Sorting for Good: The Waste Segregator
The Automatic Waste Segregator is a socially impactful project that addresses one of the biggest challenges in recycling: contamination. By automating the sorting process at the source, we can significantly increase the efficiency of recycling plants.
![images/projects/expanded/images/projects/expanded/waste_segregator_conveyor_1772704538085.png)
How It Sorts
The system typically uses a combination of sensors to classify objects as they pass by on a small conveyor belt or fall through a chute:
- Inductive Proximity Sensor: Detects metallic objects (cans, metal tops).
- Capacitive Sensor: Can help distinguish between different non-metallic materials like plastic or cardboard based on their dielectric properties.
- Moisture Sensor: Sometimes used to detect organic/wet waste.
When a material is identified, the Arduino triggers a Servo Motor or a Stepper Motor to push the item into the correct collection bin.
Key Hardware
- Arduino Uno: The master controller.
- Inductive Sensor (LJ12A3-4-Z/BX): For metal detection.
- Micro Servo (SG90) or larger: For the sorting arm mechanism.
- Conveyor Belt Kit: Including a DC motor and pulleys.
- LCD Display: To show statistics like "Plastic count: 12, Metal count: 5".
![images/projects/expanded/images/projects/expanded/waste_segregator_bins_detail_1772704552462.png)
Engineering Challenges
The main challenge in this project is mechanical alignment and timing. The Arduino must detect the object and then wait for the exact moment when the object is in front of the sorting arm before triggering the movement. This project is a fantastic introduction to industrial automation and mechatronics.