Smart Recycling Bin

Today’s recycling bins are not able to reject trash and accept only recyclable containers. Because of this the bins are often filled with garbage in addition to recyclables. Contamination in the recycling bins is a major problem for recycle haulers. Often the recycling bins are placed at parks and other public places and at special summer events where food and beverages are served. These recycling bins are often contaminated with trash because no one is present to make sure only recyclables are placed in the bins. A Smart Recycling bin would have a lockable lid and would only open if recyclable containers are presented to a scanner of some kind. The goal of this project would be to use image recognition or IA software (using a generic shape of an aluminum beer or soda or wine can and a generic beer bottle and a generic plastic water bottle) that could distinguish between recyclables and trash. If aluminum beer, soda, or wine cans or beer glass containers or plastic water bottles are presented to the scanner, then the lid would open.

Objectives


The objective is to design a Smart Recycling Bin that would have:

  • An image recognition scanner of some kind.
  • A spring activated lid that opens down if a recognizable container is presented to the
    scanner.
  • The lock would be opened using a mini 12 volt electromagnetic solenoid lock assembly, such as this one: (https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Electromagnetic-Solenoid-Assembly-Electirc/dp/B07TMWY94C the lid would close using some kind of spring.
  • The scanner and image recognition program and solenoid would be powered using a battery that is recharged using a solar panel.
  • The recycling bin would have a hole cut into the existing lid and the smaller lockable lit would be attached to the existing lid.
  • The lockable lid would be only large enough to accept aluminum cans and bottles or for compostable containers.

Motivations


Greg Fitzpatrick has a small ecological consulting business where he is contracted to do monitoring and research on the endangered Fender’s blue butterfly. He also assists with restoring and preserving native oak habitat and has provided mentoring for students in the past for a number of projects.

Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications:
None Listed

Preferred Qualifications:
None Listed


Details


Project Partner:

Layne Clemen

NDA/IPA:

No Agreement Required

Number Groups:

1

Project Status:

Accepting Applicants

Card Image Capstone