Trashr – Smart Trash Bin [Prototype]

Background

Waste management in public and corporate facilities often suffers from delayed collection and inefficient monitoring. Trashr was created to provide a smart bin solution using IoT sensors and cloud connectivity for proactive waste tracking and automation.

The Problems

• Bins overflow without being noticed
• No visibility of fill levels or collection history
• Unhygienic manual operation of trash lids

Our Approach

We combined microcontrollers, ultrasonic sensors, and WiFi modules to detect bin fill-level and environment. The system streams data in real time to a custom-built web dashboard, with automatic alerts and lid actuation using ultrasonic sensors.

Methodology & Key Features

• ESP32-based microcontroller with ultrasonic fill sensor
• Ultrasonic-based touchless lid opening mechanism
• Real-time web dashboard built with WebSocket/SignalR
• Cloud-hosted data logging for historical analysis
• Email/notification alert when fill-level exceeds threshold
• Remote lid control and device monitoring

Results

Trashr is estimated to reduce unnecessary trash collection trips by 40%, and improve facility hygiene by eliminating lid contact entirely.