Project Hub /Robotics & Autonomous Systems/Motor Drivers & Motion Control/IoT Based Smart Bin

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

IoT Based Smart Bin

An IoT-based smart bin powered by an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi that utilizes dual ultrasonic sensors for motion and fill-level tracking alongside a servo motor for automated lid control.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

TowerPro SG90 Mini Servo – 180 degree Rotation – Standard Quality Rs. 179.00
Ultrasonic Sensor Module HC-SR04 Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Battery (generic / unspecified)
Arduino Uno R4 / Minima

Browse all components

How It Works

The IoT Based Smart Bin is an automated waste management system orchestrated by an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi microcontroller. The system continuously monitors its environment using two HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors. One ultrasonic sensor is positioned near the opening to detect a user approaching, emitting high-frequency sound waves and measuring the echo return time to calculate distance. When someone approaches within a designated threshold, the Arduino signals the MG90S servo motor, which actuates a mechanical linkage to open the bin lid automatically. Meanwhile, the second ultrasonic sensor is mounted inside the container, pointing downward to measure the empty space remaining above the accumulated trash. By evaluating this distance, the microcontroller determines the fill level of the bin. Utilizing the onboard Wi-Fi capabilities of the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, the system formats this telemetry data and sends it over the internet to a Firebase database. A remote Vite+React dashboard queries this database in real time, allowing operators to monitor fill levels and operational status from anywhere. Power is supplied reliably via a portable power bank connected to the setup, ensuring autonomous operation without being tethered to a wall outlet.

Why Build This

Design and deploy an end-to-end IoT architecture connecting edge microcontrollers to a cloud database and a modern web dashboard.

Implement automated mechanical control using PWM signals and sensor feedback loops suitable for smart city applications.

Gain practical undergraduate-level experience in waste management automation, sensor integration, and real-time data visualization.

Real-World Application

Efficient municipal and commercial waste management systems, enabling automated collection schedules and reduced overflowing bins in smart cities.

Skills You'll Learn

Ultrasonic distance measurement

servo motor actuation

Wi-Fi microcontroller networking

cloud database integration

RESTful data formatting with JSON

web dashboard telemetry visualization

power management for embedded systems

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper wiring of the 5V power supply and components to avoid short circuits.

Technology Tags

IOT

FIREBASE

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

SERVO MOTOR

WIFI

ARDUINO

WASTE MANAGEMENT

REACT

VITE

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi connect to the dashboard?

The microcontroller uses its onboard Wi-Fi module to transmit sensor data over the internet directly to a Firebase database, which is then fetched and displayed by the Vite+React web dashboard.

Why are there two HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors?

One sensor is dedicated to detecting user motion to trigger the servo motor and open the lid, while the second sensor is mounted inside the bin to continuously measure the fill level of the trash.

Can a standard USB wall adapter replace the power bank?

Yes, any stable 5V USB power source capable of supplying sufficient current for the microcontroller and the servo motor can be used, though a power bank allows for portable deployment.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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