal
being detected. Their working principle is
based on a coil and an oscillator that
generates an electromagnetic field in the
surrounding of the sensing range. Presence
of any metallic substance in the sensing
range causes dampening of oscillation
amplitude. If a metal contains some
percentage of ferrous, the sensing range is
longer, while non-ferrous metals like copper
reduce the sensing range by 60 percent.
There are two possible outputs of this sensor,
hence it is also called inductive proximity
switch.
 Moisture Sensor
As the name indicates, this sensor is used to
measure the moisture content in a given
material. These sensors use the volumetric water
content indirectly by making use of some other
properties like electrical resistance, dielectric
constant. In general cases, the sensor generates a
voltage proportional to the dielectric permittivity
and therefore measures the moisture content of a
material.     
 DC Motor
It stands for the direct current motor. It is
an electrical machine that converts direct
current electrical energy into mechanical
energy. Mostly all types of DC motors have
an internal mechanism to reverse the
direction of current flow in part of the
motor. Smaller versions of this motors are
exercised in toys and also many home
appliances. Larger DC motors are used in
the propulsion of electric vehicles, elevator,
and hoists, or in drives for steel rolling
mills. DC motors are of two types viz.
Brushed and Brushless DC motors.
 LCD
This is a flat panel display that uses
properties of liquid crystals. LCD
displays do not emit light directly,
instead, they use a backlight to develop
images in single color. LCD displays are
used in a wide range of applications like
television panel, computer monitors and
instrument panels as well. A 16 X 2 LCD
means it can display16 characters per
line and there are 2 such lines. In this
display, each character is displayed using
a 5×7 pixel matrix. This LCD has two
pivotal registers that are:
•Command Register.
•Data Register.
 Motor Driver Circuit
L293D is a motor driver circuit that is
connected with a motor when the required
current for a motor is more than what is
specified. Hence,  motor drivers act as a
current amplifier. L293D is a 16-pin IC
which can control two DC motors
simultaneously. It works on the principle of
H-bridge. H-bridge is a circuit which
allows the voltage to be applied in either
direction. In a single L293D chip there are
two h-Bridge circuits which can rotate two
dc motors independently. 
 Resistors
Resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical
component that implements electrical
resistance as a circuit element. In electronic
circuits, resistors are used to reduce current
flow, adjust signal levels, to divide
voltages, bias active elements, and
terminate transmission lines, among other
uses. High-power resistors that can dissipate
many watts of electrical power as heat, may
be used as part of motor controls, in power
distribution systems, or as test loads
for generators. Fixed resistors have
resistances that only change slightly with
temperature, time or operating voltage.
Variable resistors can be used to adjust circuit
elements (such as a volume control or a lamp
dimmer), or as sensing devices for heat, light,
humidity, force, or chemical activity.
 Diodes
A diode is a semiconductor device that
essentially acts as a one-way switch for
current. It allows current to flow easily in
one direction, but severely restricts current
from flowing in the opposite direction.
Diodes are also known as rectifiers because
they change alternating current (ac) into
pulsating direct current (dc). Diodes are
rated according to their type, voltage, and
current capacity. Diodes have polarity,
determined by an anode (positive lead)
and cathode (negative lead). Most diodes
allow current to flow only when positive
voltage is applied to the anode
 Transistor
Transistor is a semiconductor device
which is used to amplify the signals as
well as in switching circuits. Generally
transistor is made of solid material which
contains three terminals such as emitter
(E), Base (B) and Collector (C) for
connections with other components in
the circuit. Some transistors contains
fourth terminal also i.e. substrate (S).
Transistor is one of the active
components.
 Capacitor
The capacitor is a component which has the
ability or “capacity” to store energy in the form
of an electrical charge producing a potential
difference (Static Voltage) across its plates, much
like a small rechargeable battery. Capacitors are
simple passive device that can store an electrical
charge on their plates when connected to a
voltage source. There are many different kinds of
capacitors available from very small capacitor
beads used in resonance circuits to large power
factor correction capacitors, but they all do the
same thing, they store charge.
