FINAL PAPER Arduino Uno Based Automated Waste Segregation System CHAPTER 1 5

Saint James Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
ECO- DUSTBIN: ARDUINO UNO BASED AUTOMATED
WASTE SEGREGATION SYSTEM
A Capstone Study Presented to the

Faculty of Senior High School Department
Saint James Academy
Ibaan, Batangas
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for
Research Project/Capstone Study
ABADAY, Cristelle Angela A.
PORTUS, Mariel Jazel C.
SABLAY, Hannah Sophia C.
VERANA, Donna Kristel B.
2020
Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

ii
Saint James Academy
APPROVAL SHEET
This research entitled "ECO-DUSTBIN: ARDUINO UNO BASED
AUTOMATED WASTE SEGREGATION SYSTEM” prepared and submitted
by ABADAY, CRISTELLE ANGELA, A., PORTUS, MARIEL JAZEL, C.,
SABLAY, HANNAH SOPHIA, C., VERANA, DONNA KRISTEL, B. in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for Research Project and Capstone, has been
evaluated and approved with a grade of ___________________.
Date: ________________.
HECZEL B. MIÑAS, RN PhD

Evaluator/Research Advisor
ENGR. MELANNIE P. ADANTE

Evaluator/Research Advisor
VON CHESTER O. CALABIA

Principal
Final Defense taken on _____________________
Rating ____________________________________________

iii
Saint James Academy
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Immeasurable appreciation and deepest gratitude for the help and support
are extended to the following persons who have contributed in giving a final shape
and making this study possible.
To the whole academe of Saint James Academy, to the school principal, to
our class adviser, for giving us the chance to improve our own selves by giving
their all.
To Engr. Melannie P. Adante and Mr. Heczel B. Miñas, the research
advisers, for their support, guidance, counsel, recommendations and provisions
which embolden the researchers to go after the study. At the foremost, we would
like to express our sincere gratitude to our supervisors, thank you for your thesis
advices and for the priceless endeavor, patience, understanding and enthusiasm
you’ve exerted for this study. We would also like to acknowledge their time and
effort in checking and reviewing the research paper.
To our panelists, for giving remarks and discernments in our study that
opened for the improvement of the research study.
To Engr. Mark Jerald C. Portus, who provides us the additional sensors and
the Arduino Uno board, and for helping the researchers in their initial testing and
consultation process of their research study.

iv
Saint James Academy
To Patrick Lorenz Reyes and Ferdinand Gutierrez, for giving their time
assisting us on consultations and troubleshooting of the automated waste
segregator needed for the study.
To the researchers’ family, we are particularly indebted for they are one of
the most important to us in the pursuit of this research study, we would like to
thank our most loved and cherished parents for providing constant source of
inspiration, concern, support, strength and care throughout the whole academic
year that provide the necessities of the writers to bring out a study and whose love
and guidance are with us throughout the extent of our study .
And most especially to Almighty God, who gave strength to the writers to
continue despite all the hardships that were faced throughout the writing of the
thesis. Thank you, Lord God in helping us to achieve what we are and have now.

v
Saint James Academy
DEDICATION
This research paper is wholeheartedly dedicated to all the people who helped,
inspired and encouraged us in making this paper possible and successful through
the countless nights of hard work. The researchers devoted this humble and simple
triumph first, to our Almighty God who has always made His presence felt and
stood by when times of struggle were faced by the researchers. To our greatest
research advisors, for their potential to contribute source of knowledge and
expertise that is always been there for the researchers. It is also dedicated to the
academy, validators, principal, adviser, families and colleagues of the researchers
for giving their unending and overall moral support from the start of the paper
until the completion of the present research, and had given the researchers the
chance of conducting a study to test the capabilities of the group that showed the
full potential and talent of the researchers.
C. A. A. A
M. J. C. P.
H. S. C. S.
D. K. B. V.

vi
Saint James Academy
Abstract
Improper segregation of different types of waste being generated today

caused immense problem for national and local governments. A dramatic
increment in population, continuous economic growth, urbanization and
industrialization rapidly increases the consumption of different products thus
increasing the level of solid and hazardous waste being generated. To get rid of the
unawareness of this waste management problem, this paper proposes a prototype,
Eco-Dustbin, that automatically segregates wastes into their respective categories
which can be used as a solution for a segregation system at different institutions.
The Automated Waste Segregator system is designed to sort the refuse into
metallic waste, wet waste and dry waste. The system is based on Arduino Uno,
Motors, LCD display, and multiple sensors such as capacitive Proximity Sensor,
inductive Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, and IR Sensor. The Eco-Dustbin undergoes
in-depth programming using the “If-Then” statement of codes which can
manipulate the sensing mechanism to identify metallic items, and capacitive
sensors to distinguish between wet and dry waste. This study will test the volume
capacity, the energy capacity and the working duration of the prototype.
Experimental results will show that the overall responsiveness and sensitivity of
the Eco-Dustbin in segregating wastes into metallic, wet and dry waste has been
successfully implemented. Applying this study at Saint James Academy, the waste
generated will be automatically segregated using the Eco-Dustbin, an Arduino
Uno-Based Automated Waste Segregation System.
Keywords: Segregation, Waste, Automated Waste Segregator, Arduino Uno,

Motors, LCD, Sensors

vii
Saint James Academy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
DEDICATION v
ABSTRACT vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS viii
LIST OF TABLES xii
LIST OF FIGURES xiii
CHAPTER
I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction 1
Objectives of the Study 6
Conceptual Framework 7
Significance of the Study 11
Scope and Delimitation of the Study 12
Definition of Terms 14
II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Literature 19

viii
Saint James Academy
Waste 16
Type of Wastes 17
Categories of Wastes 20
Waste Management 22
Waste Segregation 28
Automated Waste Segregator 35
Sensor Unit 39
Waste Disposal 40
Struvite Reactor 42
Ratio of gram of MgO/L of Urine 43
Application of Struvite on Plant 44
Research Literature 44
Synthesis of the Study 51
III RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURE
Research Design 53
Conceptualization and Development of Prototype 56
Design of Automated Waste Segregator 58
Integration of Hardware and Development of Software 60
Preliminary Testing of the Sensors of the

Troubleshooting of the Automated Waste Segregator 63

ix
Saint James Academy
Final Testing and Evaluation of the
IV DEVELOPMENT OF A
AUTOMATED WASTE SEGREGATOR,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
System Components and Material Specifications 65
Schematic Diagram 73
Fabrication and Modification
of the Automated Waste Segregator 75
Development of Software 76
Preliminary Testing of the Sensors
of the Eco-Dustbin 81
Final Testing and Evaluation
of the Automated Waste Segregator 100
Troubleshooting of Automated Waste Segregator 102
V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings 103
Conclusions 104
Recommendations 106

x
Saint James Academy
BIBLIOGRAPHY 108
APPENDICES 112
A Prototype Manual 113
B Related Computations 117
C Documentation 120
D Cost Estimation 130
E Curriculum Vitae 132
LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page
1 Results of Testing of the Sensitivity
of the Inductive Sensor in terms
its Responsiveness 81
of the Raindrop Sensor in terms
of its Responsiveness 82
of the IR Sensor in terms
of the Ultrasonic Sensor in terms

xi
Saint James Academy
of the Soil Moisture in terms
of the Capacitive Proximity Sensor
in terms of its Responsiveness 86
of the Sensors in terms of its Responsiveness 87
8 Results of the Preliminary Testing
of the Operating Capacity of the
Metal Bin of the Eco-Dustbin 89
Wet Bin of the Eco-Dustbin 90
Dry Bin of the Eco-Dustbin 92
of the Working Duration of the Eco-Dustbin 94

xii
Saint James Academy
of the Speed of IR Sensor
in Detecting and Sorting the Wastes 96
of the Speed of Inductive Sensor
of the Speed of Raindrop Sensor
of the Speed of Ultrasonic Sensor
16 Results of the Final Testing
of the Eco-Dustbin
in terms of its Efficiency 100

xiii
Saint James Academy
LIST OF FIGURES
No. Title Page
1 Conceptual Paradigm 10
2 Automated Waste Segregator 55
3 Schematic Diagram of
4 Power Supply Unit 65
5 Open-close Mechanism 66
6 Rotating Mechanism 67
7 Circular Panel 68
8 Trash Bins 69
9 Sensors 70
10 LCD 71

xiv
Saint James Academy
11 Case Structure 72
12 Wheels 72

Saint James Academy
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Nowadays, people face critical problems which include the need to save the
weakening environment where solid wastes are uselessly dumped. Management
and disposal of these wastes has been a major recurring problem now, especially
in urban areas. As humanity develops new technology and equipment, the level of
waste increases every day. In everyday life, every human being produces a number
of garbage in the solid form of 1-3 kg (Angin, Sashanti, Siagian, Suryanto, &
Marcopolo, 2018). These problems arise also as the population increases where
every person’s necessities are constantly escalating thus resulting to more wastes.
Waste disposal is a systematic action for managing waste from its origin to
its final disposal. It includes incineration or burning, burial at landfill sites or
discharge at different bodies of water like sea, lake, river, and recycling. Improper
disposal of garbage generates harmful chemicals which contaminate surface and
groundwater. The harmful method used for waste disposal makes an excessive
damage to the environment because the production of toxic substances causes air

2
Saint James Academy
pollution and contributes to acid rain which is very dangerous to everyone’s
health. There are a lot of other negative effects of wrong waste disposal which can
give rise to disease vectors which spread harmful diseases. The factors that are
mostly affected by the negative effects of this method are human health, plant and
animal life which are essential to our environment. But before proceeding to the
process of disposal of wastes, proper segregation of wastes must be observed to
avoid mixing different waste substances that produced more toxic waste products.
It is the first step to total waste management.
Segregation of our waste is essential as the amount of waste being
generated today caused immense problem. Waste segregation is the process of
separating and sorting wastes according to a certain property required for
classification. The two main classifications of wastes are biodegradable which
includes organic waste such as kitchen waste, vegetables, and fruits, and non-
biodegradable waste where substances do not degrade easily. Non- biodegradable
waste can be further segregated into recyclable wastes, toxic wastes, and soiled
wastes.
There are different ways for wastes to be separated. The most common and
simple way to segregate is to sort each waste manually by installing different bins
for collecting different type of waste such as wet, dry and metal etc. It can be done
mostly in households and be collected through garbage collection schemes that are

3
Saint James Academy
available in most of cities and towns. It is the responsibility of a community to
dispose the solid waste in a correct manner. Citizens have a huge role to play in
this too, as they are the main generators of this kind of a waste. There are instances
where other people often misplaced certain garbage to a wrong bin because of the
lack of awareness towards proper waste management. However, those people who
also lack of discipline and responsibility practices the improper way of segregating
different wastes in a community for they have not put an effort to contribute in
saving the environment in the simplest way. A disruption of proper disposal of
waste occurs due to a deficiency of the waste segregation caused by inappropriate
human behavior and practices.
On the other hand, waste can also be automatically separated with the help
of technology and innovation to form a more effective way of managing and
segregating waste. Automation deals with mechanization of process of production
involving the use of automatic machinery and integrating the use of
computers. Nowadays, the industry is turning towards computer-based monitoring
of tasks mainly due to the need for the increased productivity and delivery of the
final products with maximum quality (Aahash, Prasath, Gopinath, & Gunasekaran,
2018). Producing and implementing an automated waste segregator will reduce the
expenditure on waste disposal, and performance of the machine will substitute the
manual effort done by humans making recycling, reusing and reducing wastes be
resolved easily. The system of the machine consists of multiple sensors to classify

4
Saint James Academy
and identify the type of waste and subsequently place them in different bins
accordingly and automatically. Each sensor will give the commands that the
system will perform. The system is affiliated with the microcontroller used in the
machine. The use of the technical advances of this machine in waste segregation
will benefit and effectively improve the waste management of the society.
In line with the improvement of the waste management of the society, the
mayor of the municipality of Ibaan proposed a project regarding to proper waste
segregation of the town of Ibaan. The research will be conducted to help in the
segregation of solid wastes into its respective classification and to aid in recycling
wastes from institutions and commercial areas. The utilization of the automated
waste segregator will improve the sorting of municipal wastes and so as the
institutional wastes. As Saint James Academy is being part of the municipality of
Ibaan, this academic institution will participate on the proposed project of the
mayor of the municipality of Ibaan.
Saint James Academy, a catholic institution located in Ibaan, Batangas, was
founded in 1955 by the Oblates of St. Joseph through Fr. Guido Coletti, the OSJ
church builder in the Philippines. It is one of the institutions that implements
proper waste segregation specifically the categories of biodegradable, non-
biodegradable, and recyclable waste. However, not all people follow the
implementation of this regulation due to some circumstances which can cause

5
Saint James Academy
defectiveness on the proper waste disposal. Due to the escalation on the expected
number of students this school year, the generated wastes are expected to increase,
also. The students, teachers, and administrations must consider and pay a close
attention to the importance of right waste management to ensure their health and
the proper sanitation of their learning environment. By applying the project of the
automated waste segregator in the context of Saint James Academy, the
researchers will be able to reduce the problem of improper waste management
especially in segregating each waste to their proper category.
Even though there are large scale industrial waste segregators present, it is
always much better to segregate the waste at the source itself. The benefits of
doing so are that a higher quality of the material is retained for recycling which
means that more value could be recovered from the waste (Chandramohan,
Mendonca, Shankar, Baheti, & Krishnan, 2019). In this case, the utilization of the
automated waste segregator in an institution will help not only on the proper waste
management but also on the practice on the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, and
recycle within the school community. The economic value of each recyclable
material will be recognized and will be able to help minimized the waste being
disposed.
Henceforth, research will be conducted in order to build an automated eco-
friendly dustbin as a waste segregator using Arduino operated by multiple sensors

6
Saint James Academy
which is a means of identifying each waste category accordingly and
automatically. This specific study aims to develop a more effective way of
segregating the wastes generated in the institution of Saint James Academy.
Objectives of the Study
The main extent of the study is to produce a prototype that segregates dry,
wet and metallic wastes through the use of Arduino Uno microcontroller.
Specifically, it aims:
1. To design and to develop an automated waste segregator considering the
following:
1.1. system components;
1.2. material specification.
2. To develop a program of the automated waste segregator considering the
following:
2.1. Arduino Sketch
2.2. Arduino IDE (software)
2.3. Arduino codes
3. To program different sensors and to test their sensitivity considering the
following:
3.1. IR Sensor

7
Saint James Academy
3.2. Metal Sensor
3.3. Moisture Sensor
3.4. Ultrasonic Sensor
4. To conduct the preliminary testing of the automated waste segregator
considering the following:
4.1. operating capacity
4.2. speed of sensors in sorting wastes
4.3. working duration
5. To evaluate the efficiency of the sensors of the automated waste segregator
in terms of:
5.1. responsiveness
5.2. sensitivity
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework is the blueprint of the study wherein principle
and assumptions hold together the ideas incorporating the whole concept of the
study. The study is based on the efficiency of the Eco-Dustbin using Arduino,
which is an automated waste segregator of the institutional wastes generated in
Saint James Academy.
In order to have an intensified overview of the paper, the researchers
constructed a conceptual paradigm in a Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate or

8
Saint James Academy
CDIO model that illustrated the development stages for the assessment of the
study.
In the Conceive Stage, the researchers will establish and present the
knowledge and hardware requirements that is essential to the study. Knowledge
about basic electronics, programming and troubleshooting, basic programmable
logic controller (PLC), and robotics technology are necessary and required.
Furthermore, hardware requirements which includes Arduino Uno, Inductive
Sensor, Capacitive Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor, Servo Motor, and DC power
adaptor were also vital to the study. Software requirements such as M-Duino
(Arduino-based PLC), and Arduino IDE are the most critical requirement to
accomplish this study.
In the Design Stage, the researchers will use the SketchUp program in
creating the plan and structure of the automated waste segregator, Eco-Dustbin.
In the Implement Stage, conceptualization of the prototype design will be
prepared and organized. Hardware requirements will be combined and then, a
software that will recognize the different solid waste inserted in the machine will
be developed. Next, software and hardware requirements will be completely
combined and after, a preliminary testing of the automated waste segregator will
be conducted. Performing troubleshooting process will help improve the operation

9
Saint James Academy
of the prototype. And lastly, the accuracy and efficacy of the automated waste
segregator will be tested and evaluated further.
In the Operate Phase, the researcher will be able to automatically
segregate waste using the automated waste segregator operated by Arduino. The
embedded microcontrollers and sensors will process the information and
properties needed to separate the waste accordingly.

