GARBAGE SEGREGATOR AND BIN LEVEL INDICATOR

Project Report

ET3491: EMBEDDES SYSTEMS AND IOT SYSTEMS LABORATORY

(Project Driven Course)

Submitted by
S JESILIA (311522106018)

E CHANDHANA (311522106010)

R ARAVINDHA HARINI (311522106010)

DEPARTMENT OF

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

MEENAKSHI SUNDARARAJAN ENGINEERING COLLEGE,

(An Autonomous Institution)
KODAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI-24
ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025
MAY 2025
 MEENAKSHI SUNDARARAJAN ENGINEERING COLLEGE
(An Autonomous Institution)

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report

“_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________” is the bonafide work of “S JESILIA
(311522106042), E CHANDHANA (311522106018), R ARAVINDHA
HARINI (311522106010)” who carried out the project work under my
supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Name Name.

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Department Name Department Name

Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering

College, College,

No.363, Arcot Road, Kodambakkam, No.363, Arcot Road, Kodambakkam,

Chennai -600 024. Chennai -600 024.

Submitted for the end semester project review of EMBEDDES SYSTEMS AND
IOT SYSTEMS LABORATORY in the Department of
________________________ held on .

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am profoundly grateful to all those who have supported me throughout the completion of this
project, Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator. Their invaluable guidance, encouragement, and
assistance have been essential in bringing this work to fruition.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my project guide, arif , whose
expert advice, constant supervision, and patient support have been a cornerstone in the successful
development of this project. Their constructive feedback and insightful suggestions have greatly
enriched my understanding and enabled me to overcome challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the faculty members of electronics and
communication department from Meenakshi Sundararajan engineering college for their unwavering
support and for providing the necessary academic environment, infrastructure, and resources that
made this work possible. Their dedication to teaching and research has been an inspiration to me.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to my peers and friends for their collaborative spirit, motivation, and
valuable inputs during discussions and testing phases. Their willingness to assist and share knowledge
made the entire journey both productive and enjoyable.
Special thanks are due to the technical staff and laboratory assistants who facilitated access to
equipment and technical support whenever needed. Their prompt help ensured smooth progress and
saved valuable time.

I am deeply thankful to my family for their love, encouragement, and patience throughout this
endeavour. Their constant moral support and belief in my abilities provided me the strength and
motivation to persevere, even during difficult times.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the authors, researchers, and developers whose works and open-
source contributions provided the foundation and inspiration for this project.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of all these individuals and
groups. I am sincerely thankful to each one of them for their generosity and kindness.
 ABSTRACT

Effective waste management has become an increasingly critical issue in the context of rapid
urbanization, industrialization, and population growth. Improper waste disposal and inadequate
segregation lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and increased landfill use, posing serious
threats to sustainable development. This project introduces an automated Garbage Segregator and Bin
Level Indicator system aimed at addressing these challenges by improving waste classification
accuracy and enhancing bin monitoring capabilities through smart technologies. The system employs a
combination of sensor technologies, including metal detectors, moisture sensors, infrared (IR) sensors,
and ultrasonic sensors, to automate the process of segregating waste into biodegradable, non-
biodegradable, and metallic categories. The metal detector identifies metallic waste, while the moisture
sensor distinguishes between wet and dry waste to classify biodegradable and non-biodegradable
materials. Upon classification, servo motors actuate sorting mechanisms that direct waste into
designated bins, thus facilitating efficient source-level segregation. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors are
installed on each bin to continuously monitor waste levels by measuring the distance between the sensor
and the waste surface. This enables real-time bin status monitoring, with alerts generated when the
waste reaches a critical level, thereby preventing overflow and promoting timely waste collection. These
alerts can be indicated locally through LEDs or transmitted remotely via communication modules,
offering scalability for integration into smart city frameworks.At the core of the system lies a
microcontroller (such as Arduino), which processes sensor inputs, controls actuators, and manages data
communication. The use of readily available, low-cost components ensures the system’s feasibility for
widespread deployment across residential, commercial, and institutional settings.Prototype
development and testing demonstrate that the system achieves high accuracy in waste classification and
reliable detection of bin fill levels. By automating these processes, the system reduces the reliance on
manual labor, minimizes human error, and enhances operational efficiency in waste management. This
promotes better recycling outcomes, reduces environmental pollution, and supports sustainable urban
sanitation.Looking ahead, the project offers significant potential for expansion through the
incorporation of advanced machine learning algorithms for waste recognition, integration with IoT
platforms for remote monitoring and data analytics, and adaptation to larger-scale municipal waste
management operations. Such enhancements will further empower stakeholders to implement
intelligent waste management solutions, contributing to cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable
communities worldwide.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
S. NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.3 OBJECTIVES
2 LITERATURE REVIEW