SOFTWARE REQUIRED
Arduino IDE:
Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software platform that
enables a user to program Arduino or any controller of the ATmega family. The
back-end of this software is developed using JAVA. This IDE provides a user the
liberty to program an Arduino using C language. It connects to the Arduino and
hardware to upload programs and communicate with them. 
BLOCK DIAGRAM

 M1: Motor driving the conveyer belt.

 M2: Motor driving the segregator to put metal waste into the bin.
 M3: motor driving the segregator to put the wet waste into the bin.
 Here, there are two sections in the block diagram. One is the input section &
another is output section.
 In the input section, we used metal detector, wet detector, moisture sensor,
motor sensor, dustbin full sensor.
 Once the input waste is placed on the conveyer belt, the conveyer belt starts
moving .
 All the sensors & motors are turned on, the sensing & segregation starts.
 The metal sensor, moisture sensor, feedback sensor & motor sensor that are
used to get the segregator in place are given as input to Arduino UNO.
 At the output section , we used LCD, motor driver & different waste bins for
different types of garbage.
 M1 is the Motor driving the conveyer belt. M2 is the Motor driving the
segregator to put metal waste into the bin. M3 is the motor driving the
segregator to put the wet waste into the bin.
 The output is the final segregated wastes into different bins.
FLOW CHART
The algorithm of the project is as follows:
 Step-1: When the waste enters the conveyer belt motor turns on and the
conveyer belt starts moving.
 Step-2: The microcontroller, all the motors, and sensors are turned on.
 Step-3: The waste is sensed by the inductive proximity sensor to detect if it is
a metal or no.
 Step-4: If the waste is metal waste then M1 is turned off and M2 is turned on
and the waste is pushed into the metal waste bin.
 Step-5: If not a metallic waste, M1 is kept on when it comes in contact with
the moisture sensor that decides whether the waste is a wet waste or dry waste
by checking the moisture content of the waste.
 Step-6: If the waste has some humidity it is detected as wet waste and M1 is
turned off and M3 is turned on and the waste is pushed into the wet waste bin.
 Step-7: If not a wet waste M1 is kept on and then the waste is dropped into the
dry waste bin placed at the end of the conveyer belt.
 Step-8: Finally the wastes are dropped into the respective bins and the
segregation process is completed.
APPLICATIONS
 It is used at domestic level.
 It is also used at household level.
 This type of product used in housing societies, offices, etc.
CONCLUSION
 The automatic waste segregator is one small step towards building an efficient
and economic waste collection system with a minimum amount of human
intervention.
 Implementation of this system at a local level like societies, educational
institutes, etc. can reduce the burden on the local authorities. 
 Using a conveyor belt makes the system far more accurate, cost-effective and
also easier to install and use at a domestic level.
 It is also used at a domestic level.
 Sorting of waste at the primary stage will make the waste management more
effective and fruitful.
 Segregating all these wastes at a domestic level will also be time-saving.
 Giving way to cleaner environment.
 Eco friendly.
FUTURE SCOPE
 Every project is always has scope for improvement, but the mot pressing issue
of separation of waste is when their dispose simultaneously.
 The waste segregator can be improvised to include the separation of paper &
plastic, safe segregation of biomedical waste generated at home.
 This type of product can be used in housing societies, offices, etc.
 Since it is cost effective, it can be implemented on a large scale as well with
some modifications.
 Using a robotic arm along with a conveyor belt will make the process of
segregation easier.
 Also, more sensors can be used to segregate bio-degradable and non-bio-
degradable waste, plastics, recyclable waste, e-waste, and medical waste.
 Plastics can be segregated from the collected dry waste and also be processed
based on their types, grades and colors. Thus further separation of dry waste can
also be done.
THANK YOU