Special Issue, RISEM–2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun159

Design of an AI Based Robotic System for Waste

Sorting
Abhinav Kumar1; Aman Lawaniya2; Bittu Kumar Shrivastava3
1, 2, 3
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, N.I.E.T Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh,
India

Publication Date: 2025/07/14

Abstract: The ongoing economic expansion in many nations is causing a rapid increase in the amount and makeup of solid
waste. The waste management system now faces significant challenges in guaranteeing efficient and environmentally
responsible solid waste management due to variations in waste quantity and composition. In 2016, the globe produced about
2.01 billion tonnes (BT) of solid trash; by 2030, that amount is expected to rise to 2.58 BT, and by 2050, it will reach 3.40
BT. Only one-fifth of the garbage produced is currently handled; the remainder is disposed of in landfills untreated. When
all of the components of solid waste are carefully separated, the maximum economic advantage is achieved. Segregating
garbage at the source greatly reduces the complexity of waste treatment facilities. At the home, workplace, college, and
industrial sectors, there is no system in place for separating dry, wet, organic, plastic, and metallic garbage. Therefore, the
purpose of this study is to design, build, and test an automated trash separation system that is simple to use and reasonably
priced for households and small local communities so that waste can be sent straight to waste management facilities. The
time and expense of segregation are reduced by this technology, which also reduces human meddling. This system effortlessly
divides solid trash into three primary categories— metal, dry, and wet—using an Arduino UNO and a variety of sensors.

Keywords: Waste Sorting, Smart Waste Management, Smart Bin, Arduino UNO, Automatic Waste Segregation, Sensors.

How to Cite: Abhinav Kumar; Aman Lawaniya; Bittu Kumar Shrivastava (2025). Design of an AI Based Robotic System for Waste
Sorting. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, (RISEM–2025), 180-186.
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun159

I. INTRODUCTION the recycled garbage has been recycled and the energy from
the non-recyclable waste has been recovered. Ragpickers
In India, about 62 metric tons of solid garbage are separate rubbish using the old approach, which is still used in
produced year, yet most cities do not manage this waste well, the majority of Indian cities. In addition to being inefficient
which causes major health issues and environmental damage and time-consuming, this approach has a negative impact on
in many places.[1] Although it is unplanned and unregulated, the health of those who come into contact with the garbage.
open dumping of rubbish in landfill sites has become a regular People do not separate their waste at home, even in spite of
waste disposal practice in many Indian towns. India is awareness programs. Households and municipalities in such
currently facing numerous difficulties, one of which is circumstances require an inexpensive and user-friendly
inadequate garbage management. Waste segregation and method of automatically sorting rubbish. The segregation of
waste-to-energy conversion are the two most challenging waste composition at the source and the application of
aspects of waste management.[2] The environment is specified treatment techniques are major components of
seriously harmed by improper waste collection, treatment, contemporary solid waste management legislation. To create
transportation, and disposal. Waste production is steadily a clean India, the Indian government started the "Swachh
rising as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and Bharat Mission" campaign. The waste management authority
population growth.[3] Numerous researchers have discovered is currently concentrating on the collection and practical
that many Indian cities severely lack the scientific methods separation of waste.[4] Solid waste can be managed using a
for solid waste segregation, collection, transportation, variety of technologies worldwide, but any effective waste
treatment, and disposal, which results in environmental issues management system must include systematic waste
and a lower standard of living. Only five states in India are segregation. Solid waste source segregation helps to both
now working on trash source separation; the remaining states boost recycling rates and reduce the quantity of garbage as
continue to dump mixed waste at the same locations. Among ends up in landfills. Among the many benefits of the Robotic
the main concerns of waste management are waste treatment Waste Segregation and Monitoring System (RWSMS) are the
methods, recycling and reuse possibilities, door-to-door waste reduction of pollution, the reduction of landfill trash, the
collection, garbage segregation, land availability, and disposal abolition of manual work, and the provision of aneconomical,
capacity. Solid waste cannot be used productively until all of effective, and user-friendly solution.[5] In order to improve

