This project presents an Automatic Smart Trash Bin System designed by BDTronics to improve waste segregation efficiency by accepting only pre-trained, color-specific garbage bags for each waste category. The system ensures that waste is disposed of correctly by validating the color of the plastic bag before opening the bin lid. If the detected color matches the assigned category, the bin automatically opens; otherwise, it remains locked.

The solution developed by BDTronics integrates computer-assisted color sensing, proximity detection, IoT connectivity, cloud synchronization, and renewable power sources to create a fully autonomous and intelligent waste management unit. It is suitable for smart cities, campuses, hospitals, industries, public areas, and residential complexes.

System Working Principle:

1. A user approaches the bin with a garbage bag with specific color

2. The proximity sensor detects the presence of an object or hand near the inlet.

3. The color sensor analyzes the color of the plastic bag.

4. The onboard microcontroller compares the detected color with the pre-trained allowed color for that specific bin.

5. If the color matches:

   • The front swing door opens automatically (garage-style motion).

   • The user disposes of the waste.

   • The door closes after a defined delay while detecting the object in proximilty. If the hand or trash is still present at the door within 20 seconds, the system provides a loud alram to alert the user.

6. If the color does not match:

   • The door remains closed.

   • The event is logged as a rejected attempt.

7. All usage, status, and sensor data are transmitted to the cloud using WiFi or GSM.

8. When the bin reaches a predefined fill level, an automatic alert is generated.

Key Objectives:

• Enforce correct waste segregation at source

• Reduce manual sorting and contamination

• Enable real-time monitoring and analytics

• Support smart city waste management systems

• Operate using renewable solar energy with battery backup

• Improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision making

Hardware Architecture:

1. Color Detection System

• High-precision RGB or multispectral color sensor

• Calibrated for common garbage bag colors (e.g., red, green, yellow)

• Supports:

  • Ambient light compensation

  • Color threshold matching

  • Noise filtering

• Pre-trained lookup table stored in microcontroller memory

• Adjustable tolerance values for color variations

• Built in automatic LED light to work in the dark with object precense detection

2. Proximity Detection

• Ultrasonic proximity sensor to work during the day and night

• Detects user presence or object approach

• Triggers color verification process

• Helps reduce unnecessary sensor power usage

3. Door Actuation Mechanism

• Motorized swing door

•  

  Closed loop control mechanism

• Safety timeout to prevent motor overload

• Auto-close after disposal

• Object detection to prevent collision
• Sound alarm when the door is forcely open for too long

IoT Connectivity & Communication

Supported Communication Modes

• WiFi (primary connectivity for urban environments)

• GSM mode for remote or outdoor locations

Cloud Integration

The system automatically synchronizes with a cloud platform to upload:

• Type of waste disposed (based on bin color)

• Number of uses per day

• Time and timestamp of each use

• Rejected attempts (wrong bag color)

• Bin fill level

• Battery voltage and solar charging status

• Device health, power level and uptime

• Location ID or GPS coordinates

Data Transmission Protocols

• MQTT / HTTP / HTTPS

• Secure token-based authentication

• Encrypted data transmission

• Offline caching with auto-sync recovery

Fill-Level Detection & Alerts

Fill-Level Monitoring

• Ultrasonic or IR distance sensor mounted inside the bin

• Continuously measures trash level

• Calculates percentage fullness

Alert System

When bin reaches threshold (e.g., 80–90% full):

• Sends alert to cloud dashboard

• Push notification or SMS to operator

• Status flagged as “Needs Collection”

• Prevents further opening if configured

Power System

Power Sources

• Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack

• Solar panel for continuous charging

• Optional DC adapter for indoor use

Power Management

• Solar charge controller

• Battery protection circuit (BMS)

• Overcharge, over-discharge protection

• Low-power sleep modes

• Energy-efficient sensor polling

Operating Modes

• Daytime solar-powered operation

• Night-time battery-powered operation

• Automatic switching between sources

Mechanical Design

• Industrial-grade matte-finish steel body

• Weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating

• Front top swing door mechanism

• Compact, modular internal layout

• Easy maintenance access panel

• Lockable service door

• Heavy-duty hinges and dampers

• Optional wheels for mobility

Data Analytics & Dashboard Features

• Waste type distribution analytics

• Daily / weekly / monthly usage reports

• Peak usage time analysis

• Area-wise waste generation trends

• Bin health monitoring

• Fill prediction using historical data

• Maintenance scheduling

• Remote configuration updates

Applications

• Smart cities

• Public parks and streets

• Educational institutions

• Hospitals and clinics

• Shopping malls

• Industrial campuses

• Airports and railway stations

• Residential complexes

• Smart villages

Advantages

• Enforces proper waste segregation automatically

• Reduces human error and contamination

• Encourages responsible waste disposal behavior

• Saves manpower and operational cost

• Enables real-time monitoring and planning

• Eco-friendly with solar power support

• Scalable and cloud-ready architecture

• Supports data-driven environmental policies

Future Enhancements

• AI-based camera vision for bag recognition

• Weight-based waste classification

• Automatic compaction system

• Mobile app for monitoring

• Integration with municipal ERP systems

• Predictive maintenance using AI

• Voice or LED guidance system

• Blockchain-based waste tracking

Conclusion

The Automatic Color-Matched Smart Trash Bin with IoT Connectivity is a modern, intelligent, and sustainable solution for effective waste segregation and monitoring. By combining color recognition, proximity sensing, smart actuation, cloud connectivity, and renewable energy, the system ensures accurate waste disposal while generating valuable data for smarter decision-making. This project contributes directly to cleaner cities, efficient resource management, and environmentally responsible behavior, making it a strong foundation for future smart waste management infrastructures.