automatic dustbin

Description:
This project is an Automatic Dustbin developed for my college technical symposium to demonstrate a simple and practical IoT-based automation concept. The system uses a proximity sensor to detect a user’s presence and automatically opens the lid, enabling hands-free waste disposal.

The project focuses on applying basic electronics and embedded programming to solve a real-world hygiene problem. It was built as a working prototype and showcased during the symposium to explain sensor-based automation and microcontroller control logic.

Use case:
Smart waste management, hygiene-focused public spaces, basic IoT demonstrations.

Sample Code (Arduino – Servo + Ultrasonic Sensor):

#include <Servo.h>
 
Servo lidServo;
 
const int trigPin = 9;
const int echoPin = 10;
const int servoPin = 6;
 
void setup() {
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
  lidServo.attach(servoPin);
  lidServo.write(0); // Lid closed
}
 
void loop() {
  long duration;
  int distance;
 
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
 
  duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;
 
  if (distance > 0 && distance < 20) {
    lidServo.write(90); // Open lid
    delay(3000);
    lidServo.write(0);  // Close lid
  }
}

Components Used (optional section if you want):

1. Arduino Uno
2. Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
3. Servo Motor
4. Dustbin lid mechanism
5. Jumper wires & power supply