Conceive Implement
Knowledge Requirements:
Basic Electronics Design Create and conceptualize the
Programming and System components automated waste segregator
Troubleshooting Power Supply Unit prototype design. Operate
Basic Programmable Logic Open-close mechanism Develop a software that will
Controller (PLC) Circular panel recognize the different solid waste
Robotics Technology Trash bins inserted in the machine.
Hardware requirements: LCD Combine the hardware
Arduino Uno Effective Waste Segregation
Wood Case Structure requirements and program and test
Inductive Sensor Using an Automated Waste
Wheels the sensitivity of different sensors.
Capacitive Sensor Segregator Operated by
Conduct a preliminary testing of
Ultrasonic Sensor Arduino
SketchUp design the automated waste segregator
LCD
Servo Motor prototype.
DC power adaptor Perform a troubleshooting process
Jumper Wires to improve the operation of the
Breadboard prototype.

Software Requirements: Evaluate the accuracy and
Arduino IDE efficiency of the automated waste
Arduino Sketch segregator.
Saint James Academy
10
Figure 1
Conceptual Par
11
Saint James Academy
Significance of the Study
This capstone study will be essential for the community of the school, the
faculties and the students for the improvement of waste segregation in the
environmental necessities of the institution. Moreover, the study will be conducted
to focus on the process of generating a prototype for waste segregation using the
Arduino system.
The specific significance of the study in each sector is enumerated as follows:
To the Community. This will allow the community to prevent negative
impacts on the environment caused by the outraging number of wastes in the
community. This will utilize the effectiveness of waste segregation in solving
environmental problems regarding wastes to achieve more control in collecting
wastes in the community.
To the Academe. The study will empower the school to have a great vision
of educating the students in proper waste management. This will also help in the
effectiveness of the disciplinary actions made by the faculty and staff to nurture
the foundation of the school into the prior way of education.
To the Students. The study will help them determine the proper waste
segregation in dealing with the increasing amount of wastes parallel to the rapid

12
Saint James Academy
growth of the population of students inside the academic institution. From the
study, this will encourage them to induce proper waste management using the eco-
dustbin generated by the Arduino system.
To the Faculty and Maintenance. The study will help them to guide the
actions of the students in terms of disciplinary management and to enhance the
provisions of the facilities for proper waste segregation of schools. Furthermore,
they will able to find ways of handling the waste management of the school by the
process of automatic segregation of the increasing number of wastes.
To the researchers. This will involve their intellectual creativity in
producing such machines to enhance their knowledge and to engage them on the
corners of problems inside the institution.
To future researchers. This will help them explore and create more
effective researches for the improvement of proper waste management of the
institution. This will also help them develop innovations of the machines relating
to waste segregation.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope of the study focused on the automated waste segregator using the
Arduino Uno Microcontroller for waste segregation in Saint James Academy.
Production of the automated machine will consider the materials of Arduino Uno

13
Saint James Academy
microcontroller, motor driver and various sensors to send a signal to the bins
installed and to recognize the wastes according to their characteristics and
appropriate classifications. In this case, the automatic machine will consist of only
three categories – for dry wastes, for wet wastes, and metallic wastes. However,
the separation of wastes will happen one at a time with an assigned priority for
metal, wet and dry waste.
Development of an eco-dustbin will be done on which researchers will
consider the system components and materials need in creating an eco-dustbin.
The system components to be examined incorporate the relevant melding of
software & hardware, power supply unit, servo motor, circular panel, trash bins,
LED light signals, wood case structure, and structure wheels that are of use to as
the core of an excellent functionality of the Arduino Uno in operating automated
waste segregator or the eco-dustbin.
On the capacity of eco-dustbin, the machine has its limitations on
occupying the wastes being segregated. It has its maximum volume thus; it will
not collect all of its wastes. Another factor, the prototype does not equip in
removing solid or liquid contents of the containers. Therefore, it has to be done
manually.
The initial testing will be conducted to test the effectiveness of an
automated machine using the Arduino Uno Microcontroller, its sensors, and

14
Saint James Academy
motors. This will be conducted inside the premises of Saint James Academy to
evaluate the proper waste management. This prototyping process will focus on the
segregation of wastes and will not include the implementation of disposing wastes.
However, this study will not conduct to remove all the waste in the said
institution but to lessen the time in waste segregation especially in the cafeteria of
the school. Moreover, this study will not focus on segregating other types of waste
but merely centre on wastes like dry, wet and metal, also the volume capacity and
the power supply is limited as the basis of assessing the efficacy of Arduino Uno
as the system, the proponents will only examine its efficiency through using
different sensors. The researchers will not use any other microcontroller other than
indicated in the study.
Definition of Terms
The present study dealt with the production of the automated waste
segregator for waste management in Saint James Academy. In addition, the
following terminologies are hereby defined as to prevent incomprehensibility and
promote proper understanding.
Arduino Uno. A popularly used open-source micro-controller board that
runs on ATmega 328P micro-controller. This board is developed by Arduino.cc
which is an Italy based hardware company. This board contains a set of digital and

15
Saint James Academy
analog I/O data pins that are used to interface this board with other electronic
components (Iyer A. B., 2018).
Automated Waste Segregator. It employs inductive sensors to identify
metallic items, and capacitive sensors to distinguish between wet and dry waste
depending upon the threshold values set. However, it cannot segregate ceramic
into dry waste because it has the higher relative dielectric constant as compared to
other dry wastes that are segregated (Iyer A. B., 2018).
Codes. It is used to describe text that is written using the protocol of a
particular language by a computer programmer (Computer Hope, 2017). As to be
used in the study, it is to utilize the use of programming of Arduino Uno as
instructions to produce automated waste segregator.
Environment. It is comprised of the interacting systems of physical,
biological and cultural elements which are interlinked both individually and
collectively. Environment is the sum total of conditions in which an organism has
to survive or maintain its life process. It influences the growth and development of
living forms (Mondal, 2019).
Institutional wastes. Solid waste that is generated by institutional
enterprises such as social, charitable, educational, and government services and
that is similar in nature to household waste (Insider, 2019). As to be used in the

16
Saint James Academy
study, these are wastes produced from the academic institution that will be used in
developing the automated waste segregator.
Microcontroller. MCU or Microcontroller Unit. It is a single Integrated
Circuit (IC) that gathers input, processes this information, and outputs a certain
action based on the information gathered. Microcontrollers usually operate at
lower speeds, around the 1MHz to 200 MHz range, and need to be designed to
consume less power because they are embedded inside other devices that can have
greater power consumptions in other areas.is typically used for a specific
application and designed to implement certain tasks (Gudino, 2018).
Programming. It is the art of developing computer programs with the aid
of selected programming language by a computer programmer. It is a special skill
whose quality is tested by the quality of the resulting program or software. In
programming, programming stages must be properly followed, i.e from problem
definition to maintenance and review (Lateef, Abimbola , Owoade, & Ogunsanwo,
2016).
Servo Motors. It is an electrical device which can push or rotate an object
with great precision (Apoorve, 2015). As to be used in the study, the servo motors
will connect directly to Arduino to control the shaft position of objects and move
sensors very precisely.

17
Saint James Academy
Segregation. It is done manually by installing different bins for collecting
different type of waste such as wet, dry and metal etc (Naveen, 2008).
Sensor. It is a device that receives a stimulus and responds with an
electrical signal (Sinha, 2017). As to be used in the study, this is the material
measured in producing the prototype that signals to classify the different wastes
inserted in the machine.
Sorting. Waste sorting can occur manually at the household and collected
through curb side collection schemes, or automatically separated in materials
recovery facilities or mechanical biological treatment systems (Schlesinger,
Aluminum Recycling, Second Edition, 2010).
Speed. As to be used in the study, it is a rate and a way of measuring of
how quickly something is moving or operating.
Time. As to be used in the study, it is to measure the speed of sorting of
wastes inserted into the machine.
Waste. Any residue from a production process, transformation or use, any
substance, material or product or more generally any type of discarded goods or
property, or goods or property that the owner intends to discard (French
Environmental Code , 2015).

18
Saint James Academy
Waste Management. Effective supervision and handling, keeping,
collection, conveying, treatment and disposal of waste in a manner that safeguard
the environment and the public (Tchobanoglous, 1993).

Saint James Academy
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents different concepts and theories that provide
significant relation to the project.
Content searches use key words and phrases to collect as many applicable
sources as possible. For the purpose of this research study, sources primarily from
2008 to present were utilized, except for earlier literature that was used for a
historical perspective.
I. Conceptual Literature
1. Waste
Waste has been a major environmental issue everywhere since the
industrial revolution. Besides the waste we create at home, there are also those
from schools, hospitals, industries, farms, and other public places (eSchoolToday,
2008-2019).
Wastes are unused or unwanted materials which is discarded after primary
use, or is defective, worthless and of no use. According to the Basel Convention

20
Saint James Academy
on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their
Disposal of 1989, Article 2(1), “Wastes’ are the substance or objects, which are
disposed of or are, intended to be disposed of by the provisions of national law,”
(Basel Convention Archived copy, 1989).
2. Types of Waste
Waste can be in any form (liquid, solid, gas), although generally, waste
is solid (Waste, n.d.).There are various types but primarily there are three kinds of
wastes:
2.1 . Municipal wastes
Municipal Solid Waste Municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated from
households, offices, hotels, shops, schools and other institutions. The major
components are food waste, paper, plastic, rags, metal and glass, although
demolition and construction debris are often included in collected waste, as are
small quantities of hazardous waste, such as electric light bulbs, batteries,
automotive parts and discarded medicines and chemicals. Municipal waste differs
in each municipality and keeps changing with time.
2.1.1. Household waste
Materials like unused food, clothes, unwanted paper, damaged batteries,
etc. come under household wastes. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) deserves

21
Saint James Academy
special attention as it may be a great concern in future. It includes common
household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides. Agricultural
wastes also come under household waste.
2.1.2. Institutional waste
These are wastes coming from the vicinity of the schools.
2.1.3. Commercial waste
Wastes coming from any kinds of businesses, trading factories, etc.
come under commercial wastes.
2.2. Hazardous Wastes
Hazardous waste refers to solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes from industries
that have either of the properties: corrosiveness, ignitability, reactivity, and
toxicity. Treatment of these wastes is necessary before the industries dump it.
Hazardous wastes are unsafe for human health and the environment at large.
2.3. Biomedical wastes
Any waste coming from medical facilities such as hospitals, medical
colleges, research centers, etc.
3. Categories of Wastes
Wastes are further divided into various categories (Waste, n.d.):

22
Saint James Academy
3.1. Dry Wastes
Waste which is isn’t dissolved in any form or in liquid form come under
dry wastes.
3.2. Wet Wastes
Any dissolve liquid-based waste or sludge coming from wastewater
plants, households, etc. come under wet waste.
3.3. Metal Wastes
Metal is a perfect material for recycling. It is valuable, it can be recycled
indefinitely without losing its physical properties, and the demand for metals is
constant. However, despite the good features and resale value, massive amounts of
recoverable metals end up being thrown away (Metal Waste Processing, 2019).
4. Waste Management
. Waste management is the precise name for the collection, transportation,
disposal or recycling and monitoring of waste. This term is assigned to the
material, waste material that is produced through human being activity. This
material is managed to avoid its adverse effect over human health and
environment. Most of the time, waste is managed to get resources from it. The
waste to be managed includes all forms of matter i.e. gaseous, liquid, solid and
radioactive matter.

23
Saint James Academy
The methods for the management of waste may differ for developed and
developing nations. For urban and rural populations, industrial and residential
areas it does differ as well. The management of waste in metropolitan and rural
areas is general responsibility of the local government. While the waste that is
produced by the industries is managed by the industry itself, in case it is non-
hazardous (Waste Management Resources, 2019).
Waste management is one of the primary problems that the world faces
irrespective of the case of developed or developing country (Dr.N.SATHISH
KUMAR, 2016)
4.1. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
Republic Act No. 9003 popularly known as “The Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000”, an act providing an ecological solid waste
management program creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and
incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating
funds therefore and for other purposes. This law requires all Local Government
Units in the country to establish an ecological waste management program within
their jurisdictions and provides the necessary institutional mechanisms to attain its
objective.

