🗑️ Smart Dustbin – Contactless Waste Disposal System (Arduino/ESP32 Based)

This project is developed to promote contactless waste disposal, especially useful during pandemic situations like COVID-19, where minimizing surface contact is essential. The system is designed to automatically open the dustbin lid when someone approaches, using ultrasonic sensing and servo control. It is built using either Arduino UNO/Nano or ESP32, offering flexibility in implementation.

No internet connection is required, making it ideal for homes, hospitals, schools, offices, and public areas in low-connectivity zones.

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🛠 Features

• 🤖 Fully Contactless Operation
  Detects hand movement or human presence and opens the lid automatically.

• ⚙️ Supports Arduino & ESP32
  Modular code supports both platforms, depending on available hardware.

• ⛔ Offline & Secure
  Operates independently without relying on internet/cloud services.

• 🔋 Low Power Consumption
  Suitable for battery or USB power. Can run efficiently on portable setups.

• 🧼 Hygienic & Safe
  Minimizes risk of virus or bacteria transmission through touch.

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🔧 Hardware Components

Component	Quantity	Purpose
Arduino UNO / Nano OR ESP32	1	Microcontroller
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)	1	Proximity detection
Servo Motor (SG90/MG996R)	1	Lid movement
Jumper Wires	As needed	Circuit connections
Breadboard / PCB	1	Prototyping
Power Source (9V Battery/USB)	1	System power
Dustbin with Movable Lid	1	Mechanical structure

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🧠 Working Principle

1. The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures distance in front of the bin.
2. When a person or object is detected within 15–20 cm, it triggers the servo.
3. The servo motor opens the lid for a few seconds and then closes it automatically.
4. If the person stays, the system waits before opening again — avoiding continuous operation.

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💻 Programming & Setup

1. Requirements

• Arduino IDE
• Servo and Ultrasonic libraries (if using ESP32)

2. Pin Connections

For Arduino UNO:

• Ultrasonic Trig: D9
• Ultrasonic Echo: D8
• Servo Signal: D6

For ESP32:

• Ultrasonic Trig: GPIO 18
• Ultrasonic Echo: GPIO 19
• Servo Signal: GPIO 23

3. Upload the Code

• Connect your board to the system.
• Choose the correct COM port and board in Arduino IDE.
• Upload smart_dustbin.ino from this repo.

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📂 Repository Structure

smart-dustbin/
├── images/                  # Demo images/videos (add your own)
├── smart_dustbin.ino        # Main source code
├── README.md                # Project documentation
├── circuit_diagram.png      # Wiring reference
├── LICENSE


## 📄 License

This project is open-sourced under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.

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## 👨‍💻 Developed By

**Abinash Vijayakumar**  
Electronics and Communication Engineer  
Tech enthusiast | Innovator | IoT & Embedded Systems Developer  
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