Design of a Smart Trash Bin with a Capacity Indicator Based on Arduino and an Ultrasonic Sensor

Abstract

Waste management is one of the issues that requires attention as community activities and the volume of waste generated continue to increase. Waste management that is still carried out manually can cause delays in identifying the condition of the trash bin, waste accumulation, and decreased environmental cleanliness. Therefore, a system is needed to assist in monitoring and managing trash bins automatically. This study aims to design and develop a Smart Trash Bin with a capacity indicator based on Arduino and an ultrasonic sensor that can detect objects and provide an automatic response. The research method consists of identification, literature review, analysis, and design stages. The system is designed using Arduino Uno as the microcontroller, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to detect objects and measure the height of waste, a servo motor to operate the trash bin lid, and a DFPlayer Mini with a speaker as a voice notification medium. The system operates when the ultrasonic sensor detects an object within a certain distance. The data obtained from the sensor are then processed by the Arduino Uno to control the servo motor, allowing the trash bin lid to open automatically. When the object is no longer detected, the lid closes again, and the system provides a voice notification through the DFPlayer Mini and speaker. The results of the study show that a Smart Trash Bin prototype based on Arduino Uno and an ultrasonic sensor has been successfully designed to open and close the trash bin automatically and provide a voice response. The designed system can help reduce direct contact between users and the trash bin, facilitate the waste disposal process, and support monitoring of the trash bin condition. Therefore, the Smart Trash Bin design is expected to improve the effectiveness of waste management and support the creation of a cleaner, healthier, and more organized environment.