24
Saint James Academy
4.2. Present Waste Management Status
In a year-end Solid Waste Management (SWM) report conducted by the
School Maintenance, solid waste management remains a main challenge in the
school because of the continuous growth of the school’s population. Improper
waste disposal, inefficient waste collection and deficiency in facilities for waste
disposal are among the leading matters in the school’s waste management. It
continues to rise as the population, living standards, rapid economic growth and
industrialization increases throughout the years.
On the other hand, the institution sought to provide a long term solution to
this growing problem through a more strict implementation of the manual sorting
of wastes with provided 3 separated bins that has its own identification namely
biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable materials and wastes.
5. Waste Segregation
Waste segregation or waste sorting refers to the separation of wastes. The
purpose is to recycle dry and metal waste easily and use wet wastes as compost
(htt). Waste sorting can be done manually at the household and collected through
curbside collection schemes, or automatically separated in materials recovery
facilities or mechanical biological treatment systems. Hand sorting was the first

25
Saint James Academy
method used in the history of waste sorting (Schlesinger, Aluminum Recycling,
Second Edition, 2010).
Waste segregation at source improves collection efficiency and leads to
better processing of wastes (Agarwal, 2018). Effective segregation of wastes
means that less waste goes to landfill which makes it cheaper and better for people
and the environment. (EMS, 2016). When the waste is segregated into basic
streams such as wet, dry and metallic, the waste has a higher potential of recovery
and consequently recycled and reused. The wet waste fraction is often converted
either into compost or methane-gas or both. (Iyer A. B., 2018).
6. Automated Waste Segregator
Segregation makes it possible to reuse and recycle the waste effectively.
This is the reason why the waste management becomes so important concern for
health and well-being of the society. (Raspberry Pi based Automated Waste
Segration System, 2018).
Even though there are large-scale industrial waste segregators present, it is
always much better to segregate the waste at the source itself. The benefits of
creating an automated waste segregator are that a higher quality of the material is
retained for recycling which means that more value could be recovered from the
waste. Also, the segregated waste could be directly sent to its corresponding places
instead of manually sorting them (Iyer A. B., 2018).

26
Saint James Academy
Currently, there is no efficient system of segregation of dry, wet, and
metallic wastes at an institution or a household level. It has been recommended
that the least cost, most appropriate technological option for safe management
should be developed (Bajaj, 1995). An Automated Waste Segregator can be used
at the school and household level so that the waste can be sent directly for
processing. Implementation of this system at a local level like societies,
educational institutes, etc. can reduce the burden on the local authorities. The
automatic waste segregator is one small step towards building an efficient and
economic waste collection system with a minimum amount of human intervention
and also easier to install and use at a domestic level.
6.1 Basic Electronics
Basic electronics measures the knowledge and ability to apply concepts,
terms, and principle involved in working on or near electrical and electronic
equipment. Electronics is the branch of science and engineering dealing with the
theory and use of a class of devices in which electrons are transported through a
vacuum, gas or semiconductor.
6.2 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting requires for measurements to be made and tests to be
performed. The defective component(s) is isolated when measurements give
results far different than they would be in a properly operating unit, or when a test

27
Saint James Academy
fails. Some failures happen which is a reason why troubleshooting is needed.
Some major types of failures are complete failures, intermittent fault, poor
performance, and induced failures. Complete failures are often the easiest
problems to repair. On the other hand, intermittent faults are usually the most
difficult to repair since troubleshooting can only be done when the equipment is
malfunctioning. Equipment that is functioning below specified operational
standards is said to have poor system performance characteristics which requires
troubleshooting. Regular performance checks are necessary for critical
communications systems. Induced failures often come from equipment abuse.
Induced failures can be eliminated by exercising proper equipment care. Repairs
should be done or supervised by experienced technicians. Voltage and resistance
checks are done to isolate defective components once the trouble has been
pinpointed to a specific stage of the equipment (Electronics Troubleshooting
Techniques, 2017).
6.3 Basic Programmable Logic Controller
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a special form of
microprocessor-based controller that uses a programmable memory to store
instructions and to implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing,
counting and arithmetic in order to control machines and processes and are

28
Saint James Academy
designed to be operated by engineers with perhaps a limited knowledge of
computers and computing languages (Bolton, 2006).
A PLC is digital operating electronic apparatus which uses a
programmable memory for internal storage of instruction for implementing
specific function such logic, sequencing, timing, counting and arithmetic to
control through analog or digital input/output modules various type of machines or
process (Priyam, Himanshu, & Selva, 2016).
6.4 Robotics Technology
Robotics involves the design and creation of robotic systems. A robotic
system has the capability of performing tasks and duties for humans to simplify
life and streamline work processes. The people who design robotic systems are
robotics engineers with specialized training in electrical and mechanical
engineering (Richards, 2019).
The robot technology is being applied in so many domains such as for
healthcare, medical and surgery, body-machine interface, telepresence robotics,
cyborgs, exoskeletons, and wearable robotics, humanoids, industrial,
housekeeping, collaborative robots, military robotics, underwater, flying and self -
driving machines, space robots, entertainment, art, environmental and alternately
powered robots, swarm and microbots, robotic networks, and modular robotics
(Pagliarini & Hautop Lund, 2017).

29
Saint James Academy
6.5. Automated Waste Segregator using Arduino
6.5.1. Arduino
Arduino is a great platform for prototyping projects and inventions. The
Arduino is a platform for the development of microcontrollers coupled with an
intuitive programming language that you develop using the Arduino Integrated
development environment. You can the Arduino into a programmable “brain” for
just about any control system by equipping the Arduino with sensors, lights,
speakers, additional module (called shields) and other integrated circuits (Blum,
2013).
An Arduino is a small computer that can be programmed to process inputs
and outputs between your device and external components. It is a physical or
embedded computer platform, which means that it is an interactive system that
interacts with its surroundings (McRoberts, 2010).
Arduino was introduced back in 2005 in Italy by Massimo Banzi as a way
for non-engineers to have access to a low cost, simple tool for creating hardware
projects. Since the board is open-source, it is released under a Creative Commons

30
Saint James Academy
license which allows anyone to produce their own board. If you search the web,
you will find there are hundreds of Arduino compatible clones and variations
available but the only official boards have Arduino in its name.
6.5.2. Arduino Uno
One of the most popular Arduino boards out there is the Arduino Uno.
While it was not actually the first board to be released, it remains to be the most
actively used and most widely documented on the market. Because of its extreme
popularity, the Arduino Uno has a ton of project tutorials and forums around the
web that can help you get started or out of a jam (Everything you need to know
about Arduino Code, n.d.).
The main workhouse in the Arduino family is the Uno. It is based on the
ATmega328 microcontroller and has a clock speed of 16MHz. it has 6 analog
input pins and 14 digital input/output pins. It can be powered by a USB connection
or a DC barrel connector, or by using power input pin headers (Craft, 2013).
6.5.3. Arduino Micro-controller
An Atmel microcontroller unit (MCU) is at the heart of each Arduino. Most
Arduino boards use the AVR ATMega microcontroller, including the Arduino
Uno. The microcontroller holds all your compiled code and executes the
commands that you specify (Blum, 2013). Microcontroller is a small computer
that carries out menial decision-making tasks that can be tedious, too fast, too slow

31
Saint James Academy
or irritating for a person to do. It can be meaningful and react to events in the real
world by doing something (Craft, 2013).
6.6. Arduino Coding Environment
6.6.1. Arduino Sketch
The Sketch is a set of instruction that tells the board what function it needs
to perform. An Arduino board can only hold and perform one sketch at a time. The
software used to create Arduino Sketches is called the IDE which stands for
Integrated Development Environment (Everything you need to know about
Arduino Code, n.d.).
Every Arduino sketch has two main parts to the program:
1. void setup (): This is the location where a user can initialize all the
variables that will be required during the course of programming a
system. As the name suggests, this function is used to set up an Arduino
before interfacing it with other circuits. This area can also be used to
include libraries of various sensors. The popularly used functions in
void setup are:
 pinMode: This function is used to declare pins of Arduino as
input or output.

32
Saint James Academy
 serial.begin: This function is used when Arduino is
communicating with other sensors or devices. This enables a
user to set a specific baud rate for communication purpose.
2. void loop (): The code written in this space will run over and over again
unless Arduino is interrupted using an interrupt or the USB cable is
disconnected from the USB port.
The different functions that are often used in void loop are:
 digitalWrite: This function is used to make a specific pin on
Arduino logically HIGH or LOW.
 digitalRead: This function is used when there is a need to
read digital data from a sensor or when we have to control
something using a switch/ push button.
 AnalogRead: This function comes in handy when we have to
read analog data from a sensor eg. Analog read is used when
there is a need to read data from a potentiometer.
 AnalogWrite: This function is used when a user wants to
supply analog voltages to a component. The best example of
analog write is when the intensity of LED is controlled using
a potentiometer and analog write function.
6.6.2. Arduino IDE

33
Saint James Academy
Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software platform
that enables a user to program Arduino or any controller of the ATmega family.
This IDE provides a user the liberty to program an Arduino using C language. It
connects to the Arduino and hardware to upload programs and communicate with
them (Iyer A. B., 2018).
The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is free to download and
will run on Windows, Macintosh OS X, and Linux. This enables the users to write
computer programs (a set of step-by-step instructions, known as sketches in the
Arduino world) that will then be uploaded to the Arduino using USB cable. The
Arduino will carry out the instructions based on its interaction with the outside
world (Geddes, 2016).
The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a special program
running on your computer that enables you to write codes for the Arduino board in
a simple language modeled after the processing which will then be converted to C
language when the user uploads the codes to the board itself. It will then be passed
to the AVR-CC compiler, the piece of open source software that will make the
final translation of the language to be understood by the microcontroller. The final
step is very important because this is where Arduino makes programming easy
without any knowledge of the complexity of programming microcontroller (Banzi,
2009).

34
Saint James Academy
6.6.3 C++ Based Arduino Programming Language
This is used for Arduino based on C language. The syntax is almost
identical to that of C or C++. It is for the average Arduino user, a language that
still gives some nice features that can be taken advantage of as its programs
microcontrollers (Hawkes, 2018).
6.6.4 Arduino Codes
The basic Arduino code logic is an “if-then” structure and can be divided
into 4 blocks (Geddes, 2016):
 Setup - will usually be written in the setup section of the Arduino
code, and performs things that need to be done only once, such as
sensor calibration.
 Input - at the beginning of the loop, read the inputs. These values
will be used as conditions (“if”) such as the ambient light reading
from an LDR using analogRead().
 Manipulate Data - this section is used to transform the data into a
more convenient form or perform calculations. For instance, the

35
Saint James Academy
AnalogRead() gives a reading of 0-1023 which can be mapped to a
range of 0-255 to be used for PWM.(see analogWrite())
 Output - this section defines the final outcome of the logic (“then”)
according to the data calculated in the previous step. Looking at our
example of the LDR and PWM, turn on an LED only when the
ambient light level goes below a certain threshold.
#include is used to include outside libraries in your sketch. This
gives the programmer access to a large group of standard C libraries
(groups of pre-made functions), and also libraries written especially for
Arduino (Arduino-Introduction, 2018).
#define is a useful C++ component that allows the programmer to
give a name to a constant value before the program is compiled. Defined
constants in Arduino don’t take up any program memory space on the chip.
The compiler will replace references to these constants with the defined
value at compile time (Arduino-Introduction, 2018).
#int are the primary data-type for number storage (Arduino-
Introduction, 2018).
7. Sensor Unit

36
Saint James Academy
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from
the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion,
moisture, pressure, or any one of a great number of other environmental
phenomena. The output is generally a signal that is converted to human-readable
display at the sensor location or transmitted electronically over a network for
reading or further processing (Automated Garbage Segregator for St. John
Technological College of the Philippines, 2018).
7.1.1. IR Sensor
An IR proximity sensor works by applying a voltage to a pair of IR light
emitting diodes (LED’s) which in turn, emit infrared light. This light travels
through the air and once it comes in contact with an object, it is reflected back
towards the detector. The waste is dumped into the AWS and comes in proximity
of IR proximity sensor module which marks the entry of the waste. When the IR
sensing unit becomes active, it sends a corresponding signal to controller which
in turn activates the other sensors (Wilson).
7.1.2. Moisture Sensor
The Moisture Sensor is used for measuring the moisture in waste and
similar materials. The two large exposed pads are used as probes for the sensor,
acting as a variable resistor. It measures the volumetric moisture/water content
indirectly by using some properties of the object such as electrical resistance,

37
Saint James Academy
dielectric constant, or interaction with neutrons, as a proxy for the moisture
content (Implementation of Automated Waste, 2017).
7.1.3. Metal Sensor
The object moves over the incline and falls over the metal sensor. The
sensor is made up of inductive oscillator circuit which monitors high frequency
current loss in coil. The circuit is intended for any metallic body detection by
distinguishing the variations in the high frequency Eddy current losses. They
act as oscillators with aid of external tune d circuits. Output signal level is
changed by an approaching metallic object (Implementation of Automated Waste,
2017).
7.2. Servo Motor
A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows for precise
control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration. It consists of a
suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback (Automated Garbage
Segregator for St. John Technological College of the Philippines, 2018).
7.3. Liquid Crystal Display
This is flat panel display that uses properties of liquid crystals. LCD
displays do not emit light directly; instead, they use a black light to develop
images in single color (Iyer A. B., 2018). The command register stores the

38
Saint James Academy
command given to the LCD by a micro-controller. The data register stores the data
to be displayed on the LCD.
7.4. Breadboard
A breadboard is a solderless device for temporary prototype with
electronics and test circuit designs. Most electronic components in electronic
circuits can be interconnected by inserting their leads or terminals into the
holes and then making connections through wires where appropriate (Wiring,
2019).
7.5. Jumper wires
Jumper wires are simply wirings that have connector pins at each end,
allowing them to be used to connect two points to each other without soldering.
Jumper wires are typically used with breadboards and other prototyping tools
in order to make it easy to change a circuit as needed. In fact, it doesn’t get
much more basic than jumper wires (Craft, 2013).
8. Waste Disposal
Waste disposal is a huge cause for concern in the present world. The
disposal method of voluminous amount of generated waste has had an adverse
effect on the environment (eSchoolToday, 2008-2019).

