Smart Trash Bin Detection System

The problem began when garbage staff in my apartment went on

strike and moved the trash bins outside. Many residents didn’t

notice, and trash piled up in the trash room. My solution is a system

that uses an ultrasonic sensor and Arduino to detect if a bin is under

the chute. If no bin is detected, the system activates an LED alert.

In testing, used tinkercad to simulate the trash bin detection system.

Defined range of values between 3 cm and 83 cm as bin is present,

and much higher values, from 83 cm up to 332 cm as the bin is

missing. The LED status matched the bin’s presence or absence in

all cases. This system can help keep shared trash areas clean and

could be enhanced with wireless alerts, weight sensors, and bin

fullness detection.

The project helps warn people not to dump

trash when the bin is missing, keeping

condos clean and safe.