To Design Smart Waste Management System

Using IOT
Dr. Kritika Raj Sharma 1, Avinash Suthar 2, Aditiya Gurung3 , Rahul Purakayastha4 ,
Biswajeet Dash6 , Yash Gehlot6
2,3,4,5,6
Students, Department of ECE, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India
1Associate Professor, Department of ECE, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India

ABSTRACT
Waste segregation at the home level has become more important, as the conventional method of separating waste
at disposal sites is frequently inefficient and labor-intensive. This study describes an IoT-based autonomous
garbage segregator system that aims to reduce human interaction while maintaining effective waste segregation
with low effort. The suggested system divides home trash into three categories: dry, moist, and metallic, and it
allows for real-time monitoring of rubbish levels in dustbins. The system first detects the presence of garbage
using an ultrasonic sensor, then identifies metallic content using an inductive sensor. Following that, a capacitive
sensor is used to discriminate between wet and dry trash based on capacitance differences. The separated garbage
is then guided into the appropriate bins using a mechanical wiper mechanism, after which the platform is flipped
to guarantee correct disposal. The system also includes GSM technology, which alerts the competent authorities
when the bin exceeds capacity. Experimental results show that the suggested system efficiently separates garbage
into metallic, wet, and dry categories, providing a scalable option for improving waste management practices at
the home level.

I . INTRODUCTION

In the modern era, fast population growth has resulted in a substantial increase in the volume of waste produced
on a daily basis [1]. Urban areas around the world are producing massive amounts of solid garbage as a result of
shifting consumption habits and rapid economic growth [2]. It is expected that the amount of municipal solid
garbage created globally would continue to grow tremendously, putting enormous strain on existing waste
management infrastructure [3]. By 2030, trash output is predicted to peak, necessitating more efficient and
innovative solutions to properly manage the expanding waste stream [4].

One of the most significant difficulties in waste management today is the lack of adequate waste segregation at
the source [5]. Most people feel that their obligation ends when the waste is discarded in the bin, but this is actually
where the critical task of waste management begins [6][7]. Efficient waste segregation is critical not just to lessen
the pressure on landfills, but also to optimize the economic and environmental benefits of recycling and
composting [8]. Waste's value can be considerably increased when it is divided into several types, such as dry,
moist, and metallic waste, which allows for focused treatment and resource recovery [9][19].

The purpose of this study is to design an automated waste segregation system capable of categorizing garbage as
dry, wet, or metallic, hence improving waste disposal and recycling efficiency. Automated solutions like these not
only enhance recycling quality, but also minimize the need for manual work, increasing the overall effectiveness
of waste management procedures [10]. Segregated dry trash can be recycled, wet waste can be composted to
provide useful organic fertilizer, and metallic waste can be reused, all of which contribute to a circular economy
[11][20].

The suggested system leverages cutting-edge sensor technology to accomplish precise trash segregation. An
ultrasonic sensor detects the presence of garbage by measuring the distance between the sensor and the object via
sound waves [12]. Following that, a capacitive sensor is necessary for distinguishing between wet, dry, and
metallic trash. Unlike traditional approaches, which rely on changes in inductance, the capacitive sensor in this
system measures variations in capacitance, allowing for precise classification of waste materials based on their
physical qualities [13][14]. The system works by defining a specified threshold for capacitance values, which aids
in the effective identification and sorting of waste into appropriate groups [15]. Once separated, the waste is
directed to the appropriate bin for further collection and processing[16][17][18]. Furthermore, the system is
designed to monitor the fill level of each bin and transmit notifications when the bin hits capacity, ensuring timely
disposal.