39
Saint James Academy
II. Research Literature
1. Foreign Study
There were recent related studies on developing an automated waste
segregator with the utilization of Arduino system with various objectives. Most of
the concepts were based from these recent studies in different countries. Presented
here are some of the published studies about innovation of the automatic waste
segregation system, Arduino Uno and Sensors alongside with its results.
1.1. Automatic Lid Opening Waste Segregating Machine
In the paper presented by M.K.Pushpa et al., the proposition of an automated
waste segregating machine is highly feasible. The 8051 microcontroller is the
heart of the system. It controls the working and timing of all the subsections
including the sensors that will detect the properties of the materials. An open-
close mechanism was used to regulate the flow of the waste. An inductive sensor
detects if the object is metallic or non-metallic. If it is, the conveyor will transport
the object to the bin assigned to metallic objects. If it’s not, the high-speed blower
will determine if it is wet or dry based on its weight. The prototype yields an
almost perfect result but is only limited in metallic, wet and dry segregation. It
also lacks identification if the dry waste is plastic or paper. The segregation

40
Saint James Academy
also takes an approximate of one minute to identify the object. In the design, the
object sizes are only limited to the size of the open-close mechanism.
Moreover, in the study conducted by Suwon Shin and Kaiyuan Fan, the trash
bin lid is integrated to automatically open when a user is nearby (Suwon & Fan,
2012). An indicator is also added to specify the content status of the trash bin. A
capacitive proximity sensor was used to identify the non-metallic objects. An
Arduino microcontroller was used to operate all of the added procedures. The
separation of metallic and non-metallic objects (i.e. paper, plastic, etc.) is more
accurate but consumes too much power. Each bin is connected to different
power supply thus considered as not economical for everyday use (M.K. Pushpa,
2015).
1.2. Waste Collecting and Segregating Machine
According to Ang F., et al. (2018) recycling centers in Philippines do manual
labor to properly segregate wastes which may lead to sickness. The researchers
of the said study created an automatic waste segregating machine and a mobile
garbage collector robot. The robot’s role is to collect the wastes from three bins.
The robot will only move when a button is pushed and the robot will track down
a line which will lead to the desired bin. After collecting, the robot will place the
collected wastes in the Automated Waste Sorter (AWS). AWS’ design consists
of the following: magnet motor, neodymium magnets attached onto the shaft of

41
Saint James Academy
the rotating motor that will sort out steel wastes, a TDA0161 detector circuit that
will sort out aluminum wastes, and a tunable capacitive sensor to sort out glass, and
plastic bottles would be dispensed to the end of the conveyor belt. The Mobile Robot
\Waste Deliver System (MRWDS) activates through a radio frequency signal
triggered by a button. MRWDS’ was designed according to the principle of
line follower robots with certain modifications. The arm of MRWDS consists of
a DC wiper machine and switches at the bottom and top. The switches act as
limiters. Top limit switch indicates for the arm to stop rising. Bottom limit switch
indicates that the trash bin is placed properly and indicates for the robot to
reverse to go back to its original position. The result of their study shows that
15 out of 16 items were sorted. The said study recommends using other sorting
methods like image processing, X-ray imaging, and infrared scanning.
Multiple conveyor belts and sensors is recommended to use for faster sorting
process. Modifying the process of dispensing can also be an improvement for the
sorting process. For the robot, adding sensors like a proximity sensor to avoid
collisions and improving the interaction between the robot and the sorter (Fg & et,
2013).
1.3. Smart Waste Segregating Machine and Waste Monitoring
Another study of Kayva M. et al., Sensor Based Smart Dustbin for Waste
Segregation and Status Alert, was developed to sort the mixed trash into
metallic, wet and dry. The proponents used ARM microcontroller, GSM module,

42
Saint James Academy
Infrared (IR) Sensor, Metal Sensor and Moisture Sensor. Three separate storage
based dustbin was designed for automatic waste collection and segregation. The
sensors segregate the collected waste and the microcontroller initiates the arm to
collect the waste. The IR sensor was attached to the dustbin to determine whether it
was full or empty. And as soon as the IR sensor senses that the dustbin reached
its maximum capacity, a message will be sent through a GSM module to
notify the trash management personnel that it was completely filled and the
trash collection for the whole community should be scheduled.
A study was conducted in Kerala India (Aleena, Kavya, Rosmi, & al., 2016)
proposed an automatic waste segregator (AWS) and monitoring system in
response to the increasing occurrence of improper waste management in relation
to their increasing population. It is a machine that sorts waste whether it is
plastic, metallic or organic in material. Its system is controlled by an Arduino
Uno board which was interfaced with combinations of an ultrasonic sensors, an
inductive proximity sensor, a DC motors, a blower and an electro magnet. It has
an open close mechanism with a use of 12 V DC geared motor and L293D that
control the waste that falls on the belt after an ultrasonic sensor at the inlet
detects waste. It has a conveyor belt that uses four 12V DC to move waste. The
gear assembly of DC motors helps in increasing the torque and reducing the
speed hence, it can be controlled by any desirable figure. In the process of
categorization of waste products, the principle of an inductive proximity sensor

43
Saint James Academy
was used to sort out metallic wastes. The machine consists of a robotic arm with
an electromagnet fixed on its arm that can be quickly changed by controlling the
amount of electric current in winding. It has a feature of base rotation and single
plane shoulder. On the other hand, a blower that is controlled by a relay separates
plastic or paper wastes, dry or wet, based on their weight and density. An
Ultrasonic sensor is placed on the inlet and outlet. Therefore, whenever bins
have been filled, a short message will be given through a GSM module as a
means of monitoring. Upon testing, it shows that the machine sorting of waste at
the initial stage appears more effective. Also, dustbins are cleared when being
filled therefore leads to a more hygienic environment. It also includes lower initial
investment with lower cost of installation.
1.4. Pure Sensor-Based Waste Segregation
A study was conducted by Elfasakhany A. et al., about automated waste
segregation. The aim of the proponents was to design, build and test an autonomous
system capable of sorting common recyclable materials, namely ferrous and
nonferrous metals, plastics and glass into distinct waste containers. The system was
designed with an aluminum chassis, loading carrier maneuvered by a geared
motor and a rubber band, sensors (INEX-type metal sensor, DFRobot Ambient
Light Sensor, and Ultrasonic sensor), control board, air fan for blowing the
plastic bottles, DC motor to drive the sorted material, and containers for the

44
Saint James Academy
storage of sorted materials. Electromagnetic sensor was used to distinguish
different metals because of its electrical and magnetic properties. Air fan and light
sensor were also used to distinguish between plastics and glass materials.
Arduino microcontroller was used to control all the system actions by merging
the interfaces of all the system components by means of programming.
Diverse iterations were used for distinguishing different trash materials.
The system has been successfully implemented and was able to sort trash
materials of different shape, size, weight and color without being affected by dust,
coatings or other impurities covering the trash materials. The project can be
endorsed to household up to small and medium industries with the advantages
of low power consumption and inexpensive.
1.5. Automatic Waste Segregator using Arduino
In a research study conducted by Patil, Yadav, Lodaya, Mohanty, &
Dudwadkar (2017), entitled “Implementation of Automated Waste Segregator
at Household Level” that industrialization, modernization, rapid advancements
and increase in population has led to large generation of waste. Lack of improper
disposal scheme in the country has headed the problem of accumulation of wastes.
Due to this waste lies littered in the surrounding, dumped on open lands and this
becomes major home for various types of disease-causing bacteria and viruses
which is why waste management is of vital importance. Segregation makes it

45
Saint James Academy
possible to reuse and recycle the waste effectively. This paper proposes
implementation of an automated waste segregator at household level using
PIC16F877 microcontroller, to control the entire process with ease and simplicity.
The sensing unit consists of an IR (Infrared) sensor, a moisture sensor and a metal
sensor used to detect and identify various types of waste respectively. The main
architecture of the segregator comprises of three prominent stages consisting of an
IR sensor, a metal sensor, a moisture sensor and the segregation bins. The IR
sensor detects the arrival of waste. Identification and separation of waste is done
by sensors. The microcontroller controls all the activity of sensors. Results have
presented segregation of waste into metal, wet and dry waste.
Additionally, in the study titled “Automatic Waste Segregator
using Arduino” of Aahash, Prasath, Gopinath, and Gunasekaran (2018), that
automations deal with the design of robots and prototypes their manufacture and
applications. Automations gained more importance in the modern time since it
requires less cost to operate than a human labor to do the same task. Nowadays
industry is turning towards computer-based monitoring of tasks mainly due to the
need for the increased productivity and delivery of the final products with
maximum quality. Based on the commands given by the metal detector the system
will open door accordingly. The system has motors interfaced with the micro
controller. Recycling plays a vital role in saving the environment. It helps in
reducing the wastes everywhere and therefore saves the environment from too

46
Saint James Academy
much pollution. The first step to total waste management is segregation. It is by
segregating wastes properly that people can easily identify which materials are
recyclable and which are not. A system was developed to automatically segregate
plastic bottles and tin cans. The system differentiates the waste based on the sound
resonant frequency produced when it hits the platform. After the waste has been
identified, it will then be separated in the trash bin. The study, however, showed
findings that there were few cases when the system mistakenly identifies the
plastic bottle as a tin can especially when its cap hits the platform which means
that the system is not accurate enough. This system uses metal sensor and
ultrasonic sensor to separate the metal waste from the waste in the dust bin. The
proposed system consists of two doors and opens depending on the wastes. This
system uses a metal sensor to detect the metal parts in the garbage. When it detects
the metal, the system will open the corresponding door else for the other waste it
will open another door. The ultrasonic sensor will detect the presence of the waste
either metal or other waste. Based on the commands given by the metal detector
the system will open door accordingly. The system has motors interfaced with the
micro controller.
Meanwhile, in the study entitled “Design and Development of Low-Cost
Smart Eco-Friendly Garbage Management System” of Mitha, Mariammal, and
Rajasekaran (2019), the waste is collected from the various places and it is
segregated into dry, wet and metallic wastes. Noise can be removed by the sensing

47
Saint James Academy
module to develop accuracy and efficiency. Since it has some sort of limitations it
has the ability to split the wastes according to its characteristics. Though the time
period for sensing object is little slower but the sensing system will be fixed using
a single path where the object is placed to get good results. A mechanical setup
can be utilized for isolating wet and dry waste into independent holders for which
sensors are used for this purpose, for recognizing the nearness of any waste wet or
dry can be identified utilizing an IR sensor in the following stages. In this
procedure, if just IR is identified engine will pivot towards the dry waste holder on
the other chance; if both the sensors identify the waste; at that point it will go to
the wet compartment. Both these compartments are installed with ultrasonic
sensors at the best, and it supports in the estimation and segregation of the garbage
dump. This makes it conceivable to gauge the measure of waste in the holders on
and off the chance that one of the compartments is full, at that point an alarm
message will be sent to the relating individual, stating the full storage level (Mita
& B.Mariammal, 2019).
In addition, Babu, Arunima, and Athira, Chandran, Naveen (2016) in their
study “An Economic Automatic Waste Segregator using Arduino” states that
Automatic Waste Segregator has been successfully implemented for the
segregation of waste into metallic, dry and wet waste at a domestic level. The
system can segregate only one type of waste at a time with an assigned priority for
metal, wet and dry waste. The experiment has been conducted for wet, dry and

48
Saint James Academy
metallic wastes. It is found that the change of resistive count value is greater for
wet waste and very less for dry waste. Other objects like glass and wood have
intermediate relative dielectric constant and thus are detected as dry waste.
Experimental result shows that the waste has been successfully segregated into
metallic, wet and dry using the Automatic Waste segregator.
Moreover, according to the study of Pushpa, Gupta, Shaikh, Jha, and
Suchitra (2015) which is entitled “Microcontroller Based Automatic Waste
Segregator”, the waste segregator as the name suggests, segregates the waste into
three major classes: dry, wet, metallic. The permanent magnets placed within the
metallic bin further sorts ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The inlet section is
provided with open and close mechanism to regulate the flow of waste on to the
conveyor. Inductive proximity sensor is used to detect the metallic waste. The
signal from the proximity sensor initiates the push mechanism to discard the
metallic waste. A blower mechanism is used to segregate dry and wet waste. The
timing and movement of the conveyor belt is controlled by 8051.
Subhasini Dwivedi proposes a solid waste treatment plant for
separating plastic, glass bottles and metal cans from solid waste material. The
system uses different capacitive, proximity sensors to detect each object which
is moving on a conveyer belt and segregate into different bins with the help of

49
Saint James Academy
hydraulic cylinder flaps. The entire system is controlled by a programmable
logic controller (Dwivedi, Fernandes, & D’souza, 2016).
S.M. Dudhal describes paper deals with waste segregation using
programmable logic controller. The system is developed for separating out metal
from waste materials. The system consists of an automatic feed system
through which waste is fed into a conveyor belt, sensors and a robotic arm to
which an electromagnet is attached will extract the metal from the waste and
will deposit it into a bin (Dudhal, Jonwal, & Chaudhari, 2016).
2. Local Study
Studies about the development of an automated waste segregator with the
utilization of Arduino system are already starting to draw interest in the
Philippines. Other related studies which concern the topic were established
locally.
According to the publication of García, Aragón, Gandara, García, Jiménez
(2008) entitled “Intelligent Waste Separator” the challenge was to create an
Intelligent Waste Separator (IWS) which can separate inorganic waste like plastic
bottles, aluminum cans, plastic cutlery, and other kinds of waste. It uses
knowledge from different areas like computer sciences, optics, mechanics, and
electronics. The specific topics that we have focused on are image processing,
computer vision, machine learning, pattern recognition, embedded systems, and

50
Saint James Academy
circuit design. Although this proposal does not really solve the trash problem, it
solves part of it by simplifying waste separation, saving money, and reinforcing
the environmental culture. With the aid of the current technology (Intel Atom
processor with multimedia capabilities), the waste can be categorized correctly by
the machine using HIM, as a principal core, avoiding undesired human errors.
Therefore, the IWS enables the recycling process to be more efficient. Regarding
comparison of the IWS against some products on the market, it was found that the
latter sort similar kinds of waste and have a reward system like the IWS. The main
advantage of the prototype presented in this paper is a flexible way to separate
different kinds of inorganic trash; it has a machine learning feature that helps to
train the system depending of the waste that is going to be separated (Torres-
García, Rodea-Aragón, & Longoria-Gandara, 2015).
Synthesis of the Study
Due to the rapid evolution of technology, different researchers around the
globe integrate diverse ways in segregating waste. The proponents of the present
study aim to develop an eco-dustbin as a waste segregator to be an alternative
disposal scheme to minimize waste production, combination of distinct sensors,
microcontrollers were utilized. The review of related literatures and studies
provided sufficient and feasible information that was utilized by the researchers to

51
Saint James Academy
help further advance and have a better understanding of the study regarding
Arduino as the core of the system and the monitoring mechanism of the prototype.
With these, the researchers were able to come up with a study that integrates all
the various technology to be able to create a machine that is both efficient and
effective. The proponents will implement an automated waste segregating machine
equipped with both sensors (IR, metal, moisture, ultrasonic) and microcontroller.
The Arduino, on the other hand, will control the motor that will deliver
the waste to its respective bins and provide commands to the sensors. The
prototype maybe is powered with a power bank, battery and a direct current power
supply. The gathered data and results were considered in improving the
conduction of the study.
The local study of García, Aragón, Gandara, García, Jiménez (2008)
entitled “Intelligent Waste Separator,” and the foreign study of Babu, Arunima,
and Athira, Chandran, Naveen (2016) which is entitled “An Economic Automatic
Waste Segregator using Arduino,” has clear and comprehensible similarities with
the present study conducted by the researchers including the proving and testing of
the use of the sensors namely, IR, metal, moisture, ultrasonic which will be used to
make the prototype work. In addition, the studies shared similar implications and
thrust in the search for the right sensors to be used. The researchers also
considered the use of Arduino Uno as suggested in the studies. The studies also
promote to be environmentally friendly and will be prove to be a stepping stone in

52
Saint James Academy
utilizing the proper waste management and segregating that can be cultivated and
improved through research.
However, there are differences in the studies in the review of related
literature with the present study in terms of, firstly in the process of making the
prototype, as there are different ways of achieving the output. Other studies used
more sensors, others also considered the use of other system and the type of
wastes that they used in conducting the study. The present study will be using
Arduino to develop an eco-dustbin, as well as what type of sensors is going to be
applied onto. The present study is different from the related studies above in many
ways.
In conclusion, the studies have both similarities and differences with the
present study. The researchers find substantial number of related studies and
literature that will be used as references of ideas, which will provide viable
information that, will improve the results. The information source will be able to
help in developing an automated waste segregator due to having supporting details
that will prove reliability and accuracy in the study and its functionality and
purpose.

