Project / 02
Smart Waste Bin
An embedded IoT prototype focused on simple waste sorting with sensors and direct physical feedback.
At a glance
- Arduino-based prototype
- Embedded control logic
- Sensor-driven feedback
Overview
This project was a practical exercise in combining embedded hardware with a basic control system. The goal was to make waste sorting feel more automatic and less dependent on manual decisions.
Problem
Waste sorting often relies on human memory and attention. A simple physical system can help make that process more consistent.
My Approach
I focused on a small build that could detect a simple input and respond in a reliable way. The work stayed close to the hardware layer so the behavior felt immediate and understandable.
Technologies Used
- Arduino
- Embedded C
- Basic sensor input
- Simple actuator control
Architecture
Sensors
Arduino controller
Actuation
Challenges
- Keeping the hardware logic simple and dependable
- Designing the system so it could be understood and modified easily
- Working within the limits of a small embedded prototype
What I Learned
- How physical constraints shape software decisions
- How to structure embedded code around clarity and stability
- How much value a focused prototype can have even without full-scale deployment
Future Improvements
- Add more reliable sensing for varied conditions
- Improve the feedback loop so the system responds more smoothly
- Explore a version that is easier to test and refine in the field
GitHub
The source is available on GitHub for anyone who wants to inspect or build from it.