3 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

4 CONCEPT & METHODOLOGY

5 DESIGN, MODELLING &SYSTEM

ARCHITECTURE
6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION AND SCOPE OF FURTURE WORK
7

8 REFERENCES
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
The increasing volume of solid waste generated by urban populations has become a major concern
worldwide. Improper waste disposal, lack of source-level segregation, and inefficient monitoring of
waste bins contribute significantly to environmental pollution, health hazards, and inefficient resource
utilization. Traditional waste management systems rely heavily on manual sorting and collection,
which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often ineffective.
With the growing emphasis on sustainability and smart city solutions, there is a need for intelligent
systems that can automate and optimize waste management processes. The Garbage Segregator and
Bin Level Indicator is an innovative system designed to address this issue by automating the
segregation of waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and metallic categories, while
simultaneously monitoring the fill levels of garbage bins in real time. This system aims to minimize
human intervention, promote recycling, and enable efficient waste collection planning.
By incorporating sensor technologies and microcontrollers, this project represents a step toward
integrating smart systems into everyday waste handling processes, both at household and community
levels.

1.2 Problem Statement

In many regions, waste is collected in an unsegregated form, which significantly hampers the
recycling process and leads to environmental pollution. Additionally, waste bins in public and
residential areas are often found overflowing due to irregular collection, posing health risks and
degrading public hygiene.
Key challenges include:
• Lack of effective segregation at the source.
• Inability to detect bin overflow in real time.
• Increased workload and inefficiency in waste collection services.
• Limited public awareness and participation in proper waste disposal practices.
There is a critical need for a system that can automatically separate waste materials and monitor bin
status to facilitate timely waste collection and processing.

