Design and Development of Automated Waste Segregation System

Abstract

The proposed waste segregation system is an automated, sensor-based solution designed to efficiently sort household waste into wet, dry, and metallic categories. It comprises two integrated subsystems that work collaboratively to streamline the segregation process. The first subsystem includes a 12V power supply, voltage regulator, Arduino Nano, IR sensor, wet sensor, and a servo motor, enabling the identification and sorting of wet and dry waste at the point of disposal. The second subsystem features an advanced setup consisting of a power supply, voltage regulator, Arduino Nano, two relays, two servo motors, a conveyor motor with its mechanism, electromagnets, an LCD display, a metal sensor, and an IR sensor. This unit further processes the waste by detecting metallic components and transporting them appropriately using the conveyor system and electromagnets. The system not only automates the classification of waste but also monitors bin levels, reducing the risk to public health and environmental hazards by promoting effective waste handling, management, and disposal. As manual segregation at the domestic level remains largely unimplemented, this project introduces an efficient and economical solution to revolutionize domestic and small-scale waste management practices.

Introduction

Waste management is a critical global issue due to increasing waste generation from growing populations. Proper segregation at the source is essential for efficient recycling, reducing landfill use, and minimizing pollution. However, many households dispose of waste without segregation, making processing difficult and costly.

This project presents an automated waste segregation system that classifies waste into three categories: wet, dry, and metallic. The system operates at the household or community level and includes two interconnected subsystems:

1. Subsystem 1 sorts waste into wet or dry using IR and wet sensors combined with a servo motor controlled by an Arduino Nano, which directs waste into appropriate bins.

2. Subsystem 2 further processes dry waste on a conveyor belt with IR and metal sensors. Metallic waste is separated using electromagnets, servo motors, and relays, with real-time feedback provided via an LCD display.

The system emphasizes automation, reducing human effort and errors in waste sorting. It uses low-cost, modular Arduino-based components, making it scalable and suitable for urban and rural settings. The project includes detailed methodology, component descriptions, power management, mechanical design calculations, and testing results demonstrating effective sorting of common household waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed automated waste segregation system provides an efficient, sensor-based solution for categorizing waste into wet, dry, and metallic types, significantly improving the current waste management process at the household or community level. By incorporating a dual-subsystem design powered by Arduino Nano microcontrollers, along with IR, wet, and metal sensors, the system successfully identifies and classifies waste materials with minimal human intervention. The integration of servo motors, a conveyor mechanism, relays, and electromagnets further enhances automation, allowing for precise movement and separation of different waste types. The addition of an LCD display ensures real-time monitoring and user-friendly operation. This intelligent approach not only reduces manual labor and health hazards associated with waste handling but also supports environmental sustainability by promoting effective segregation at the source. Overall, the system demonstrates a scalable, cost-effective, and practical solution for revolutionizing domestic and small-scale waste management, paving the way for smarter cities and cleaner communities.

References

[1] Manisha Jayson (2018), Lakshmi H R, “Smart Bin-automatic waste segregation and collection”. SecondInternational Conference on Advances in Electronics, Computer and Communication (ICAE CC-2018). [2] Jayshree Ghorpade- Anagha Wadkar, Janhair kamble, Vijajendra Pagare, “Smart Dustbin an Efficient Garbage Management Approach for a Healthy Society”, IEEE 2018 [3] Saurabh Dugdhe, Pooja Shelar,Sajuli Jire and Anuja Apte, “Efficient Waste Collection System”, IEEE 2016. [4] B L Theraja, A K Theraja, A Text Book of Electrical Technology, volume 2, S Chand &co.,2005. [5] Subhasini Dwivedi, Michael Fernandes, Rohit D’souza, “A Review on PLC based Automatic Waste Segregator”, IJARCET, Volume 5, Issue 2, February 2016. [6] Prof B S Malapur, Vani R.Puttanshetti (Pg), “IoT based Waste Management: An Application to SmartCity”, IEEE 2017. [7] Sharanya,.A,U.Harika,N.Sriya,Sreeja Kochwila.”Automatic Waste Segregator”, IEEE 2017. [8] Davide Anghinolfi, Massimo Paolucci, Michela Robba, “Optimal Planning of Door-to-Door Multiple Materials Separated Waste Collection”, IEEE 2016. [9] Flora, A. (2009). “Towards a clean environment: A proposal on sustainable and integrated solid waste management system for university Kebangsaan Malaysia”. Report from Alam Flora. [10] Gogoi. L (2012). “Solid Waste Disposal and its Health Implications in Guwahati City: A Study in Medical Geography\", Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany, ISBN 978-3-8454-0149-2.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Athrav Kolhe, Amitkumar Yadav, Arpit Mishra, Atharva Amru. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.