53
Saint James Academy

Saint James Academy
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presented the discussion of the design, plan, analysis, and
evaluation of the variables that would be used in the paper. Various research
methodologies would be utilized in order to achieve and acquire the needed data
and observation in the study.
Research Design
Conceptualization and Development of Prototype
System Components
Material Specification
Integration of Hardware and Development of Software

Programming
Building
Preliminary Testing of Prototype

volume capacity
energy capacity
working duration
Troubleshooting of the Automated Waste Segregator
Final Testing and Evaluation of the Automated Waste

Segregator
Responsiveness
Sensitivity

54
Saint James Academy
Conceptualization and Development of Prototype
The developed prototype that was responsible for segregating waste would
utilize the following parts that would be considered for the prototype:
o System Components and Material specification
The machine would be composed of locally available materials. The
following were the materials that would be used in making the prototype
according to the components:
o Power Supply Unit: can either be Power Bank or Battery
o Open-close Mechanism: Wood, Servo Motor, Screws
o Rotating Mechanism: Wood, Servo Motor, Screws
o Circular Panel: Wood
o Trash Bins: Metal Garbage Bins
o Sensors: Inductive sensor, IR sensor, Ultrasonic sensor, Capacitive
sensor
o LCD: 16x2 LCD
o Case Structure: Wood, Hinges
o Wheels: Metal, Rubber Wheels, Screws

55
Saint James Academy
Design of Automated Waste Segregator
Figure 10.0 Front view of the design and its parts
Figure 10.1 Side view of the design of the Automated

Waste Segregator
56
Saint James Academy
Integration of Hardware and Development of Software
In order for the researchers to develop and construct an Automated Waste
Segregator, they would follow this systematic process.
o Fabricating
1. Collect locally available materials that would be used in the Automated
Waste Segregator.
2. Assembled and constructed the case structure of the Automated Waste
Segregator as the foundation of the prototype.
3. Attached the circular panel inside the prototype where the three plastic
bins were placed which was convenient also for the servo motor to
control its rotation.
4. Assembled the open-close mechanism that was installed inside in the
upper portion of the prototype.
5. Attached the initial container where the waste would be classified by the
different sensors which were also connected to the open-close
mechanism of the prototype.
6. Assembled and organized the Arduino UNO microcontroller, different
sensors, motor drivers and the jumper wires into the prototype.
7. Lastly, attached the wheels to the Automated Waste Segregator
prototype which enabled it to move easily from one place to another.

57
Saint James Academy
o Programming
To develop the automated waste segregator, the researchers would need to
program the Arduino board by making use of its software, the Arduino IDE.
By making use of the commands of each code that would be uploaded to the
Arduino, the automated waste segregator would be able to operate and function
effectively.
o Flow Chart
The algorithm of this project is as follows:
Step 1: When the waste enters the eco-dustbin.
Step 2: The waste is then sensed by the IR sensor.
Step 3: The microcontroller, all the motors, and sensors are turned on.
Step 4: The waste is sensed by the metal sensor (inductive sensor) to detect
if it is metal or not.
Step 5: If the waste is metal waste, the M2 is turned on rotating the circular
panel in to 180 degrees to align counter 1 to the doorway of the
waste. Then M1 will open, letting the waste fall into counter 1.
Step 6: If not a metallic waste, the moisture sensor is turned on which
decides whether the waste is a wet waste or dry waste by checking
the moisture content of the waste.

58
Saint James Academy
Step 7: If the waste has some humidity, it is detected as wet waste and then
the M2 is turned on, aligning the counter 2 to the doorway of the
waste. Then M1 will open, letting the waste fall into counter 2.
Step 8: If not a wet waste, the M2 is turned on rotating the circular panel in
to 90 degrees to align the counter 3 to the doorway of the waste.
Then M1 will open. The waste is dropped into the counter 3.
Step 9: Finally, the wastes are dropped into their respective bins (counter)
and the segregation process is completed. M1 will rotate the
circular panel back to its original position. The Ultrasonic sensor is
always turned on to send signal if the bins are full already. If not a
metallic waste, the moisture sensor is turned on which decides
whether the waste is a wet waste or dry waste by checking the
moisture content of the waste.
M1 – this is the servo motor attached to the open-close mechanism of the system
M2 - this is the servo motor attached to the circular based where the bins are
inserted. This is what makes the bins rotate.
Counter 1 – the metal waste bin
Counter 2 – the wet waste bin
Counter 3 – the dry waste bin

59
Saint James Academy

60
Saint James Academy
START
Figure 11.0 shows the Flow Chart

IR sensor detects
the waste inserted.
ON Metal Sensor
(inductive sensor)
Yes Has metal No

waste been
detected?
ON M2, aligning the ON Moisture

metal bin to the Sensor
doorway of the
waste
Yes Has wet No

waste been
ON M1 to open the detected?
doorway, letting the
waste fall in to the ON M2, aligning
metal waste bin ON M2, aligning the the dry waste bin
wet waste bin to the to the doorway of
doorway of the waste the waste
ON M1 to open the ON M1 to open the doorway,

doorway, letting the waste letting the waste fall in to the
fall in to the wet waste bin dry waste bin
STOP

61
Saint James Academy
Waste Detected
Type of Waste = METAL Type of Waste = DRY Type of Waste = WET
Servo Motor Servo Motor

rotates 90 degrees rotates 90 degrees
ANTI- CLOCKWISE CLOCKWISE
Servo Motor rotates

0 degrees
Figure 12.0 shows the Direction of the

Rotation of the Bin
Preliminary Testing of the Sensors of the Automated Waste Segregator
The sensitivity of the sensors would measure the responsiveness and the
accurateness of each sensor on how the wastes would be detected depending on its
properties. The duration of segregating wastes would be considered on how the
sensor would recognize the wastes quickly and accurately in the automated waste
segregator.

62
Saint James Academy
Preliminary testing of Automated Waste Segregator
It is important to conduct a preliminary testing for the performance of the
Eco-Dustbin: Automated Waste Segregator. In order for the Eco-Dustbin to occur,
a fair and objective test must be conducted, Eco-Dustbin must be evaluated first.
The following components would be needed to consider first for the Eco-Dustbin:
 Operating Capacity
The trash bin tank would serve as the main body of the prototype. The bin has
a cylindrical external form. Considering its height and weight the volume capacity
would be identified. In order for the container to know its operating capacity the
weight of each waste would be tested and tallied which would enable the
researchers to identify the average weight of waste. Through this, the researchers
would also be able to know the operating capacity of each of the bins.
 Working duration
The working duration of the automated waste segregator would depend on the
type of energy or power supply that would be used. In conducting the preliminary
testing in terms of the working duration, two types of energy or power supply
would be tested and be applied to guarantee which one of those would last longer.
The bins attached would be filled with waste according to their operating capacity.
The first that would be utilized was the power bank, and lastly would be the

63
Saint James Academy
battery. Considering the two sources of energy would prove the efficiency, which
one of the trials made, the working duration effective for a relatively long period
of time.
 Speed of Sensors in Sorting Waste
The different sensors such as the IR, metal, moisture and ultrasonic are mainly
used in terms of sorting wastes. In line with the testing of working duration of the
prototype, the speed would be measured and tested. The speed of sorting the
wastes would depend on the energy supply that would be utilized. The actual
speed of the sensors would be compared to the standard specification of the
sensors.
Troubleshooting is the process of evaluating what is lacking and what needs
to be improved in the prototype. Repairing the faults and errors of data is a way of
troubleshooting. Performing the troubleshooting process would help improve the
development of the Automated Waste Segregator. Checking the function of each
parts would be vital in building a program and a prototype that would help
improve the society’s waste management.

64
Saint James Academy
Final Testing and Evaluation of the Automated Waste Segregator
After troubleshooting, it would be important to conduct a systematic
evaluation for the performance of the Arduino Uno based Automatic Waste
Segregator System. The Eco-Dustbin would be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
 Efficiency
The efficiency of the system would be tested and modified to run smoothly
and continuously. This would include how the working duration of the Automated
Waste Segregator would respond as a whole. The efficiency of the system would
be tested according to the accuracy of the sensors. The system must sense the
wastes correctly into its respective bins. The procedure that would be conducted
was adopted from the study of Pushpa, Gupta, Shaikh, Jha, and Suchitra (2015).
The method has included the testing of the system, the accuracy in identifying the
category of the waste and in segregating the waste into its respective bin.

Saint James Academy
CHAPTER IV
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECO-DUSTBIN: ARDUINO UNO BASED
AUTOMATED WASTE SEGREGATION SYSTEM,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the design and development of the Eco-Dustbin. This
also includes the components and materials used in the construction of the Eco-
Dustbin, initial testing of the sensitivity of each sensor, along with the results of
preliminary testing of the prototype, troubleshooting, and the result of the final
testing and evaluation of the Eco-Dustbin.
Development of Prototype
The development of the prototype utilized mechanisms and components
that were needed to automatically segregate wastes into their own categories.
These include the following:

65
Saint James Academy
System Components and Material Specification
o Power Supply Unit
Figure 13.0 shows the Power Bank and Batteries
The power supply unit was the component that supplies power to the
machine. The power supply pulls the required amount of electricity and converts
the alternating current to direct current. The power bank and the batteries shown in
figure 6.0 were the power sources that were utilized for the prototype as its source
of electricity.

66
Saint James Academy
o Open-close Mechanism
Figure 14.0 shows the Open-close mechanism of the prototype
Figure 15.0 shows the Servo Motor attached to

Open-close mechanism of the prototype
The open close mechanism acted as the regulator which controlled the
waste that falls on the belt. This mechanism was responsible for the opening and

67
Saint James Academy
closing of the panel of the machine that is linked to a sensor. As motor rotates, the
rotary motion is translated to linear motion using a rack and pinion arrangement.
o Rotating Mechanism
Figure 16.0 shows the Rotating Mechanism of the prototype
The rotating mechanism of the Automated Waste Segregator was powered
by the Servo Motor attached to the circular panel which manipulated the rotation
of the bins where the waste were categorized. The Servo Motors were
programmed into different rotation which where the three bins were placed for its
accurate segregation. This was made out of wood, screws, and servo motor.

68
Saint James Academy
o Circular Panel
Figure 17.0 shows the Circular Panel of the prototype
Figure 18.0 shows the Servo Motor attached to

Circular Panel of the prototype
The Circular Panel acted as the base of the plastic bins. The Arduino
controlled the servo motor that was attached to the Circular Panel which

69
Saint James Academy
transported the input to its respective bins. The Circular Panel was made up of
plywood that hold up and secured all the plastic bins attached in the machine. This
was made out of wood, screws, and servo motor.
o Trash Bins
Figure 19.0 shows the Trash Bins of the prototype
The Trash Bins acted as the receiver of the wastes that were placed in the
machine. It is located at the center of the machine and is attached at the circular
panel controlled by the servo motor. These bins were made out of metal and can
contain up to 10 gallons of waste.
o Sensors

70
Saint James Academy
Figure 20.0 shows the Sensors of the prototype
Sensors were the devices that were used in detecting and responding to
electrical or optical signals. These were the primary devices that were utilized in
distinguishing the certain properties of wastes going in to their respective bins. It
is located on the upper portion of the Automated Waste Segregator. These sensors
were the IR sensor, Raindrop sensor, and the Inductive sensor.

71
Saint James Academy
o LCD
Figure 21.0 shows the Liquid Crystal Display of the prototype
The 12x6 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) was located on the upper portion
of the machine which indicated text that showed the process and the current status
of operation on segregating the wastes into its category.
o Wood Case
Structure

72
Saint James Academy
Figure 22.0 shows the Wood Case Structure of the prototype
It acted as the frame of the machine. It holds up all the components and
materials of the machine that was responsible for the process of segregating
wastes.
o Wheels

73
Saint James Academy
Figure 23.0 shows the Wheels of the prototype

Wheels were also included for the machine to be used conveniently and
accessibly. The researchers designed this to collect the wastes in different areas
easily.
Final Design of the Eco-Dustbin: Automated Waste Segregation System
Figure 24.0 Front view of the design with its dimensions
Schematic Diagram
The schematic diagram is shown below to represent the components of a
process to develop an Automated Waste Segregator. The researchers need to

74
Saint James Academy
program the Arduino board using the software of Arduino IDE and using the
different commands of codes that will be uploaded in the Arduino. This schematic
diagram consists of wires, servo motors, sensors, a microcontroller and LCD
attaching to a breadboard that represents on how the prototype works and
functions properly.
Figure
25.0
shows the

75
Saint James Academy
Fabrication and Modification of the Automated Waste Segregator
The researchers developed and constructed an Automated Waste Segregator
by following a systematic process.
Fabrication
The materials needed for the construction of the Eco-Dustbin were
collected. The researchers looked for a furniture construction service who would
make the wood case structure of the Eco-Dustbin. After the construction, the
researchers painted the case and assembled the controller, sensors, motor drivers,
and the jumper wires into the prototype. Lastly, the wheels were attached for the
prototype to move from one place to another with an ease.
Modification
The modification was conducted after the fabrication of the Eco-Dustbin to
ensure if the developed waste segregator is working according to its purpose. The
manufacturer that the researchers collaborate with suggested to used wood as the
material for the case instead of metal. The reason behind this was because the
metal structure could trigger the inductive sensor and disrupt the flow of the
segregation and is most costly than using wood.