1.3 Objectives
The primary objectives of the Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator project are as follows:
• To design and develop a smart waste management system capable of automatically
segregating waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and metallic categories using
sensor-based detection.
• To integrate a bin level monitoring system using ultrasonic sensors to measure the volume of
waste in the bin and alert when it reaches a predefined threshold.
• To reduce manual labor and human error in the waste segregation and collection process.
• To improve hygiene and sanitation by preventing bin overflow and ensuring timely waste
disposal.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Effective waste management has been a subject of extensive research and development in recent years
due to increasing environmental concerns and the challenges posed by urban waste. Various studies
and projects have focused on automating waste segregation, improving waste collection efficiency,
and incorporating smart technologies into waste management systems. This literature review
highlights previous work in related domains and how they have influenced the development of the
current project.
2.1 Automated Waste Segregation Systems
Several researchers have proposed the use of sensor-based systems for segregating waste. In one
study, a basic segregation system used capacitive sensors to detect metallic content and moisture
sensors to differentiate between wet and dry waste. The waste was then directed into different bins
based on sensor readings. However, limitations in precision and adaptability to mixed waste types
remained a concern.
R. Karthikeyan et al. (2018) developed a system using IR and metal sensors to distinguish waste
categories. Although the system provided basic functionality, its ability to accurately handle mixed or
contaminated waste was limited. Improvements in sensor calibration and waste handling mechanisms
were suggested to increase efficiency.
2.2 Smart Bin Monitoring
Research in smart bins primarily focuses on the use of ultrasonic sensors to measure bin fill levels
and send alerts when bins are full. These systems often integrate IoT (Internet of Things)
technologies to transmit data to municipal servers.
M. Sharma and S. Jain (2019) proposed a smart waste bin equipped with an ultrasonic sensor and
GSM module to notify authorities when the bin is full. This system improved the frequency and
timeliness of waste collection, reducing instances of bin overflow. However, challenges related to
data reliability and maintenance of sensor systems were noted.
2.3 Integration of IoT in Waste Management
IoT-based smart waste management systems have been developed to enable real-time monitoring and
data analysis. These systems help optimize waste collection routes and improve operational
efficiency. A notable project by A. Singh et al. (2020) introduced a fully integrated waste monitoring
system that collected bin-level data across a city and used cloud-based analytics to predict collection
needs.
Although this model was effective, it was often expensive to deploy and maintain in low-income or
rural areas. This has led researchers to explore more cost-effective alternatives using open-source
hardware like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
2.4 Gaps Identified in Previous Work
From the existing literature, several gaps have been identified:
• Many systems either focus solely on segregation or monitoring but not both.
• Cost and complexity remain barriers to large-scale implementation.
• Real-time alerts and integration with municipal systems are still evolving.
• Most prototypes lack robustness for mixed or unpredictable waste input.
2.5 Contribution of the Current Project
This project attempts to fill these gaps by developing a dual-function system that combines
automatic waste segregation with real-time bin level monitoring using low-cost, scalable
components. By integrating moisture sensors, metal detectors, and ultrasonic level indicators into a
compact unit controlled by a microcontroller, the system addresses both primary concerns in modern
waste management:
3. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The design and functionality of the Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator are rooted in
several key concepts from electronics, embedded systems, sensor technology, and waste management
principles. This section outlines the theoretical principles that form the basis of the system's operation.
3.1 Waste Management and Segregation Principles
Proper waste management starts with segregation at the source. Waste is generally classified into the
following categories:
• Biodegradable Waste: Organic matter such as food scraps, garden waste, and paper products
that can decompose naturally.
• Non-Biodegradable Waste: Plastics, glass, and other synthetic materials that do not
decompose easily.
• Metallic Waste: Items composed of ferrous or non-ferrous metals which can be recycled.
Segregating these categories at the source increases the efficiency of recycling processes, reduces
landfill pressure, and minimizes environmental pollution.
3.2 Sensor Technologies
To automate the process of segregation and monitoring, various sensors are used:
3.2.1 Moisture Sensor
• Used to identify wet (biodegradable) waste by detecting the moisture content in the material.
• Works on the principle of electrical resistance or capacitance. Wet materials conduct
electricity differently than dry materials, allowing the system to differentiate between them.
3.2.2 Metal Sensor
• Detects the presence of metallic objects using the principle of electromagnetic induction.
• Typically, an inductive proximity sensor is used, which generates a magnetic field and
detects changes when a metal object passes through it.
3.2.3 Infrared (IR) Sensor
• Commonly used to detect the presence of objects (for example, to detect if waste is dropped
into the bin).
• Operates based on the reflection of infrared light from the object’s surface.
3.2.4 Ultrasonic Sensor
• Measures the distance between the top of the bin and the waste level to determine how full the
bin is.
• Works by emitting an ultrasonic pulse and measuring the time it takes for the echo to return.
The formula used is:
Distance=Time×Speed of Sound2\text{Distance} = \frac{{\text{Time} \times \text{Speed of
Sound}}}{2}Distance=2Time×Speed of Sound
• Frequently used in smart bins to monitor fill levels and trigger alerts when the bin is full.
3.3 Microcontroller System
The entire system is controlled by a microcontroller, such as an Arduino Uno or Raspberry Pi,
which processes inputs from the sensors and controls the actuators accordingly. The microcontroller:
• Reads sensor data.
• Makes decisions based on predefined logic.
• Sends signals to actuators (such as servo motors for directing waste or communication
modules for alerts).
• Stores or transmits bin level data.
The use of microcontrollers allows for real-time decision-making, low power consumption, and cost-
effective implementation.
3.4 Servo Motor and Mechanical Components
For segregation, the system often includes servo motors or DC motors:
• Servo motors are used to open and close compartments or rotate a separator flap to direct
waste into the appropriate bin.
• Their position can be precisely controlled using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
3.5 Embedded System Design
This project exemplifies the integration of embedded systems, where hardware and software work
together to perform dedicated tasks. The embedded design involves:
• Sensor interfacing.
• Real-time data processing.
• Automated actuation and communication.

