Smart Recycling Bin

Hello. My name is Hurayra Solat, I am a student in Herrick's. These past few months I have designed a smart trash bin, capable of identifying and sorting recyclables from regular trash with sensors and a custom mechanical sorting system.

It was challenging to come up with the idea for this project at first; originally I thought of doing a project related to entertainment or just something small involving technology. I realized I wanted my project to have a real-life application, and have an impact on the world.

It was then I considered issues with our environment, specifically our recycling. So many people throw recyclable waste in with their trash due to not sorting it correctly; this contaminates the recycling and increases waste in landfills. There are existing systems out there but they are heavily dependent on the sorting skills of people. Mistakes always happen!

I came up with the idea of creating a smart trash bin that could intelligently sort trash from recyclables and send them into the right place automatically.

The overall project was about merging environment and technology with engineering. The bin uses a series of sensors to identify waste once its dropped in; the items will then be moved by side panels in the bin into the correct compartment- recyclables or regular waste.

The design of almost every part of this product was entirely custom built, I designed the entire 3D model myself and designed the internal mechanism used to move waste within the bin to show a working prototype. Planning, mechanical design, creativity and problem solving were key to this project.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle in this project was determining how the mechanical design of the sorting mechanism would work efficiently within a compact space, I had to repeatedly redesign many pieces to ensure it would function effectively. While the project remains a conceptual prototype it truly allowed me to grasp how we can use technology to automate existing environmental systems.

The process of designing and building this project taught me immensely about thinking like a designer, engineering principles, sustainability and how innovation plays a vital role in tackling modern day problems. It has shown me the incredible impact that technology can have not only for entertainment, but on communities.

In this presentation, I will be covering:

* The issue that this project addresses

* The inspiration behind the project

* The concept and system functionality of this bin

* The internal mechanical system used to sort the trash

* The 3D modeling process involved

* The future possibilities of this system

I hope that through this presentation you can see how we can merge technology with sustainability to engineer a better, smarter world.

I hope you find it as interesting as I did designing it.

Supplies Needed

1. Bin
2. Sensors
3. Small motors
4. Divider panels
5. Wires
6. Battery or power source
7. Computer
8. 3D modeling software (Tinkercad)
9. 3D printer

Supplies Used

1. Computer
2. Tinkercad
3. Internet research
4. Design sketches

I started by designing the main 3D model of the recycling bin, which serves as the foundation for the entire project.

I placed a divider in the center of the bin to create separate compartments for trash and recyclable materials.

I added a platform above the compartments where items would initially land before being sorted.

I added trash and recycling logos to clearly indicate which side of the bin each item belongs in.

I designed and placed two movable pushing mechanisms on either side of the platform. These pushers move items into the correct compartment after they are identified.

I incorporated sensors and cameras into the design to detect and identify whether an item is trash or recyclable material.

I added a lid to the top of the bin to make the design more realistic and similar to a real world recycling bin.

I reviewed the entire model and made adjustments to ensure all components worked together efficiently and the sorting process functioned as intended.