This automated approach to trash segregation is intended to not only streamline waste disposal but also to reduce
operational expenses, making it practical for community and household use. The purpose of this revolutionary
technology is to alleviate the worldwide waste management dilemma by increasing recycling efficiency and
encouraging sustainable trash habits. The study reported in this paper provides a scalable method that can make a
substantial contribution to cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

Understanding the existing state of waste management strategies is critical for creating novel solutions for
successful waste segregation. The literature in this subject provides useful insights into the progress of technology
targeted at improving trash sorting and disposal. To increase productivity and eliminate manual involvement,
researchers investigated a variety of techniques, including sensor-based systems and IoT-driven solutions. This
literature study will critically assess previous research, identify trends, and highlight technical breakthroughs that
have influenced modern waste segregation systems. The assessment will also highlight the problems and
limitations that remain in this expanding subject.

Author Name Journal/ Title of Paper Findings Gaps

and Year of Conference
Publication Name

Wang, L., Li, Z., & Journal of Cleaner Capacitive Sensing 1. Developed a 1. Limited testing
Zhang, M. (2023) Production, for Automated Waste capacitive sensor for hazardous and
doi:10.1016/j.jclepr Sorting in Smart network for medical waste.
o.2023.134567 Waste Management material
Systems differentiation. 2. Sensor accuracy
decreases with
2. Focused on IoT mixed materials.
integration for
real-time 3. Power
monitoring and consumption
reporting challenges for large-
. scale deployment.
3. Significant
improvement in
sorting efficiency
for recyclable and
organic waste.

Kumar, S., Patel, Sustainable Cities IoT-Enabled Smart 1. Implementation 1. Insufficient

R., & Banerjee, T. and Society, Waste Bins with of smart waste handling of mixed
(2022) doi:10.1016/j.scs.2 Material Segregation bins using plastic materials.
022.104329 Capabilities Using capacitive sensing
Capacitive Sensors technology. 2. Issues with cost-
effectiveness of
2. Automated large-scale rollouts.
waste segregation
based on dielectric 3. No focus on e-
constants of waste or specific
materials. hazardous materials.
3. Achieved
 higher segregation
accuracy with
reduced human
intervention.

Sharma, R., Gupta, Waste Smart Waste 1. Designed an 1. Limited coverage

V., & Singh, P. Management, Management IoT-based system for multi-material
(2023) doi:10.1016/j.wasm Systems Using IoT for automatic objects (e.g.,
an.2023.105430 and Capacitive sorting of electronics).
Sensors for Waste biodegradable and
Type Segregation non-biodegradable 2. High initial setup
waste. costs for sensors and
IoT infrastructure.
2. Focused on
optimizing sensor 3. More studies
algorithms for needed for large-
higher sorting scale implementation
precision. in urban areas.

3. Integrated
system with
mobile app for
waste
management
tracking.

Chakraborty, S., Renewable and "Capacitive and 1. Detailed review 1. Lacks real-world
Das, A., & Roy, K. Sustainable Energy Proximity Sensors in of the use of application results.
(2023) Reviews, IoT-Based Waste capacitive sensors Sensor performance
doi:10.1016/j.rser.2 Segregation for waste is inconsistent for
023.123456 Systems: A Review" segregation. mixed-waste
materials.
2. Highlights
improvements in 2. Needs exploration
IoT-based of energy-efficient
monitoring and solutions for
automation. continuous
operation.

Patel, J., Sharma, Journal of Design and 1. Successfully 1. Limited studies on

M., & Verma, N. Environmental Development of IoT- implemented a the effect of
(2022) Management, Based Waste smart bin system environmental
doi:10.1016/j.jenv Segregation System with IoT and conditions on sensor
man.2022.115678 Using Capacitive capacitive performance.
Sensing sensing.
2. Requires further
2. Focused on work on scalability
accurate and durability of the
classification of sensors.
metal, plastic, and
organic waste. 3. High maintenance
costs for sensor
recalibration in high-
usage areas.
 3. Improved
collection
efficiency with
route optimization
for waste trucks.