4. CONCEPT AND METHODOLOGY

4.1 Concept
The core concept of the Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator project is to automate two
key processes in waste management:
1. Segregation of waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and metallic categories using
sensors and actuators.
2. Real-time monitoring of garbage bin levels to alert users or authorities when bins are nearly
full, helping avoid overflow and maintain sanitation.
This project aims to reduce human effort in sorting waste, promote source-level segregation for
efficient recycling, and improve waste collection efficiency through bin monitoring. It is particularly
suited for households, public places, educational institutions, and smart city implementations.
4.2 Methodology
The system is developed in two main functional modules:
• Waste Segregation Module
• Bin Level Monitoring Module
4.2.1 Waste Segregation Module
This module identifies and classifies waste based on its properties using sensor technologies.
Steps involved:
1. Waste Detection:
o When a user places waste into the input section, an IR sensor detects the presence of
an object.
2. Metal Detection:
o The waste first passes through a metal sensor to check for metallic content.
o If metal is detected, the waste is directed to the metal waste bin.
3. Moisture Detection:
o If the waste is not metallic, it passes over a moisture sensor.
o Wet waste (with high moisture content) is categorized as biodegradable.
o Dry waste (low moisture content) is considered non-biodegradable.
4. Sorting Mechanism:
o A servo motor-controlled flap or conveyor directs the waste into the appropriate
bin based on sensor inputs.
4.2.2 Bin Level Monitoring Module
This module continuously monitors the fill level of each bin using ultrasonic sensors.
Steps involved:
1. Each bin is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor mounted at the top.
2. The sensor emits ultrasonic waves and measures the time taken for the echo to return, thereby
calculating the distance from the sensor to the waste.
3. The fill level is computed by comparing the measured distance to the total bin height.
4. When the waste reaches a predefined threshold (e.g., 90% full), the system:
o Triggers a visual alert (LED indicator) or
o Sends a notification via communication module (optional, if GSM/Wi-Fi is used).
4.2.3 System Control and Processing
An Arduino Uno (or similar microcontroller) acts as the brain of the system:
• Collects and processes input from all sensors.
• Makes decisions for waste sorting and bin monitoring.
• Controls actuators like servo motors.
• (Optional) Interfaces with a communication module to send alerts.
4.3 Workflow Summary
1. Waste is dropped into the system.
2. IR sensor activates and begins analysis.
3. Metal sensor checks for metal content:
o If metal: Direct to metal bin.
4. If not metal:
o Moisture sensor checks content:
▪ If wet: Biodegradable bin.
▪ If dry: Non-biodegradable bin.
5. Meanwhile, ultrasonic sensors in each bin continuously check fill levels.
6. System alerts user when a bin is full.
4.4 Advantages of the Methodology
• Reduces human effort and error in waste segregation.
• Ensures timely disposal through automatic bin level alerts.
• Can be implemented with low-cost components.
• Promotes eco-friendly waste handling and recycling practices.

5. DESIGN, MODELLING & SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

The design of the Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator integrates mechanical, electronic,
and software components to create a compact, automated, and intelligent waste management system.
This section outlines the physical and logical design, including system modelling and architectural
layout.

5.1 System Design Overview

The system is divided into two main subsystems:
1. Waste Segregation Subsystem
2. Bin Level Monitoring Subsystem
Both are controlled by a central microcontroller (e.g., Arduino Uno), which processes sensor inputs
and controls actuators.
5.2 Circuit Diagram

5.3 System Architecture Description

The architecture follows a modular embedded system approach, where each component handles a
specific task and interacts via the microcontroller:
a. Input Layer:
• IR Sensor: Detects incoming waste.
• Metal Sensor: Detects metallic content.
• Moisture Sensor: Distinguishes wet vs. dry waste.
• Ultrasonic Sensor: Measures bin levels.
b. Processing Layer:
• Microcontroller (Arduino): Acts as the brain.
o Interprets sensor data.
o Controls servo motor based on waste classification.
o Monitors bin status continuously.
o Triggers alerts if bins are full.
c. Output Layer:
• Servo Motor: Physically redirects waste to appropriate bin.
• LEDs / Buzzer: Indicate bin status (full/not full).
• Communication Module (Optional): Sends alert messages (e.g., GSM or Wi-Fi module).

5.4 Design Considerations

• Compactness: Ensures system fits in residential and institutional spaces.
• Cost-effectiveness: Utilizes affordable components to maintain a low budget.
• Energy efficiency: Operates on minimal power using microcontrollers.
• Modularity: Easy to maintain, upgrade, or replace individual components.
• Scalability: Can be expanded to include more bins or remote monitoring features.
5.5 Safety & Reliability
• Electrical isolation is maintained between high-power components and sensors.
• Sensors are housed to avoid damage from environmental exposure or waste contact.
• Alerts prevent bin overflow, ensuring hygiene and safe operation.

6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

6.1 Results
The prototype of the Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator was successfully designed,
assembled, and tested. The system performed as intended by segregating different types of waste and
accurately monitoring bin levels. The key outcomes of the project are summarized below:
6.1.1 Waste Segregation Results
Type of Waste Detected By Action Taken Result
Wet (biodegradable) Moisture Waste directed to biodegradable Successfully
Sensor bin sorted
Dry (non- Moisture Waste directed to non- Successfully
biodegradable) Sensor biodegradable bin sorted
• The metal detector accurately identified metal objects such as aluminum foil, small iron
parts, and bottle caps.
• The moisture sensor reliably distinguished between wet (e.g., vegetable peels) and dry waste
(e.g., paper, plastic wrappers).
6.1.2 Bin Level Monitoring Results
Each bin was equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to detect fill levels. The system generated alerts via
LED indication or serial monitor output once the waste reached approximately 90% of the bin’s
capacity.
Bin Type Sensor Reading (cm) Bin Status Alert Triggered
Biodegradable Bin <5 Full Yes
Non-Biodegradable Bin > 10 Not Full No
• The sensors had a good response time and measurement accuracy.
• Visual indicators worked as expected, alerting when any bin was near full.

