An ESP8266 based smart trash can that automatically detects and separates waste into different bins using sensors and a rotating stepper motor mechanism.
Waste segregation is an important step in improving recycling efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. This project automates the process by detecting different types of waste and directing them to the correct container automatically.
The system uses an inductive sensor to detect metal objects and a moisture sensor to identify wet waste. Based on the sensor readings, a stepper motor rotates the trash bin platform so that the waste falls into the correct compartment.
Automatic waste detection
Metal detection using inductive sensor
Wet and dry waste classification using moisture sensor
Rotating bin system controlled by stepper motor
ESP8266 microcontroller control
Low cost and scalable design
ESP8266 (NodeMCU)
Inductive Metal Sensor
Moisture / Water Sensor
Stepper Motor
Stepper Motor Driver (ULN2003 / A4988 depending on motor)
Power Supply
Trash Can with multiple compartments
Connecting wires
- Waste is placed in the input section of the trash can.
- The inductive sensor checks if the object is metal.
- If metal is detected, the stepper motor rotates the platform to the metal bin.
- If metal is not detected, the moisture sensor checks the waste.
- If moisture is detected, the waste is classified as wet waste.
- If no moisture is detected, the waste is classified as dry waste.
- The stepper motor rotates the trash bin to the correct compartment and drops the waste.
Smart homes
Smart cities
Public waste management systems
Recycling centers
Educational robotics projects
Integration with IoT dashboards
Fill level monitoring using ultrasonic sensors
AI based waste classification using camera modules
Mobile app monitoring system
Embedded Systems Project by Jash.