STM32-Based Smart Waste Bin for Hygienic Disposal Using Embedded Sensing and Automated Control

2026-03-11

AI Summary

This work proposes a fully automatic smart trash bin system based on the STM32 microcontroller to address the pressing need for touchless and hygienic waste disposal in both public and private settings. The system integrates an ultrasonic sensor for real-time detection of human proximity and garbage level monitoring, employs a servo motor to automatically control the lid’s opening and closing, and provides intuitive status feedback via an OLED display. By unifying proximity sensing and fill-level detection into a single compact design, the solution ensures rapid response, stable sensing performance, and reliable mechanical operation while significantly reducing hardware costs. The proposed system offers a cost-effective and robust approach to touchless sanitation, making it well-suited for deployment in households, hospitals, schools, and other public spaces.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Manipulation
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities
• Humans and AI: Brain-Sensing and Analysis

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Energy management for devices in mobile Web and WoT environments
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Cost models of using LLMs in production systems
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: User privacy protection in personalized systems

Abstract

The increasing demand for hygienic and contactless solutions in public and private environments has encouraged the development of automated systems for everyday applications. This paper presents the design and implementation of a motion- sensing automatic waste bin using an STM32 microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, and a servo motor. The system detects user presence through ultrasonic sensing and automatically opens the bin lid using a servo motor controlled by the microcontroller. An additional ultrasonic sensor is used to monitor the internal waste level of the bin, while an OLED display provides real- time feedback regarding system status. The proposed system offers a low-cost, reliable, and easily deployable solution for touch-free waste disposal. Experimental evaluation demonstrates fast response time, stable sensing performance, and smooth mechanical operation. The system can be effectively deployed in homes, educational institutions, hospitals, and public facilities to improve hygiene and user convenience.

Problem

• hygienic disposal
• contactless waste bin
• automated waste management
• touch-free system
• smart waste bin

Innovation

• STM32 microcontroller
• ultrasonic sensing
• automated waste bin
• contactless disposal
• real-time feedback