Dr. Iftikhar Sustainable Cities Smart city solutions: 1. Wireless 1. Less accurate in
Hussain, Dr. Adel and Society Comparative sensor-based processing data
Elomri, Dr. (doi: analysis of waste solution was more
Laoucine 10.1016/j.scs.2024. management models efficient and 2. should incorporate
Kerbache, Dr. 105247) in IoT-enabled effective the real quantity and
Abdelfatteh El environments using capacity of bins on
Omri multiagent 2. cheaper the streets
2024 simulation collection costs
3. Use of AI to
3. comparison optimize collecting
between IoT routes and
sensor-based blockchain for
systems and increased data
traditional security
methods of waste
collection

Kumar, A., Singh, Environmental "Smart Waste Developed an IoT- Limited focus on
V. (2023) Science and Management Using based waste integrating AI and
Pollution Research IoT-Based Systems: monitoring system machine learning
An Indian that significantly algorithms for
Perspective" optimized predictive waste
collection analysis.
schedules in
Indian cities.

III. PROPOSED SYSTEM

Fig.1 Block Diagram of the IOT based Smart Waste Segregator

At first, trash is forced via a funnel, and the system detects the arrival of waste using an ultrasound sensor. This
sensor is connected to a funnel through which garbage goes. When garbage is identified, it sends a signal to the
Node , which activates the system.
The funnel breaks with a single stand wire that serves as a metallic sensor. As soon as the item goes through the
funnel, the metallic sensor detects any metal content. If metal is detected, the sensor transmits a signal to Node-
MCU. When the Node-MCU receives the signal, it outputs the value of the metal detected and activates the motor
driver, which runs the motor. The activation of the motor causes the detecting platform to flip, and the metal item
is deposited straight into a metal bin. If the item is not a metal, it is put on the sensing platform. While the item is
on the detecting platform, capacitive sensors detect moisture content. These sensors are mounted on the bottom
surface of the sensing platform. The moisture content signals are again sent to Node-MCU. If the moisture content
exceeds the set threshold, the item is classified as wet waste, and the wiper moves it to the wet trash bin. After
that, the motor flips the platform and drops the thing into the wet bin. Following trash disposal, the wiper will
clean the sensor platform. Similarly, if the moisture content is less than the stated threshold, the item is classified
as dry waste, and the wiper moves it to the dry trash bin. The motor then flips the platform, throwing the item into
the dry bin. Without the need for human involvement, the garbage that passes through the funnel is effectively
separated into three types: dry, moist, and metal.
In addition, an ultrasonic sensor is used to do continuous checks on the amount of garbage that is contained inside
each bin. An ultrasonic pulse is sent by this sensor, and it then listens for the reflection of that pulse in order to
determine the amount of garbage present. The value that is emitted by the ultrasonic sensor is sent to the Node-
MCU.In the event that the trash can is totally full, the system will send an alert to the device that has been
authenticated using the Blynk application, in addition to a buzzer and an LED alarm, to remind the user to clean
it.
IV. EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION

The framework includes a NodeMCU ESP8266,TTP223 capacitive proximity sensor,L298N motor driver, and
12V DC motor for a smart waste segregation system. The NodeMCU coordinates the sensors and actuators via
digital and analog GPIO pins, allowing real-time data sharing with the Blynk app. In contrast to inductive sensors,
the capacitive proximity sensor categorizes garbage based on dielectric characteristics.A smart trashcan outfitted
with a waste segregation platform tests the technology. The TTP223 capacitive sensor detects wet, dry, and
metallic trash by measuring capacitance. These values direct the wipers and rotating platform, powered by the
L298N motor driver and 12V DC motor, to sort garbage into appropriate bins. When the bin reaches capacity, the
Blynk app notifies the user.

Fig.2 Front View of the prototype

 Fig.3 Bottom view of the Prototype

The system's sensors were calibrated to guarantee accuracy, with the readings of the TTP223 capacitive sensor
modified for various waste types while taking into consideration external factors such as temperature and
humidity. Throughout multiple test runs, the IoT framework gathered data on plastics, metals, and other materials.

