Introduction
The Smart Garbage Level Monitoring System is an IoT-based smart city solution designed to monitor garbage levels in dustbins in real time. It helps municipal authorities optimize waste collection, reduce overflowing bins, and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
This system plays an important role in smart city development and efficient waste management.
Objectives of the Project
- To monitor garbage levels in bins automatically
- To prevent overflow of garbage
- To send real-time alerts when bins are full
- To optimize waste collection routes
- To promote cleanliness and hygiene
Working Principle
- An ultrasonic sensor is placed at the top of the garbage bin
- The sensor measures the distance between garbage and sensor
- Based on distance, the garbage level is calculated
- Data is processed by ESP32/ESP8266 microcontroller
- When the bin reaches a threshold level, an alert is triggered
- Data is sent to cloud/mobile app for monitoring
Components Required
- ESP32 / ESP8266 NodeMCU
- Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
- LED Indicators
- Buzzer (optional)
- LCD Display (optional)
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Power supply
- Jumper wires
Block Diagram
Ultrasonic Sensor
↓
ESP32 / ESP8266
↓
Level Analysis
↓
LED / Buzzer Alert
↓
Cloud Server
↓
Mobile App / Web Dashboard
Circuit Connections (Ultrasonic Sensor + ESP32)
Ultrasonic Sensor
VCC → 5V
GND → GND
Trig → GPIO 5
Echo → GPIO 18
LED Indicators
Green LED → GPIO 12 (Bin Empty)
Red LED → GPIO 13 (Bin Full)
Arduino Code (Smart Garbage Level Monitoring)
#define TRIG_PIN 5
#define ECHO_PIN 18
#define GREEN_LED 12
#define RED_LED 13
long duration;
int distance;
void setup() {
pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT);
pinMode(GREEN_LED, OUTPUT);
pinMode(RED_LED, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(115200);
Serial.println("Smart Garbage Monitoring System Started");
}
void loop() {
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
delayMicroseconds(2);
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(10);
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
duration = pulseIn(ECHO_PIN, HIGH);
distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;
if(distance < 10) { // Bin Full
digitalWrite(RED_LED, HIGH);
digitalWrite(GREEN_LED, LOW);
Serial.println("Garbage Bin FULL");
} else {
digitalWrite(RED_LED, LOW);
digitalWrite(GREEN_LED, HIGH);
Serial.println("Garbage Bin EMPTY / PARTIALLY FILLED");
}
delay(2000);
}
Code Explanation
- Ultrasonic sensor measures garbage level
- ESP32 processes the distance data
- LEDs indicate bin status
- Data can be sent to cloud using Wi-Fi
- Authorities can monitor bins remotely
Advantages
- Prevents overflow of garbage bins
- Reduces unnecessary waste collection trips
- Improves city cleanliness
- Real-time monitoring
- Low cost and scalable solution
Applications
- Smart city waste management
- Residential societies
- Hospitals and schools
- Public places and railway stations
- Shopping malls
Future Enhancements
- GPS integration for bin location tracking
- Mobile app notifications
- AI-based waste prediction
- Solar-powered garbage bins
- Route optimization for garbage trucks
Conclusion
The Smart Garbage Level Monitoring System is an innovative IoT-based project that ensures efficient waste management, reduces operational costs, and supports clean and smart city initiatives.
