IoT-Enabled Smart Dustbin with Auto-Lock and GSM-Based Full Bin Alert System

Abstract

This paper presents an IoT-enabled smart dustbin system designed to improve waste management efficiency through automation, sensing, and GSM communication. The system uses ultrasonic sensors, an Arduino UNO microcontroller, a servo motor, and a GSM module to automate the detection of waste levels, lid operation, and full-bin alerts. When the bin reaches 90% of its capacity, the lid automatically locks to prevent overflow, and an SMS alert is sent to the municipal authority. An LCD display provides real-time feedback to users. The proposed design enhances hygiene, minimizes manual supervision, and supports sustainable smart city initiatives.

Introduction

Urbanization has increased waste generation, leading to overflowing bins, health hazards, and environmental pollution. IoT integration allows real-time monitoring, improving collection efficiency.

Problem Statement:
Conventional bins lack automation and remote monitoring, requiring manual checks that waste time and labor.

Objectives:

• Automatic lid opening using a servo motor when a user approaches.

• Monitor fill levels with ultrasonic sensors (±0.3 cm accuracy).

• Send full-bin alerts via GSM.

• Prevent overflow via auto-lock and display real-time status on an LCD.

Scope:
The system is suitable for public areas, offices, and campuses. It is cost-effective, scalable, and upgradable with GPS or cloud connectivity.

Literature Survey:

• Existing systems use wireless mesh networks, GSM alerts, or servo automation but often lack lid control, energy efficiency, or low-cost design.

• Research gap exists for systems combining real-time lid automation with GSM alerts at low cost.

Proposed System:

• Components: Arduino UNO, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors, SG90 servo motor, SIM800L GSM module, 16x2 LCD.

• Working Principle: One sensor detects user proximity to open lid; another monitors fill level. If full, lid locks and SMS alert is sent.

• Features: Touch-free disposal, low-power operation, internet-independent GSM alerts, compact and low-cost design.

System Design:

• Hardware: Arduino as controller; sensors, servo, GSM module, and LCD connected via digital, PWM, serial, and I2C pins; powered by 12V adapter.

• Software: Arduino IDE with Embedded C; GSM communication via AT commands; fill level calculated as Fill% = (1 - d/dmax) × 100.

Modules:

1. User Detection & Lid Control: Opens lid within 1 second for contactless disposal.

2. Fill-Level Monitoring: Measures garbage height; triggers alert at 90% full.

3. Auto-Lock & Overflow Prevention: Locks lid when full; resets after emptying.

4. GSM SMS Alerts: Sends location-specific full-bin messages.

5. LCD Display & Reset: Shows real-time bin status; auto-refreshes every 2 seconds.

Results and Discussion:

• Lid opens in ~1.3 seconds; SMS alerts delivered with 98% reliability.

• Sensor accuracy ±0.3 cm; low power consumption (250 mA active, 90 mA idle).

• Advantages: Hygienic, automated operation, simple architecture, reliable alerts.

Conclusion

The IoT-Enabled Smart Dustbin automates waste detection, lid control, and alerting to enhance waste collection. Future improvements include solar powering, GPS tracking, and cloud analytics for predictive scheduling.

References

[1] R. Al-Ali, I. Zualkernan, and M. Rashid, “A smart waste management system using IoT-based technologies,” IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 55670–55682, 2019. [2] D. K. Sharma and P. Gupta, “IoT-based smart bin for real-time waste management,” Proc. Int. Conf. Communication and Electronics Systems (ICCES), 2019, pp. 1819–1823. [3] V. S. Gokul and K. S. Rajasekar, “Design of intelligent waste segregation and monitoring system,” Proc. Int. Conf. Emerging Trends in Engineering and Technology (ICETET), 2018, pp. 1–5. [4] N. Kumar and S. Kumar, “Smart dustbin management system for environment protection,” Proc. Int. Conf. Inventive Research in Computing Applications (ICIRCA), 2018, pp. 1–4. [5] P. P. Patil, R. R. Manza, and R. C. Thool, “Smart waste management system using IoT,” Proc. Int. Conf. Information Communication and Embedded Systems (ICICES), 2018, pp. 1–4. [6] S. R. J. Ramson, D. Bhavanam, S. Draksharam, R. Kumar, D. J. Moni, and A. A. Kirubaraj, “RFID and sensor networks-based bin level monitoring systems—A review,” Proc. 4th Int. Conf. Devices, Circuits and Systems, 2018, pp. 17–20. [7] M. F. Othman, M. A. Shazali, and M. H. H. N. Azahar, “Implementation of smart waste management system using IoT,” Proc. IEEE Conf. Green Energy and Sustainable Development, 2017, pp. 110–115. [8] S. V. Pakhale, P. S. Suryawanshi, and D. R. Bhagat, “IoT-based smart waste management system for smart cities,” Proc. Int. Conf. Energy, Communication, Data Analytics and Soft Computing (ICECDS), 2017, pp. 2627–2631. [9] R. S. Sutar and S. V. Jadhav, “IoT based smart garbage and waste collection bin,” Int. J. Adv. Res. Comput. Commun. Eng., vol. 5, no. 5, pp. 1037–1040, May 2016. [10] J. A. Al Mamun, M. A. Hannan, and A. Hussain, “A novel solid waste bin monitoring system: An integrated approach based on WSN, RFID and GSM,” J. Clean Energy Technologies, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 95–100, 2014.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nithilan K, Nilesh KSJ, M. S. Preethish, Mrs. R. Sindhiya. 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.