Trash Level Indicator

The Trash Level Indicator uses an ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino to build a simple device that janitors can use to know which trash bin needs to be emptied. The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance of the bottom on the bin from the device, and as trash is filled in, this distance becomes shorter. When the distance is below a certain level, the LED is lit, indicating that the bin is full, ready to be emptied. This saves time for the janitors, they would only need to focus on bins that the indicator is on for.

Step 1: Setup

This device uses:

1. An Arduino or ATMega 328

2. An ultrasonic sensor

3. One LED

4. Wires

Wiring:

The ultrasonic sensor on the breadboard is connected to digital pins 3 (Echo) and 4 (Trig) of the Arduino. The LED on the breadboard is connected to Pin 13 of the Arduino, and to ground.

The device can be set for battery operation.

Step 2: Working

The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance from the device to the level of trash. As trash is filled in, the distance decreases, and when the distance is lower than a threshold level the LED is lit.