76
Saint James Academy
The major problem observed was the furniture manufacturer because they
did not consider the size of the trash bin so the prototype was a bit bigger than the
proposed one. Also, the researchers found out that it is difficult for the sensors to
identify the wastes according to its own category. The researchers modified the
design and put the sensors on the open-close mechanism of the prototype.
In addition, the open-flap mechanism was change into an open-close that
rotates 180 degree instead. The open-flap mechanism required more materials
which was harder to achieve due to lack of supply available in the market.
Development of Software
Programming
The developed Automated Waste Segregator which main board is the
Arduino Uno was programmed with use of its software, the Arduino IDE and the
commands of each codes that were uploaded to the Arduino, was able to operate
and function effectively. The following are the set of codes which the researchers
utilized to make a command to the system

77
Saint James Academy
Figure 26.0 shows the Setup of the Automated Waste Segregator
This was where the researchers initialized all the variables required during
the course of programming the system. This function was used to set up the
Arduino before interfacing with other circuits and also include libraries of various
sensors.

78
Saint James Academy
Figure 27.0 shows the Loop of the Automated Waste Segregator
Figure 27.1 shows the Loop of the Automated Waste Segregator

79
Saint James Academy
Figure 27.2 shows the Loop of the Eco-Dustbin
Figure 27.3 shows the Loop of the Eco-Dustbin
The code written in this space will run over and over again unless Arduino
is interrupted. This shows all functions that the prototype will perform.

80
Saint James Academy
START
IR sensor detects
the waste inserted.
ON Metal Sensor
(inductive sensor)
Yes Has metal No

waste been
detected?
ON M2, aligning the Figure 28.0 shows the Flow Chart

ON Moisture
metal bin to the Sensor Preliminary
doorway of the
waste Testing of the Sensors of the Eco-Dustbin
The
Yes Has wet No
sensitivity waste been of the
ON M1 to open the detected?
doorway, letting the
waste fall in to the ON M2, aligning
metal waste bin ON M2, aligning the the dry waste bin
wet waste bin to the sensors to the doorway of
doorway of the waste the waste
measured the
ON M1 to open the ON M1 to open the doorway,

doorway, letting the waste letting the waste fall in to the
fall in to the wet waste bin dry waste bin
responsiveness and the accurateness of each sensor on

STOP
how the wastes were detected depending on their properties.

81
Saint James Academy
The duration of segregating wastes was considered on how the sensor recognize
the wastes quickly and accurately in the Automated Waste Segregator. The
procedure performed was adopted from the study of Kayva M. et al.. The waste
undergone testing wherein they are monitored and distinguished according to their
properties.
Table 1.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Inductive Sensor in terms of its
Responsiveness
Type of Waste
Trial Type of Waste Average Responsive
Detected
1 METAL ✓
2 Tin Can METAL METAL ✓
3 METAL ✓
1 NOT METAL ✓
2 Paper NOT METAL NOT METAL ✓
3 NOT METAL ✓
1 NOT METAL ✓
2 Wet Tissue NOT METAL NOT METAL ✓
3 NOT METAL ✓
Figure 29.0
Results shown in Table 1.0 contains how the Inductive sensor detected and
categorized the wastes that were tested. Tin cans were distinguished as METAL in
trial 1 until trial 3 which summed up that Tin vans wee METAL. Paper was

82
Saint James Academy
distinguished as NOT METAL in trial 1 until trial 3 which resulted that the paper
was NOT METAL, respectively. Wet tissue was distinguished as NOT METAL in
trial 1 until trial 3 which summed up that the Wet Tissues were NOT METAL.
Table 2.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Raindrop Sensor in terms of its
Responsiveness
Type of Waste
Trial Type of Waste Average Responsive
Detected
1 DRY ✓
2 Tin Can WET DRY ✓
3 DRY ✓
1 DRY ✓
2 Paper DRY DRY ✓
3 DRY ✓
1 WET ✓
2 Wet Tissue WET WET ✓
3 WET ✓
Figure 29.1
Table 2.0 showed how the Raindrop sensor detected and categorized the
wastes that were tested. Tin cans were distinguished as DRY on trial 1, WET on
trial 2, and DRY on trial 3 which showed that Tin vans were categorized as Dry.
Paper was categorized as DRY on trial 1 until trial 3 which resulted that the paper

83
Saint James Academy
was categorized as DRY, respectively. Wet tissue was distinguished as WET on
trial 1, WET on trial 2, and WET on trial 3 which resulted that the Wet Tissues
were categorized as WET.
Table 3.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the IR Sensor in terms of its
Responsiveness
Type of Detected the

Trial Average Responsive
Waste Waste or Not
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Tin Can DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Paper DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Wet Tissue DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
Figure 29.2
Table 3.0 showed how the IR sensor responded and detected the wastes
inserted into the system. Tin cans were DETECTED on trial 1 until trial 3 which
showed that tin cans were DETECTED as waste by the IR sensor. Papers were
also DETECTED by the IR sensor from trial 1 until trial 3 which resulted that the
paper could be DETECTED, respectively. Wet tissues were inserted to the system

84
Saint James Academy
and were DETECTED as waste by the sensor on trial 1, trial 2, and on trial 3
which resulted that the wet tissues were DETECTED as waste by the IR sensor.
Table 4.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Ultrasonic Sensor in terms of its
Responsiveness
Type of Detected the

Waste Waste or Not
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Tin Can DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Paper DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
1 DETECTED ✓
2 Wet Tissue DETECTED DETECTED ✓
3 DETECTED ✓
Figure 29.3
As shown on Table 4.0, the results of how the Ultrasonic sensor responded
and detected the wastes inserted into the system accordingly. Tin cans were
DETECTED on trial 1 until trial 3 which showed that tin cans were DETECTED
as waste by the Ultrasonic sensor. Papers were also DETECTED by the Ultrasonic
sensor from trial 1, trial 2, until trial 3 which resulted that the paper could be
DETECTED, respectively. Wet tissues were inserted to the system and were

85
Saint James Academy
DETECTED as waste by the sensor on trial 1, trial 2, and on trial 3 which resulted
that the wet tissues were DETECTED as waste by the Ultrasonic sensor.
Table 5.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Soil Moisture Sensor in terms of its
Responsiveness
Type of Type of Waste

Waste Detected
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Tin Can UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 UNKNOWN ✕
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Paper UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 UNKNOWN ✕
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Wet Tissue UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 DETECTED ✕
Figure 29.4
Results shown on Table 5.0 manifested that Soil moisture sensor was
unresponsive and was not working well with Arduino Uno board. The sensor was
not capable enough in determining the moisture content of the garbage. This led
for the proponents to not make use of the soil moisture sensor for detection of
wastes based on its moist and for the reason that it cannot provide the appropriate
function needed by the system.

86
Saint James Academy
Table 6.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Capacitive Proximity Sensor in
terms of its Responsiveness
Type of Type of Waste

Waste Detected
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Tin Can UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 UNKNOWN ✕
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Paper UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 UNKNOWN ✕
1 UNKNOWN ✕
2 Wet Tissue UNKNOWN UNKNOWN ✕
3 DETECTED ✕
Figure 29.5
Table 6.0 showed the results of how the Capacitive Proximity sensor
responded to the signal sent by the Arduino board. The sensor was not working
accordingly and was not able to identify the category of the wastes that were
tested.
Table 7.0
Results of Testing of the Sensitivity of the Sensors in terms of its
Responsiveness

87
Saint James Academy
Sensor Responsive
Inductive (Metal) 
Rain drop (Moisture) 
IR 
Ultrasonic 
Soil Moisture Sensor x
Capacitive Proximity Sensor x
Figure 29.6
Performing initial testing for the sensors was substantial for the fulfillment
of the development of the Automated Waste Segregator. The accuracy in
distinguishing each waste was considered to test the sensitivity of the sensors.
Different types of waste that are common in a school setup were collected.
The objective was to determine if the sensors will accurately function and sense
each of the waste.
Table 7 illustrates the results that sensors were responsive because they
respond as soon as the board sends command to each of the sensors. Each of the
sensors were tested if they were working properly. By conducting this test, the
researchers were able to identify which of the sensors are working and which are
not. Inductive, Raindrop, and IR sensors were responsive and were working
according to their purpose while Soil Moisture and Capacitive Proximity sensors
were not responding well.
Preliminary Testing of Eco-Dustbin: Automated Waste Segregator

88
Saint James Academy
A preliminary testing was conducted to determine and test the performance
of the Eco-Dustbin: Automated Waste Segregator. The following components
were considered for the system:
 Operating Capacity
The trash bin tank served as the main body of the prototype. The bin has a
cylindrical external form. Considering its height and weight the volume capacity
was identified. The operating capacity of the Eco-Dustbin. The operating capacity
of each of the bins were depended based on their volume and the speed of the
system in responding to the segregation process. The formula in getting the
volume of a cylinder is V = πr2h. To get the best operating capacity of the bins,
the standard operating capacity was applied and tested.
Table 8.0
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Operating Capacity of the Metal Bin
of the Eco-Dustbin
Capacity of the
Trial Operating Time (s) Average (s)
Bin (g)
1 2.49 2.59
2 540.06
2 2.69

89
Saint James Academy
3 2.59
1 2.5
2 5 080.13 2.7 2.6
3 2.6
1 5
2 7 620.19 4.7 4.83
3 4.8
Figure 30.0
As shown on Table 8.0, the operating capacity of the metal bin was
identified. The Metal bin filled with 2 540.06 grams has an operating time of 2.4
seconds on the trial 1, 2.59 seconds on the trial 2 and 2.69 seconds on the trial 3,
respectively. The metal bin has an average operating capacity of 2.59 seconds.
When Metal Bin was filled with 5 080.13 grams, its operating capacity was 2.5
seconds on trial 1, 2.7 seconds on trial 2, and 2.6 seconds on trial 3. The average
operating capacity of the half-filled bin was 2.6 seconds. On the other hand, when
the bin was filled with 7 620.19 grams the operating time of the segregation
process was 5 seconds on trial 1, 4.7 seconds on trial 2, and 4.8 seconds in trial 3,
respectively. The metal bin has an average operating capacity of 4.83 seconds.
The proponents chose the bin with 5 080.13 grams or 1/2 of the volume
capacity of the bin. The operating time of the system was more stable and faster
when the bin is half-filled. Even though the operating time of the bin when it was

90
Saint James Academy
filled with 2 540.06 grams of wastes, it was almost the same time when it was
half-filled but the bin that has 5 080.13 grams could carry more wastes compare to
it. Additionally, the process took longer to operate when the bin has 7 620.19
grams or 3/4 of the volume capacity because it was too heavy for the servo motor
to carry and rotate.
Table 9.0
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Operating Capacity of the Wet Bin
of the Eco-Dustbin
Trial Capacity of the Operating Time (s) Average (s)

Bin (g)
1 2.49
2 2.29
2 540.06 2.32
3 2.19
1 2.5
2 2.3
5 080.13 2.3
3 2.2
1 4.7
2 4.5
7 620.19 4.5
3 4.3
Figure 30.1
Table 9.0 illustrate the results obtained in testing the operating capacity of
the Wet bin. The bin was filled with 2 540.06 grams of wastes and the operating

91
Saint James Academy
time was tested. The operating time of the bin was 2.49 seconds for trial 1, 2.29
seconds for trial 2, and 2.19 trial 3 with an average operating capacity of 2.32
seconds. These results showed that the operating capacity of the Wet Bin that has
1/4 of its volume was 2.32 seconds. The operating capacity of the bin with half-
filled of wastes was also tested. Its operating process took 2.5 seconds on trial 1,
2.3 seconds on trial 2, and 2.2 seconds on trial 3, respectively. The Metal bin was
also tested when it is filled with 7 620.19 grams of wastes. Its operating time
during trial 1 was 4.7 seconds, 4.5 seconds on trial 2, and 4.3 seconds on trial 3.
The average operating capacity of the Wet bin was 4.5 seconds.
This led to the proponents to choose the bin that was half-filled or with
5.080.13 grams because the rotation was more stable and smoother than the others.
Although the bin could also operate when it has 7 620.19 grams or 3/4, the
operating was slower compared when it was half filled.
Table 10.0
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Operating Capacity of the Dry Bin
of the Eco-Dustbin

92
Saint James Academy
Trial Capacity of the Operating Time (s) Average (s)

Bin (g)
1 2.19
2 2.29
2 540.06 2.22
3 2.19
1 2.2
2 2.3
5 080.13 2.27
3 2.3
1 2.6
2 2.5
7 620.19 2.53
3 2.5
Figure 30.2
Table 10.0 illustrates the results of the preliminary testing of the operating
capacity of the Dry bin. The Dry bin was tested with three different amounts of
waste filled in it. When the Dry bin has 2 540.06 grams, its operating process took
2.19 seconds during trial 1, 2.29 seconds on trial 2, and 2.19 seconds on trial 3,
respectively. The average operating capacity of the bin was 2.22 seconds. The bin
was also loaded with 5 080.13 grams of wastes. The operating time was 2.2
seconds on trial 1, 2.3 seconds on trial 2, and 2.3 seconds on trial 3 with an
average operating capacity of 2.27 seconds, respectively. When the Dry bin was

93
Saint James Academy
filled up with 7 620.19 grams of wastes, its operating capacity was 2.6 seconds on
trial and 2.5 seconds for both trial 2 and 3 which garnered an average operating
capacity of 2.53 seconds.
The proponents chose the bin filled with 7 620.19 grams or 3/4 of wastes. In
spite of the results having almost the same time in processing the segregation
process, the bin loaded with 7 620.19 grams of wastes could hold up most amount
of waste among the three measurements.
 Working Duration
The working duration of the prototype depended on the type of energy or
power supply that were used. In conducting the preliminary testing in terms of
energy capacity, two types of energy or power supply were applied to guarantee
which one of those will last long. The bins attached were filled with waste
according to their operating capacity. The first that was used is the power bank,
and lastly, the battery. Considering two sources of energy capacity proved the
efficiency which of the trials make the energy capacity span effective for a
relatively longer period of time.
Table 11.0

94
Saint James Academy
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Working Duration of the Eco-

Dustbin
Power Source Trial Working time Average Time

(hour) (hour)
Batteries 1 3.7 3.6
2 3.5
3 3.6
Power bank 1 4.2 4.6
2 4.6
3 5
Batteries and Power 1 7.5 7.6
Bank
2 7.8
3 7.4
Figure 31.0
Table 11.0 shows the result of the preliminary testing of the working duration
of the Eco-Dustbin. The working capacity of the system was tested with bins at
their best operating capacity. With the use of batteries, the system worked for 3.7
hours on the first trial, 3.5 hours on the second trial, and 3.6 hours on the third trial
respectively. In using the power bank, the system function for about 4.2 hours on
the first trial, 4.6 hours on the second trial, and 5 hours on the third trial. The
average capacity of the batteries was 3.6 hours. On the other hand, the average
capacity of the power bank in sustaining energy for the system was 4.6 hours.