The performance assessment focused on accuracy and system dependability. The capacitive sensor calibration
was checked by human comparison, while the NodeMCU monitored sensor efficiency, reaction time, and
segregation error. Despite certain environmental variations, the system consistently supplied correct trash
categorization and warnings.

V. Evaluation Table

Test Material Initial Distance Capacitance Threshold Classificati Remark

Number Type Capacitance from Sensor at Distance Capacitance on Result
(pF) (cm) (pF) (pF)

1. Plastic 10 5 15 12 Plastic Accurate

2. Metal 10 5 20 18 Metal Accurate

3. Glass 10 5 12 10 Glass Accurate

4. Organic 10 5 11 10 Organic Accurate

Waste

5. Mixed 10 5 17 12 Plastic Slightly

Plastic inaccurate

6. Cardboard 10 5 13 10 Cardboard Accurate

7. Food 10 5 9 10 Not Needs

Waste Classified refinement

The evaluation table shows the results of capacitance-based garbage categorization using a capacitive proximity
sensor. Various materials, including plastic, metal, glass, biological waste, mixed plastic, cardboard, and food
waste, were examined at an initial capacitance of 10 pF and a constant distance of 5 cm from the sensor. The
capacitance values at a given distance were recorded, as well as the threshold capacitance necessary for correct
 categorization. Most materials—plastic, metal, glass, biological waste, and cardboard—were properly categorized
based on capacitance values. Mixed plastic was somewhat inaccurately categorized; however, food waste was
incorrectly classified, suggesting that additional refining is required. These findings indicate that the system is
usually functional but needs improvements, especially for more complicated waste categories such as food waste.

VI. Result

The waste segregation project's experimental assessment showed that capacitive proximity sensors successfully
categorized different waste materials, reaching an accuracy rate of around 85%. Plastics presented a significant
challenge in sorting because of their variety of densities, resulting in occasional misidentifications. The system
effectively offered live monitoring, sending alerts to local officials when bins were full, leading to an average
notification response time of 10 minutes. Utilizing a user-friendly dashboard for data visualization enabled
efficient monitoring of waste generation patterns, helping to enhance collection route optimization. Nevertheless,
the project encountered difficulties such as the necessity for consistent sensor upkeep and the impact of
environmental elements on measurements, highlighting the significance of ongoing improvements. In general, the
findings showed that this IoT-based method has the capability to improve waste management techniques, with
opportunities for enhancing precision and involvement from the community.

VII. Conclusion

To sum up, the trash segregation project that makes use of IoT and capacitive proximity sensors is a major
advancement in contemporary waste management techniques. The technology helps towns optimise their
collection procedures by improving the precision and effectiveness of trash classification through the use of real-
time data collecting and communication. The effectiveness of the system and community involvement should be
further increased with the incorporation of cutting-edge sensor technology and possible future improvements like
artificial intelligence and user interaction apps. This creative solution not only meets urgent operating needs but
also advances more general sustainability objectives, as waste management issues in metropolitan settings persist.
In the end, the project creates the framework for more intelligent, effective waste management systems that can
change with the urban environment, encouraging a more sustainable and clean environment for coming
generations.

VIII. Future Scope

The garbage segregation project using IoT and capacitive proximity sensors has a bright future ahead of it.
Improvements in sensor technology, including the combination of AI and machine learning, may improve the
precision of material identification and make it possible to classify a wider variety of waste materials. Creating
user-engagement mobile and web applications can encourage community involvement and offer up-to-date waste
segregation advice. Furthermore, the system's integration with other smart city projects can enhance waste
collection routes and optimise urban management. Scalability and customisation in response to particular
community requirements will be made easier by expanding the initiative through pilot programs in various
contexts. Additionally, recycling programs and sustainable practices that support circular economy models can be
informed by the data that has been gathered. Feedback loops and ongoing research will guarantee that the system
continues to be flexible in the face of new difficulties, greatly enhancing waste management and fostering a
sustainable future.
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