Project Title
Arduino Trash-Bot (Auto-Open/Close Trash Bin)
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
major in Computer Technology
Names (In Alphabetical Order)
Format (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
(Date Submitted
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction & Problem Statement ...............................................................................
II. Objectives........................................................................................................................
III. System Block Diagram..................................................................................................
IV. List of Components and Specification..........................................................................
V. Schematic Diagram ........................................................................................................
VI. Methodology ..................................................................................................................
VII. Flowchart .....................................................................................................................
VIII. Testing and Results ....................................................................................................
IX. Conclusion and Future Improvements .......................................................................
X. Source Code ....................................................................................................................
. Introduction & Problem Statement
Dealing with trash is often an unpleasant chore, particularly in schools, homes, and public places. The main
friction point is the lid. Many of us instinctively avoid touching trash bin lids due to major hygiene concerns.
This hesitation often leads to littering or improperly closed bins, creating a vicious cycle of spreading germs and
foul odors.
To address this widespread issue, the Arduino Trash-Bot was developed. It is a touchless, automatic trash
bin designed to solve the hygiene problem head-on. The Trash-Bot uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect a user's
hand when they approach. Once motion is detected within a set distance, a servo motor springs the lid open.
After a short, programmed delay, it gently closes itself. This system actively promotes better cleanliness, vastly
improves hygiene, and subtly encourages everyone to dispose of their waste responsibly and effortlessly.
II. Objectives
Our goals for the Trash-Bot were straightforward and focused on user experience and technical reliability:
Primary Goal
To successfully design and build an automated, touchless trash bin system utilizing the Arduino platform.
Specific Objectives
To successfully interface an HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor with the Arduino Uno to accurately detect
proximity.
To program the Servo Motor to reliably open and close the lid, acting as the primary mechanical
actuator.
To implement a crucial 3-second delay system, preventing the lid from accidentally closing while
someone is throwing away trash.
To validate that the system promotes hands-free operation, thereby achieving the core hygiene objective.
III. System Block Diagram
The Trash-Bot operates on a clear Input-Process-Output loop.
The Flow: The system starts with the Input (Ultrasonic Sensor), which feeds data to the Controller
(Arduino), which then commands the Output (Servo Motor).
Components in the Flow:
o Input: Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) — Measures distance.
o Controller/Processor: Arduino Uno R3 — Executes the logic: Is the distance less than the
threshold?
o Output/Actuator: Servo Motor (SG90) — Translates the electrical signal into physical lid
movement.
o Power Supply: Provides the necessary energy to run all components.
IV. List of Components and Specification
Here are the essential ingredients we used, along with what they do:
Arduino Uno R3
o Specification: ATmega328P Microcontroller, Operating at $5\text{V}$.
o Function: The brain of the operation. It receives input and sends control signals.
HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
o Specification: Measures distances from 2cm up to 400cm
o Function: The sensor detects the user's hand proximity to trigger the action.
SG90 Servo Motor
o Specification: Capable of $180^\circ$ rotation, provides a torque of $1.8\text{ kg}\text{/cm}$.
o Function: The muscle. It physically lifts and lowers the lid.
Jumper Wires & Breadboard
o Function: Used for connecting and organizing the electronic components during prototyping.
Power Supply
o Function: Provides the necessary electrical power, typically a 9V battery or a portable 5V power
bank.
Trash Bin & Mechanical Linkage
o Function: The physical container and the rigid arm (e.g., a stick or stiff wire) that translates the
servo's rotation into the lid's vertical lift.
V. Schematic Diagram
VI. Methodology
Our process was divided into building the machine (Hardware) and teaching it what to do (Software).
A. Hardware Assembly (The Build)
The servo motor was securely fixed near the lid hinge, followed by the creation of a custom mechanical linkage
(a small rigid arm) to bridge the servo's rotating arm (horn) and the lid. The sensor was then mounted on the
front edge of the bin, angled slightly outward, to ensure reliable proximity detection.
B. Software Implementation (The Code)
VII. Flowchart
VIII. Testing and Results
[Link]
IX. Conclusion and Future Improvements
Conclusion
The Arduino Trash-Bot project was a resounding success, meeting all its objectives. We validated that a low-
cost microcontroller system can effectively solve the everyday problem of unhygienic waste disposal. The
integration of the ultrasonic sensor and servo motor resulted in a functional, user-friendly, and reliable product,
proving the power of embedded systems in improving public health and convenience.
Future Improvements
X. Source Code