95
Saint James Academy
However, using two source of power supply unit at the same time sustained the
most energy for the power bank served as the secondary source of energy once the
batteries run out of charge. The working time of the system was 7.5 hours in trial
1, 7.8 hours in trial 2, and 7.4 hours in trial 3. The average capacity of both the
power bank and batteries when used together was 7.6 hours. This concluded that
using both of the power unit can induce more voltage and more power to the
system and helped the system work efficiently.
 Speed of Sensors in Sorting Wastes
The different sensors such as the IR, metal, moisture and ultrasonic are mainly
used in terms of sorting wastes. In line with the testing of working duration of the
prototype, the speed was measured and tested. The speed of sorting the wastes
depended on the energy supply that was utilized. The actual speed of the sensors
was compared to the standard specification of the sensors.
Table 12.0

96
Saint James Academy
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Speed of IR Sensor in Detecting
and Sorting the Wastes
Materials Trial Speed in Average Standard

Sorting and (time, sec) Specification
Detecting (time, sec)
Waste
(time, sec)
IR Sensor 1 1.01 0.97
2 0.99 0.97
0.99
3 0.98 0.97
Figure 32.0
Table 12.0 shows the result of the preliminary testing of the speed of the IR
sensor in detecting and sorting the waste. The IR sensor took 1.12 seconds in
detecting and sorting the waste om the first trial. On the second trial, the detection
and sorting took 0.99 seconds and 0.98 seconds on the third trial. The average
speed of the IR sensor in sensing the waste was 0.99 seconds. Compared to the
standard specification of the IR sensor which is 0.97, the value of the actual
duration of the sensor is near the standard value.
Table 13.0

97
Saint James Academy
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Speed of Inductive Sensor in
Detecting and Sorting the Wastes

Waste
(time, sec)
Inductive Sensor 1 1.82 1.8
2 1.78 1.8
1.78
3 1.75 1.8
Figure 32.1
Table 13.0 shows the result of the preliminary testing of the speed of the
Inductive Sensor in detecting and sorting the waste. The Inductive Sensor
detected and sorted the wastes accordingly with 1.82 seconds on the first trial, 1.78
seconds on the second trial, and 1.75 seconds on the third trial. The average value
of the speed of the Inductive Sensor in sensing the waste was 1.78 seconds. In
comparison, the value of the results of the actual speed of the Inductive Sensor is
almost the same with the standard specification of the Inductive Sensor which is
1.8.
Table 14.0

98
Saint James Academy
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Speed of Raindrop Sensor in

Waste
(time, sec)
Raindrop Sensor 1 1.72 1.6
2 1.65 1.6
1.65
3 1.57 1.6
Figure 32.2
sensor in detecting and sorting the waste. The Raindrop Sensor detected and sorted
the wastes accordingly with 1.72 seconds on the first trial, 1.65 seconds on the
second trial, and 1.57 seconds on the third trial. The average value of the speed of
the Raindrop Sensor in sensing the waste was 1.65 seconds. In comparison, the
value of the results of the actual speed of the Raindrop Sensor is almost the same
with the standard specification of the Raindrop Sensor which is 1.6.
Table 15.0

99
Saint James Academy
Results of the Preliminary Testing of the Speed of Ultrasonic Sensor in

Waste
(time, sec)
Ultrasonic 1 1.21 1.2
Sensor 2 1.32 1.2
1.26
3 1.26 1.2
Figure 32.3
sensor in detecting and sorting the waste. The Ultrasonic Sensor detected and
sorted the wastes accordingly with 1.21 seconds on the first trial, 1.32 seconds on
the second trial, and 1.26 seconds on the third trial. The average value of the speed
of the Ultrasonic Sensor in sensing the waste was 1.26 seconds. In comparison, the
value of the results of the actual speed of the Ultrasonic Sensor is almost the same
with the standard specification of the Ultrasonic Sensor which is 1.2.
Final Testing and Evaluation of the Automated Waste Segregator

100
Saint James Academy
Table 16.0
Results of the Final Testing of the Eco-Dustbin in terms of its Efficiency
Figure 34.0
Waste Trial Type of Average Bin Average Speed Average
waste of
detected Time
sorted
(s)
1 METAL METAL 11.35
Tin 2 METAL METAL METAL METAL 11.41 11.34

3 METAL METAL 11.26
1 DRY DRY 10.92
Paper 2 DRY DRY DRY DRY 10.90 10.92

3 DRY DRY 10.93
1 WET WET 11.4
Wet
Tissue 2 WET WET WET WET 11.49 11.46
3 WET WET 11.51
Table 16.0 shows the result of the final testing of the efficiency of the Eco-
Dustbin. It illustrates the results of the final testing of the Eco-Dustbin in terms of
its efficiency. The accuracy and speed in detecting and segregating the wastes are
considered.

101
Saint James Academy
On the first trial, the tin cans were categorized as metal and fell into the
metal bin for about 11.35 seconds. Paper was detected as dry waste and was
inserted directly to the dry bin with a speed of 10.90 seconds. Also, wet tissue was
identified as wet waste and fell into the wet bin which took 11.4 seconds to occur.
During the second trial, tin cans was detected as metal, was placed into the
metal bin for about 11.41 seconds. The Paper was classified as dry waste, inserted
directly to the dry bin which took up to 10.90 seconds. The Wet tissue was
identified as wet waste. It was then inserted and fell into the wet bin for just 11.49
seconds.
On the third trial, tin can was classified as metal waste. It was then sorted
and inserted into the metal bin for about 11.26 seconds. The Paper was detected as
dry waste and has fallen directly to the dry bin with a speed of 10.93 seconds. The
wet tissue was categorized as wet waste. It was then inserted to the wet bin for
about 11.51 seconds.
All in all, tin cans were categorized by the Eco-Dustbin as Metal waste and
inserted it directly to the Metal Bin with an average speed of 11.34 seconds. Paper
was classified as Dry waste and fell into the Dry Bin for about 10.92 seconds,
respectively. Wet tissue was detected and sorted as Wet waste and has fallen into
the Wet Bin with an average speed of 11.46 seconds. This illustrated that the Eco-
Dustbin has run smoothly and has accurately detected and sorted the wastes.

102
Saint James Academy
Troubleshooting is a process of evaluating what is lacking and what needs
to be improved in the prototype. Repairing the faults and errors of data is a way of
troubleshooting. Performing the troubleshooting process will help improve the
development of the Automated Waste Segregator. Checking the function of each
parts is vital in building a program and a prototype that will help improve the
society’s waste management.
The troubleshooting of the sensors of the Automated Waste Segregator was
done at Brgy. Sandalan, Ibaan, Batangas after the final testing to guarantee if the
following sensors are functioning effectively in terms of its responsiveness and
sensitiveness. The sensors should be placed on the top of the open-close
mechanism wood panel for the reason that the sensors cannot detect wastes at a
distance. The wastes should be put directly in contact to the sensors for this can be
easily detected by the corresponding sensors.
Due to the reason that the researchers encountered some difficulties in
terms of the usage of the sensor responsible for distinguishing the moist of the
wastes being inserted into the Automated Waste Segregator, they considered three
different sensors for namely as the raindrop sensor, the soil sensor, and the
capacitive sensor to have concrete analysis and assessment which one of these
three sensor is the most applicable in programming the prototype. Upon testing the

103
Saint James Academy
three sensors, the researchers arrive at a judgement in which the raindrop sensor
suited in detecting the moist of the wastes being inserted into the prototype.
Furthermore, the programming of the capacitive sensor was beyond the knowledge
of the researchers’ consultant. As a result, raindrop sensor was used as a
replacement for the capacitive sensor.

Saint James Academy
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS,
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the summary of findings from the data gathered,
conclusions from the findings, and recommendations formulated from the whole
study.
Summary of Findings
The findings for the Eco-Dustbin: Arduino Uno-Based Waste Segregation
System are summarized as follows:
1. The design and development features of the Eco-Dustbin were based on the
researchers perceived machine’s construction. The Automated Waste
Segregator was made upon the availability of materials and components.
The material specifications of each components were coerced to be made
possible and appropriate for an institution’s waste management although it
was made to be utilized to a specific area only. The microcontroller, the
Arduino Uno which is utilized in this study, controls the working and
timing of all the subsections including the sensors that will detect the

103
Saint James Academy
properties of the materials. An open-close mechanism was used to regulate
the flow of the waste.
2. The program of the Automated Waste Segregator was done using the C++
language by the utilization of its software, the Arduino IDE and each code
were arranged and uploaded to the Arduino board.
3. The main architecture of the segregator comprises of prominent stages
consisting of an IR sensor, a metal sensor, a moisture sensor, servo motors
and the segregation bins. The IR sensor detects the arrival of waste.
Identification and separation of waste is done by sensors: inductive sensor
detects if the object is metallic and rain moisture sensor determines if the
object is wet or dry. Servo motors manipulate the mechanisms of the open-
close wood panel and the rotation of the circular panel where the bins are
placed.
4. In order for the automated waste segregator to have fair and objective test, a
preliminary testing has been conducted for it to be evaluated. The operating
capacity is considered in the preliminary testing to identify the prototype’s
height and weight. The bin is in a cylindrical external form and its
corresponding formula, V=πr²h, was used and solved to know the volume
capacity of the bins. In terms of the working duration, two types of energy
or power supply were utilized which is the power bank and the battery to
assure the span of its effectiveness during the working duration of the

104
Saint James Academy
automated waste segregator. Each of these power supplies undergone trials
to evaluate the efficiency over a long period of time. Another parameter
that was considered in the preliminary testing is the speed of sensors in
sorting waste using different sensors.
5. The Eco-Dustbin was evaluated according to its efficiency. The system was
modified to segregate the waste based on the responsiveness of the sensors
and the speed duration of the process of segregating wastes respectively to
the bins. Different kind of wastes were tested on three trials to evaluate its
efficiency. Considering the technical specification of the sensors, the
researchers able to compare these to the results of the three trials conducted
on the final testing.
Conclusion
Based on the findings given from the study, the conclusions drawn are as
follows:
1. On the preliminary testing, the sensitivity of the sensors measured the
responsiveness and the accurateness of each sensor depending on how it
will recognize the wastes quickly and accurately in the Automated Waste
Segregator. Based on the test conducted, the researchers had determined
that Inductive sensor, Raindrop sensor, IR sensor and Ultrasonic sensor

105
Saint James Academy
were responsive and detected the wastes accurately. On the other hand,
other sensors such as Soil Moisture sensor and Capacitive Proximity sensor
were unresponsive and was not capable enough in determining the moisture
content of the waste during the test.
2. The testing for the operating capacity of automated waste segregator was
also concluded depending on its volume and the operating time it
established. In operating capacity, each bin can hold up to 10, 160 grams or
10.16 liters of wastes. Considering its height and weight of the bins with the
formula of V=πr²h, the researchers determined that half of its volume has
the best operating time for the metal and wet bins and the ¾ of the volume
for the dry bin.
3. The researchers concluded that both of the batteries and the power bank
should be used at the same time for it to assure the effectiveness of its
working duration and to have a maximum capacity of the power supply to
be utilized. Its efficiency was proven and it spans effectively for a longer
period of time.
4. In measuring the speed of sensors in sorting wastes, the technical
specification of the different sensors was compared to its actual working
speed in seconds and undergone three trials which showed that it is highly
depending on the sensor’s actual specs and resulted that there is no delayed
in the system.

106
Saint James Academy
5. Based on the final evaluation of the prototype, its efficiency was measured
and proven and it then appeared that it’s slower than the specifications
listed for comparison while its sensitivity was also accurate to categorize
each waste into their corresponding bins.
Recommendations
Based on the results, the following recommendations that could further
improve the apparatus were suggested as the following:
1. Consider applying an Automatic Lid Opening for the Automated Waste
Segregator which can regulate wastes coming into the prototype. The
mechanism of this can be done with the manipulation of servo motor
through the sensing mechanism of either an IR sensor or an Ultrasonic
sensor.
2. In terms of the sensors that will be used in programming, the researchers
suggest to use higher resolution of sensors because some sensors have its
limitations and possibilities of minor faults on processing the different
codes of the automated waste segregator. Higher resolution of sensors also
allows the prototype to run and function smoothly without any difficulties
in programming.

107
Saint James Academy
3. In terms of the dimensions of the automated waste segregator, the
researchers recommend to adjust the measurements of the case structure
depending on the size of the trash bins. Also, consider the area where
the automated waste segregator was going to be implemented to provide the
appropriate size according to the scope and amount of wastes that will be
generated within the vicinity. Consult and ask for updates from your
inquired furnishing service to track the development of the prototype’s
design and features.
4. Consider providing more classifications for waste to be categorized to
maximize the efficiency of segregation waste. Through this, waste can be
segregated in their more specific type and applying the advancement of
technology can create more improvement in managing wastes.
5. Since specifications vary, choosing improved and higher specifications of a
microcontroller also suggest to sense various data from the environment
with the use of higher resolution of sensors and control devices
accordingly. Aside from the Arduino Uno, there are other versions that can
be found on the market.
6. The researchers encourage the academe to have a learning environment for
electronics and programming. Understand how to define and use functions
in a programming platform and to provide extra functionality of sketches.
Basic electronics and programming should be acquired to expand the

108
Saint James Academy
knowledge and skills of students especially those who are enthusiastic to
pursue the field of electronics and programming. This will be a stepping
stone for the future engineers.
References
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.jaagore.com/current-issues/5-simple-ways-to-

practise-waste-segregation
Aahash, G., Ajay Prasath, V., Gopinath, D., & Gunasekaran, M. (2018).
Automatic Waste Segregator using Arduino. International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT).
Aahash, G., Prasath, V. A., Gopinath, D., & Gunasekaran, M. (2018). Automatic
Waste Segregator using Arduino. International Journal of Engineering
Research & Technology (IJERT).
Agarwal, R. (2018, May 21). Divide and Conquer: Waste Segregation is the Key.
Retrieved from Down to Earth.
Aguda, J. D., Bondad, M. R., & Borcer, J. M. (2018). DESIGN AND
IMPLEMENTATION SMART SOLAR-POWERED.
Aleena, V., Kavya, B., Rosmi, T., & al., e. (2016). Automatic Waste Segregator
and Monitoring System. Journal of Microcontroller Engineering and
Applications, 3(2):1-7.
Angin, D. P., Sashanti, R., Siagian, H., Suryanto, E. D., & Marcopolo. (2018).
Design and Development of the Trash Spliter with Three Different Sensors.
Journal of Physics: Conference Series.
Apoorve. (2015). Servo Motor: Basics, Theory & Working Principle. Circuit
Digest.
Arduino-Introduction. (2018). Retrieved from Arduino:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/guide/introduction
Automated Garbage Segregator for St. John Technological College of the
Philippines. (2018).

