Project Description: This innovative project centers around the creation of an automated trash receptacle that not only simplifies waste disposal but also educates the community about the importance of waste segregation. This sophisticated trash can is designed to open automatically based on the category of waste detected by its camera system. The advanced object recognition technology embedded within allows the receptacle to 'see' the type of waste being discarded, whether it's organic, inorganic, or other identifiable waste categories.
The heart of this device is the Arduino, a microcontroller serving as the brain of this smart trash can. The Arduino receives information from the camera via the Pictoblox program, which acts as a bridge between the hardware and software components. Pictoblox, with its user-friendly interface, enables us to program the Arduino to respond appropriately to the type of waste detected.
The camera, acting as the eye of the receptacle, captures images of the waste about to be discarded. This image is then processed by Pictoblox to identify the waste category. Once the type is determined, Pictoblox sends a signal to the Arduino to activate a servo motor connected to the appropriate compartment lid. This servo motor then opens the lid corresponding to the detected waste category.
As an initial prototype, this trash can is constructed using repurposed cardboard, which is then assembled and connected to the Arduino. Despite the use of simple materials, this prototype effectively demonstrates how technology can be integrated to create practical and innovative solutions to everyday waste management challenges.
