The Smart Dry and Wet Waste Segregation

Abstract

Rapid population growth and urban development have increased the amount of solid waste generated in cities and educational institutions. Improper disposal of mixed waste creates environmental pollution and reduces recycling efficiency. To solve this problem, a smart dustbin system is proposed that automatically separates wet and dry waste at the source level. The system uses sensors and a microcontroller to identify the type of waste and direct it into the appropriate container. Automatic segregation improves recycling efficiency and reduces manual handling of garbage. The proposed model is simple, low-cost, and suitable for use in homes, colleges, and public places.

Introduction

Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased waste generation, creating environmental problems when wet and dry waste are mixed. Improper disposal causes pollution, odors, and difficulty in recycling. Effective waste management requires source-level segregation, but manual separation is unhygienic and labor-intensive.

To address this, a sensor-based automatic waste segregation system is proposed. The system uses an Arduino UNO, moisture sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and servo motor to detect and classify waste as wet or dry, directing it into separate containers automatically. Wet waste, like food scraps, is identified by high moisture, while dry waste, like paper or plastic, shows low moisture. Tests with various waste materials showed that the system correctly sorted most items, demonstrating its potential for improving hygiene, recycling efficiency, and labor reduction in homes, institutions, and public spaces.

Conclusion

The Smart Dry and Wet Waste Segregation Dustbin provides a simple and effective solution for waste management. By using sensors and a microcontroller, the system automatically identifies and separates wet and dry waste. This approach reduces manual effort, improves hygiene, and supports recycling and composting processes. The system can contribute to cleaner surroundings and better waste management practices.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Omkar Patil, Ashutosh Kumbhar , Harish Katrat, Bajirao Zore. 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.