109
Saint James Academy
Babu, A., Arunima, S., Athira, J., Chandran, B., & Naveen, S. (2016). An
Economic Automatic Waste Segregator using Arduino. International
Journal of Research in Advent Technology.
Bajaj, J. (1995). Urban Solid Waste Management in India. Planning Commission
Government of India, New Delhi.
Banzi, M. (2009). Getting Stared with Arduino. Milano: Tecniche nuove.
Basel Convention Archived copy. (1989).
Blum, J. (2013). Exploring Arduiono. Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley.
Bolton, W. (2006). Programmable Logic Controllers. 3.
Chandramohan, A., Mendonca, J., Shankar, N. R., Baheti, N. U., & Krishnan, N.
K. (2019). Automated Waste Segregator.
Computer Hope. (2017).
Craft, B. (2013). Arduino Projects for Dummies. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Dr.N.SATHISH KUMAR, e. a. (2016). IOT Based Smart Garbage Alert system
using Arduino UNO.
Dudhal, S., Jonwal, B., & Chaudhari, P. H. (2016, July). Waste Segregation Using
Programmable Logic Controller. International Journal of Research in
Advent Technology, 4(7).
Dwivedi, S., Fernandes, M., & D’souza, R. (2016, February). A Review on PLC
based Automatic Waste Segregator. International Journal of Innovative
Research in Science,, 5(2).
Electronics Troubleshooting Techniques. (2017, February 25). Retrieved from
Best Engineering Projects: https://bestengineeringprojects.com/electronics-
troubleshooting-techniques/
EMS. (2016, August 10). Retrieved from Environmental Monitoring Solutions
Limited: www.em-solutions.co.uk/blog/why-should-i-segegregate-my-
waste-properly/
eSchoolToday. (2008-2019). Waste Management. BusinessGhana.com.
Everything you need to know about Arduino Code. (n.d.). Retrieved from
circuito.io's online circuit builder: www.circuit.io/blog/arduino-code.amp/

110
Saint James Academy
Fg, A., & et, a. (2013). Automated Waste Sorter With Mobile Robot Delivery
Waste System.
French Environmental Code . (2015). article L541-1.
Geddes, M. (2016). Arduino Project Handbook. San Francisco: No Starch Press.
Gudino, M. (2018). What is a Microcontroller?
Implementation of Automated Waste. (2017, April). International Journal of
Innovative Research in Science, 6(4).
Insider, L. (2019). Definition of Institutional Waste.
Iyer, A. B. (2018). Arduino Based Automated Waste Segregator Final Year
Project.
Iyer, A. B. (2018, October 20). Automated Waste Segregator.
Lateef, U. O., Abimbola , B., Owoade, A., & Ogunsanwo, G. (2016).
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING (BASIC).
M.K. Pushpa, e. a. (2015). Microcontroller based Automatic Waste Segregator.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Electrical, Electronics,
Instrumentation and Control Engineering. Vol. 3, Issue 5.
McRoberts, M. (2010). Beginning Arduino. Berkeley, CA: Apress.
Metal Waste Processing. (2019). Retrieved from Metso Corporation:
https://www.metso.com/industries/waste-recycling/waste-types/metals
Mita, S., & B.Mariammal. (2019, April). Design and Development of Low-Cost
Smart Eco-Friendly Garbage Management System. International Journal
of Emerging Technoloy and Innovative Engineering, 5(4).
Mondal, P. (2019). Meaning, Definition and Components of Environment.
Naveen. (2008). AUTOMATED WASTE SEGREGATOR USING ARDUINO.
Pagliarini, L., & Hautop Lund, H. (2017). The Future of Robotics Technology.
Journal of Robotics, Networking and Artificial Life.
Patil, M., Yadav, S., Lodaya, P., Mohanty, R., & Dudwadkar, A. (2017).
Implementation of Automated Waste. International Journal of Innovative
Research in Science.

111
Saint James Academy
Priyam, P., Himanshu, S., & Selva, K. N. (2016). Design and Development of a
Programmable Logic Controller Using Atmel Controller and MATLAB
Simulink. 74.
Raspberry Pi based Automated Waste Segration System. (2018, October). 05(10),
32. Retrieved from www.irjet.net
Richards, L. (2019). A Guide to Robotics Technology. MAPCON
MAINTENANCE SOFTWARE ARTICLE INDEX.
Schlesinger, M. E. (2010). Aluminum Recycling, Second Edition. 75-76.
Schlesinger, M. E. (2010). Aluminum Recycling, Second Edition.
Sinha. (2017). Introduction and Classification of Sensors.
Suwon, S., & Fan, K. (2012). Smart Automatic Recycling Trash Basket.
Tchobanoglous, G. T. (1993). Integrated Solid Waste Management: Engineering
Principles and Management Issues. Water Science & Technology Library.
Torres-García, A., Longoria-Gandara, O., Rodea-Aragón, O., & Sánchez-García,
F. (2008). Intelligent Waste Separator.
Torres-García, A., Rodea-Aragón, O., & Longoria-Gandara, O. (2015). Intelligent
Waste Separator. Computación y Sistemas, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2015, , 19(3), pp.
487–500.
Waste. (n.d.). Retrieved from toppr: https://toppr.com/guides/ biology/our-
environment/waste/
Waste Management Resources. (2019).
Wilson, J. S. (n.d.). Sensor Technology Handbook. 2005.
Wiring. (2019). Retrieved from wiring.org.co

112
Saint James Academy
APPENDICES

113
Saint James Academy
APPENDIX A
Prototype Manual

114
Saint James Academy
Prototype Manual
The developed Automated Waste Segregator is used for segregation
different types of waste namely as metal, dry, and wet for an efficient and
economic waste collection system with a minimum amount of human intervention.
A. System Components of the Apparatus
 Power Supply Unit
 Open-Close Mechanism
 Rotating Mechanism
 Circular Panel
 Trash Bins
 Sensors
 LCD
 Wood Case Structure
 Wheels
B. Material Specification
 Power Supply Unit: can either be power bank or battery
 Open-close Mechanism: Wood, Servo Motor, Screws
 Rotating Mechanism: Wood, Servo Motor, Screws
 Circular Panel: Plywood

115
Saint James Academy
 Trash Bins: Metal Garbage Bins
 Sensors: Inductive sensor, IR sensor, Ultrasonic sensor, Capacitive
sensor
 LCD: 16x2 LCD
 Case Structure: stainless metal, wood
 Wheels: metal, rubber wheels
Safety Mechanism
The researchers, with the help of concerned individuals, made sure that the
fabrication of the automated waste segregator is in line with the safety
mechanisms. The materials used are the ones that would not affect the sensors and
most especially the microcontroller. Most parts of the automated waste segregator
are made from wood in order to have a secured and long-lasting mechanism. The
wooden case structure, together with the other parts of the automated waste
segregator, were painted for it to have a physical feature of a robot. The
proponents refused to use metal as the case structure of the automated waste
segregator in order to minimize the risk of false detection of metal sensed by the
Inductive Sensor. The researchers also made use of clamps to secure the wirings
especially from moving the prototype to one place to another that is connected into
the microcontroller, the Arduino, to help maintain its good functionality. During

116
Saint James Academy
the use of the automated waste segregator, the proponents carefully conducted
trials for the safety and security of the microcontroller and sensors.
Fabrication
In order for the researchers to construct and develop an automated waste
segregator, they will follow this systematic process.
8. Collect locally available materials that would be used in the Automated
Waste Segregator.
9. Assembled and constructed the case structure of the Automated Waste
Segregator as the foundation of the prototype.
10. Attached the circular panel inside the prototype where the three plastic
bins were placed which was convenient also for the servo motor to
control its rotation.
11. Assembled the open-close mechanism that was installed inside in the
upper portion of the prototype.
12. Attached the initial container where the waste would be classified by the
different sensors which were also connected to the open-close
mechanism of the prototype.
13. Assembled and organized the Arduino UNO microcontroller, different
sensors, motor drivers and the jumper wires into the prototype.
14. Lastly, attached the wheels to the Automated Waste Segregator
prototype which enabled it to move easily from one place to another.

117
Saint James Academy
APPENDIX B
Related Computations

118
Saint James Academy
Related Computations
Height =28 cm
Diameter=21.5 cm
Radius=10.75 cm
V =π r 2h
2
¿ ( 3.14 )( 10.75 ) (28 )
3
¿ 10 , 160.26 cm
Conversion
3
1 cm =1 gram
3
10 , 160.26 cm =10,160.26 grams
1/4
¿ 10,160.26 grams ( 14 )
10,160.26 grams
¿
4
¿ 2 ,540.065 grams

119
Saint James Academy
1/2
¿ 10,160.26 grams ( 12 )
10,160.26 grams
¿
2
¿ 5080.13 grams
3/4
¿ 10,160.26 grams ( 34 )
10,160.26 grams(3)
¿
4
¿ 7,620.19 grams

120
Saint James Academy
APPENDIX C
Documentation

121
Saint James Academy
Purchasing of Sensors
Conceptualizing and Planning of Automated Waste Segregator

122
Saint James Academy
Building of Automated Waste Segregator

123
Saint James Academy
Designing of Automated Waste Segregator

124
Saint James Academy
Assembling of the Sensors
Preliminary Testing of Prototype

125
Saint James Academy

126
Saint James Academy
Final Testing of the Automated Waste Segregator

127
Saint James Academy

128
Saint James Academy
APPENDIX D
Cost Estimation
Expenses Cost
Wooden Case Structure ₱ 4,300.00
Materials Bought ₱ 2,714.75
(sensors, servo motors, jumper wires,
LCD)
Additional parts ₱ 605.00
(wheels, hinges, handle, trash bins)
Paints ₱ 1,000.00
Transportation ₱ 1,300.00
TOTAL ₱ 9,919. 75
Cost Estimation

129
Saint James Academy
APPENDIX E
Curriculum Vitae

130
Saint James Academy
CRISTELLE ANGELA ALETA ABADAY

#58 Talaibon, Ibaan, Batangas
09284662137
[email protected]
Personal Information
Date of Birth : December 22, 2001

Place of Birth : Lipa City, Batangas
Citizenship : Filipino
Civil Status : Single
Religion : Roman Catholic
Father : Crisostomo R. Abaday
Mother : Agnes A. Abaday
Educational Attainment
Secondary Saint James Academy (SJA)

Poblacion, Ibaan, Batangas
Senior High School
Science, Technology, and Mathematics
Saint James Academy (SJA)

Poblacion, Ibaan Batangas
Junior High School
Primary Saint James Academy (SJA)

131
Saint James Academy
MARIEL JAZEL CELIRA PORTUS

#59 Sandalan, Ibaan, Batangas
09954572422
[email protected]
Date of Birth : March 13, 2002

Place of Birth : Lipa City, Batangas
Father : Roel M. Portus
Mother : Ma. Theresa C. Portus

Senior High School

Junior High School

132
Saint James Academy
Primary Saint James Academy (SJA)

HANNAH SOPHIA COMETA SABLAY

#124 Bago, Ibaan, Batangas
09455396426
[email protected]

Place of Birth : Poblacion, Ibaan, Batangas
Father : Noel T. Sablay
Mother : Evangeline C. Sablay

Senior High School

Junior High School

133
Saint James Academy
Primary Marfeben Academy

DONNA KRISTEL BARRIOS VERANA

#59 Calamias, Ibaan, Batangas
09459825590
[email protected]

Place of Birth : Naic, Cavite
Father : Donato R. Verana Jr.
Mother : Noemi B. Verana

Senior High School

134
Saint James Academy
St. Jude Science and Technological School of

Ibaan Inc.
Junior High School
Primary Tulay, Elementary, School

Tulay, Ibaan, Batangas

FINAL PAPER Arduino Uno Based Automated Waste Segregation System CHAPTER 1 5

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

FINAL PAPER Arduino Uno Based Automated Waste Segregation System CHAPTER 1 5

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Saint James Academy

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

ECO- DUSTBIN: ARDUINO UNO BASED AUTOMATED

WASTE SEGREGATION SYSTEM

A Capstone Study Presented to the

ABADAY, Cristelle Angela A.

PORTUS, Mariel Jazel C.

SABLAY, Hannah Sophia C.

VERANA, Donna Kristel B.

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

HECZEL B. MIÑAS, RN PhD

ENGR. MELANNIE P. ADANTE

VON CHESTER O. CALABIA

Final Defense taken on _____________________

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

and making this study possible.

To the whole academe of Saint James Academy, to the school principal, to

To Engr. Melannie P. Adante and Mr. Heczel B. Miñas, the research

advisers, for their support, guidance, counsel, recommendations and provisions

effort in checking and reviewing the research paper.

opened for the improvement of the research study.

consultation process of their research study.

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

assisting us on consultations and troubleshooting of the automated waste

segregator needed for the study.

and guidance are with us throughout the extent of our study .

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

research advisors, for their potential to contribute source of knowledge and

academy, validators, principal, adviser, families and colleagues of the researchers

full potential and talent of the researchers.

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

Improper segregation of different types of waste being generated today

Keywords: Segregation, Waste, Automated Waste Segregator, Arduino Uno,

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

TABLE OF CONTENTS viii

LIST OF TABLES xii

LIST OF FIGURES xiii

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Objectives of the Study 6

Significance of the Study 11

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 12

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

Automated Waste Segregator 35

Ratio of gram of MgO/L of Urine 43

Application of Struvite on Plant 44

Synthesis of the Study 51

III RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURE

Conceptualization and Development of Prototype 56

Design of Automated Waste Segregator 58

Integration of Hardware and Development of Software 60

Preliminary Testing of the Sensors of the

Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools

Final Testing and Evaluation of the

Automated Waste Segregator 63

AUTOMATED WASTE SEGREGATOR,

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

System Components and Material Specifications 65

Fabrication and Modification

of the Automated Waste Segregator 75

Preliminary Testing of the Sensors

Final Testing and Evaluation