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Special Issue, RISEM–2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun159

trash management efficiency, this work attempts to build and III. METHODOLOGY
create a robotic system that can autonomously classify waste
into three categories: dry, moist, and metal. Creating a smart dustbin system powered by an Arduino
Uno microcontroller is the main approach for creating an
II. LITERATURE REVIEW automatic dry, waste, and metal segregator. Serving as the
central processing unit, this microcontroller decodes
The environment and human health are at risk due to the information from various sensors and responds by regulating
growing difficulties in waste disposal, segregation, and actuators. In order to ensure seamless functioning, it is
recycling. Economic expansion, industrialization, and rapid designed using Embedded C++ in the Arduino Integrated
urbanization have all contributed to an increase in trash, Development Environment (IDE) to effectively handle input
making effective waste management crucial.[6] To reduce and output signals from all connected components. The
pollution and safeguard the public's health, proper handling, system uses a variety of sensors designed for waste
segregation, transportation, and disposal are essential. Waste identification and sorting: metal detectors that use inductive
can be converted into useful resources instead of being thrown sensing principles to identify metallic objects; moisture
away as waste when it is properly sorted. There aren't many sensors that differentiate between wet waste (like organic
automated waste segregation systems at the industrial level matter) and dry waste (like paper or plastic) by measuring
yet. A straightforward yet efficient way to classify waste moisture levels; and ultrasonic sensors that detect the
items like glass, metal, and plastic is to put in place an presence of waste and measure its distance from the sensor.
automatic segregation system. By separating waste into These sensors serve as the core of the segregation process
several categories, such a method can increase recycling and are interfaced with the Arduino Uno. To make sorting
efficiency. Inductive sensors can be used to identify metallic waste easier, compartment flaps are actuated by servo
debris, and capacitive sensors can differentiate between motors, which drive waste into bins marked Metal, Waste,
materials like plastic and metal thanks to sophisticated sensor and Dry. To ensure precise classification, the Arduino uses
technology. Waste may be treated and recycled more real-time sensor inputs to initiate this mechanical movement.
efficiently because to the precise segregation ensured by To maintain continuous functioning, the system is fueled by
microcontroller-based automation. Garbage collection and a dependable energy source, such as an AC adapter or a 9V
monitoring are another difficulty in waste management. battery. To improve motor responsiveness and fine-tune
Unsanitary conditions and an increased risk of disease sensor accuracy, extensive testing is carried out using mixed
transmission are caused by overflowing trash cans. This trash samples after the prototype is assembled. A thorough
problem can be solved by incorporating sensors and real-time maintenance plan is included in the deployment phase to
monitoring into an intelligent waste management system.[7] handle wear and tear, and performance data gathered during
The system uses sensors to identify when a bin is full and operation is examined to improve efficiency. By streamlining
notify local authorities, allowing for prompt collection and resource recovery and ensuring that the segregator efficiently
minimizing the need for manual monitoring. To ensure separates waste for recycling or disposal, this iterative
effective resource allocation, garbage collection crews can optimization helps to promote sustainable waste management
also receive immediate notifications by connecting the system practices and lessen environmental impact.
to a mobile application. Hygiene product waste must also be
properly disposed of and recycled. By integrating energy
recovery and sterilization, an integrated waste processing
system can enhance environmental sustainability.[8] One
strategy is to use biological materials to generate energy while
separating plastic components using sorting processes. One
strategy is to use biological materials to generate energy while
separating plastic components using sorting processes. The
urgent need for efficient waste management systems is
frequently illustrated by the growing amount of waste
produced. Energy recovery techniques, automated
segregation, and real-time monitoring are workable ways to
improve sustainability. These technologies can be used to turn
waste into a resource, improving public health and reducing
its detrimental impact on the environment. Metal, paper, and
plastic are among the waste materials that the sensor fragment
can identify. An inductive proximity sensor is used to detect
metal garbage, much like it is for paper and plastic waste. The
computer and the mechanical component of a servo motor
work together to separate the waste types appropriately. The
recycle bin prototype is likely to be used in the future, given
the work's output demonstrates that it can effectively sort Fig 1 Smart Dustbin System
waste, particularly plastic-based waste. However, for efficient
trash segregation, the prototype's sensitivity to paper and
metal waste needs to be substantially enhanced.

