THE USE OF AUTOMATED PROXIMITY SENSOR AS HOUSEHOLD WASTE SEGREGATOR BIN

Improper disposal of waste is a rampant problem that contributes to pollution. The objective of the study is to create an automatic waste segregator bin to be used by the households utilizing proximity sensors. Papers, plastics, and metals are the common wastes at home. Using proximity sensors such as inductive, and capacitive sensors, and with the help of motors the machine can automatically segregate the papers, plastics, and metals into their correct bins. The researchers created the whole setup of the motors and sensors using wood, pipe, screws, and nails to be able to create a functional segregator machine. Proving its effectiveness, testing procedures were conducted in detecting and segregating papers, plastics, and metals, then each was tested based on its maximum weight capacity, the detection time, and lastly, the success rate of being able to detect different types of wastes were tested. The results showed that the segregator has a success rate to detect 100% of metals accurately, 100% of papers, and 100% of plastics. The segregator bin has a maximum weight of 0.6 kg and an average detection time of 1.73 seconds. Through the different testing procedures, the researchers found that it is feasible to create an automated segregator bin using proximity sensors which is also a smart recycling bin as it was able to accurately detect papers, plastics, and metals. Although the researchers were able to attain the desired results, future researchers are still recommended to modify, innovate, and improve the automated waste segregator bin.