6.2 Discussion
The system demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of using low-cost embedded technology for
intelligent waste management. The integration of sensors for real-time detection and sorting of waste
provided reliable operation throughout testing.
Strengths of the System:
• Accurate waste classification: The combination of metal and moisture sensors allowed
reliable segregation of common household and public waste.
• Efficient bin monitoring: The ultrasonic sensor consistently reported fill levels, helping
avoid overflow.
• Low cost and easy to implement: Built using commonly available components like Arduino,
IR sensors, and servos.
Limitations Observed:
• Mixed waste: The system may face challenges if items contain multiple materials (e.g., a
juice box made of metal foil and paper).
• Sensor sensitivity: Occasional misclassification occurred due to surface moisture or sensor
lag.
 • Size constraints: The prototype bins were small; scaling up for public or industrial use would
require larger, more rugged hardware.
Potential Improvements:
• AI or image recognition: To enhance classification accuracy, especially for complex or
mixed materials.
• Wireless alert system: Integration with IoT (e.g., Wi-Fi module) to send bin-full alerts
directly to municipal dashboards or mobile apps.
• Robust casing and waterproofing: For outdoor use and in humid environments.

6.3 Overall Outcome

The project successfully achieved its core objectives:
• Waste was segregated into proper categories.
• Bin fill levels were accurately monitored.
• Alerts for bin fullness were effectively communicated.
This confirms the practicality and value of implementing such systems in homes, institutions,
and smart cities to promote sustainable waste management.

7. CONCLUSION AND SCOPE OF FUTURE WORK

7.1 Conclusion
The Garbage Segregator and Bin Level Indicator project successfully demonstrates an effective
approach to improving waste management through automation and real-time monitoring. By
integrating sensors for automatic segregation of biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and metallic
waste, along with ultrasonic bin level detection, the system reduces manual labor and enhances the
efficiency of waste collection processes.
Key achievements include:
• Accurate segregation of waste at the source, promoting better recycling practices.
• Real-time monitoring of bin fill levels, preventing overflow and maintaining hygiene.
• Cost-effective design using readily available components, making it accessible for wide
adoption.
Overall, this system presents a promising solution to urban waste management challenges,
contributing toward cleaner environments and sustainable resource utilization.

7.2 Scope of Future Work

While the current system provides a solid foundation, there are multiple avenues to enhance its
functionality and scalability:
• Integration with IoT and Cloud Platforms: Implement wireless communication modules
(Wi-Fi, GSM, or LoRa) to transmit bin status data to centralized dashboards, enabling remote
monitoring and optimized waste collection routes.
• Advanced Waste Classification: Employ machine learning or computer vision techniques
for more precise identification of waste types, including plastics, glass, and hazardous
materials.
• Scalability and Robustness: Develop larger, weatherproof versions for outdoor and
municipal applications, with rugged sensors and durable mechanical components.
• User Interface and Feedback: Add LCD displays or mobile app integration to provide real-
time feedback and awareness to users, encouraging better disposal habits.
 • Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Explore solar power integration and low-power
hardware designs to make the system self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
• Automated Cleaning and Maintenance: Future designs can incorporate self-cleaning
mechanisms and predictive maintenance alerts to reduce downtime and improve longevity.
By addressing these areas, the garbage segregation and bin monitoring system can evolve into a
comprehensive smart waste management solution, vital for future smart cities and eco-friendly
communities.

8. REFERENCES
1. R. Karthikeyan, S. Muthukumar, and P. Sathishkumar, “Sensor Based Waste Segregation
System,” International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, vol. 8, no. 6, pp.
22–27, Jun. 2018.
2. M. Sharma and S. Jain, “Smart Waste Bin: IoT Based Real-Time Garbage Monitoring
System,” International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication
Engineering, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 112–117, May 2019.
3. A. Singh, V. Gupta, and P. Kumar, “IoT Based Smart Waste Management System for Smart
City,” International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 176, no. 31, pp. 10–15, Aug.
2020.
4. M. R. U. Priyadharshini and P. Sivakumar, “Automated Waste Segregation System Using
Arduino,” International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, vol. 118, no. 20, pp.
2447–2456, 2018.
5. S. K. Das and N. Das, “Ultrasonic Sensor Based Smart Dustbin for Waste Management
System,” Procedia Computer Science, vol. 132, pp. 1487–1494, 2018.