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IV. COMPONENTS REQUIREMENT  Rain Sensor:

 Arduino UNO:

Fig 4 Rain Sensor

Fig 2 Arduino Uno
It is used to determine the moisture Sensor content of
It is a publicly accessible electronics UNO25,26
waste by identifying the presence of water within the waste.
framework that works on user-friendly hardware and The presence of moisture content within the waste is sensed
executable code. The classification of chips and associated and based on this assessment the waste is put into a suitable
controllers installed in it is facilitated by the structure
container.
framework of the Arduino board. The Arduino board is
equipped with 14 digital pins that can function as either input
or output, in addition to 6 analog pins designated for input
purposes, facilitating the connection of diverse circuits.
Additionally, customizable embedded C and C++
programming codes have also been used in microcontrollers.
The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provided by
the Arduino microcontroller which supports different
languages of programming. The Arduino board used in the
project is programmed using a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

 Servo Motor:

Fig 5 Inductive Sensor

It is used for the detection of metallic Proximity

components without contact. This sensor Sensor 30 does this
in a way that is not sensitive to the size or colour of the object.
An important property of inductive sensors is that they are
cheap and reliable.

 Ultrasonic Sensor:

Fig 3 Servo Motor

It is utilized to dump the garbage into the individual

containers. A servomotor can be characterized by an angular
motion actuator or a straight motion actuator, designed to
facilitate precise control over position, velocity, and
acceleration. A suitable motor is connected to a sensor to
obtain positional input.

Fig 6 Ultrasonic Sensor

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Special Issue, RISEM–2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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It is used to measure the motion and Sensor 31 distance or if there’s a system error. It helps notify users or operators
of any object by using the waves of ultrasonic sound. This in real time.
sensor uses a transducer that sends and receives ultrasonic
pulses to provide information about the proximity of an  GSM Module
object. In this project, ultrasonic sensors have been used to
measure the filling level of dry, metal, and wet bins.

 Buzzer:

Fig 8 GSM Module

The GSM module in the system is used to send

messages about the status of the dustbins. For example, when
Fig 7 Buzzer a bin is full, the GSM module sends an alert to the operator’s
phone. This helps in remote monitoring and ensures that bins
The buzzer in the waste sorting system acts as an alert are emptied on time.
device. It sounds when waste is detected, when a bin is full,

Table 1 Difference between Ultrasonic, Moisture & Inductive Sensor

Features Comparative Analysis
Ultrasonic Sensor Moisture Sensor Inductive Sensor
Purpose Measures distance or bin level Detects moisture content in materials Detects presence of metal objects
Working Principle Uses sound waves Measures electrical resistance in soil Uses electromagnetic field
Output Type Analog/Digital Analog Digital
Contact/non-contact Non-contact Contact required Non-contact
Environmental Sensitivity Affected by temperature, wind Affected by water and corrosion Works well in harsh environments

V. WORKING PRINCIPLE

Five sensors are utilized in this system, three of which

identify the sort of waste and the other three of which assess
if the bin is full or not. Three ultrasonic sensors have been
utilized to detect whether or not three distinct bins are full,
while capacitive proximity, wetness, and inductive proximity
sensors have been used to identify the sort of waste. Wet
waste, such as food waste, vegetable and fruit waste, etc., is
detected by a moisture sensor; metallic waste, such as copper,
aluminum, iron, etc., is detected by an inductive proximity
sensor; and dry waste, such as paper, cardboard, plastic,
wood, etc., is detected by a capacitive proximity sensor. The
sensors identify any thing, such as trash, that is placed into
the system's waste hopper unit. The spinning plate detects the
object and, if it is dry, brings the dry bin beneath the trash
hopper; if the thing is wet or metallic, the dry and metallic bin
lets it fall within.
Fig 9 Working Principle

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Relay and servo-motor are used to rotate the plate and VII. DISCUSSION
ensure that the garbage falls into the bin. The technology also
indicates whether the waste is dry, wet, or metallic as soon as The results from an AI-based robotic waste segregation
it is recognized and sensed. Communication between the system's testing phase indicate how crucial it is to match the
workers and the revolving bin is provided by the GSM system's capacity to the amount of garbage it is designed to
module. When the bin is full, the cleaning authority receives handle.[9] The prototype used a mix of sensors (inductive,
a notification that "bin is full" thanks to the GSM module. moisture, and capacitive proximity) and an Arduino Uno
microprocessor to reliably classify domestic waste into three
VI. RESULT main categories: metal, dry, and wet. However, the volume of
trash input has a significant impact on segregation efficiency.
By guaranteeing that only biodegradable items are The system works well for small scale applications, such
disposed of in the natural environment, waste segregation homes or local towns, processing one kind of waste at a time
greatly reduces pollution and promotes reuse, recycling, and with minimal input from human beings.[10] However, the
resource recovery. This process safeguards resources system's drawbacks—such as its reliance on a revolving plate
forfuture generations and protects public health by sorting 3 and single-item processing mechanism— become
hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Additionally, it removes increasingly noticeable when waste volume rises.[11] This
the health risks associated with faulty disposal of toxic, non- implies that in order to preserve practicality and
biodegradable items. In order to determine whether garbage environmental efficacy, the system's size and throughput
is wet (such as fruit scraps or vegetable peels) or dry (such as must be appropriate to the waste creation rate of its intended
paper, plastic, or cardboard), the clever mechanism of the environment. [12] Integrating a preliminary sorting
segregation system is based on a plank that has a moisture mechanism, like a trommel system, is beneficial for handling
sensor. A servo motor is used to precisely transport the waste mixed trash scenarios that are frequently seen in real-world
into the appropriate container. Each bin's garbage level is settings. Heterogeneous trash can be efficiently broken down
tracked by an ultrasonic sensor, which notifies the Arduino into individual particles using a trommel, which is a revolving
Uno microcontroller when capacity is reached. After being drum encased in a screen.[13] Heterogeneous trash can be
written in Embedded C++ using the Arduino IDE, the efficiently broken down into individual particles using a
Arduino contacts a computer that is connected to halt the trommel, which is a revolving drum encased in a screen.
segregation process until the bin is emptied, guaranteeing During testing, it was found that bigger materials were
continuous operation. A metal detector that uses inductive separated by rotational motion, but tiny waste fragments
sensing to recognize metallic waste (such as safety pins, (such as those that passed through a 300 mm screen) stayed
aluminum sheets, and tin scraps) and sort it into a different inside the drum. In addition to removing the requirement for
bin is also part of the system, which is powered by a 9V manual stirring, this agitation improves the system's capacity
battery or AC adapter. To calibrate sensor accuracy and to manage intricate waste streams. Additionally, moisture in
motor reaction, performance testing was done using a variety wet garbage might be eliminated by using airflow through the
of household waste types, including dry, wet, and metal. One trommel's drum, which would enable previously moist
waste type at a time is processed by the system, which materials to be reclassified as dry. This flexibility is essential
reclassifies previously wet materials as dry if they lose as the moisture content of garbage, especially organic waste
moisture. The segregator's efficiency was improved by like food scraps, frequently changes over time. By include
iterative testing, making it dependable for recycling or this pre-processing step, the downstream sensors and
disposal. This technology-driven strategy supports actuators of the robotic system may concentrate on more
sustainable waste management by decreasing reliance on precise classification, increasing overall accuracy and cutting
landfills and improving resource recovery. It also adjusts to down on processing time. This technology has significant
different waste kinds and enhances public health and social and environmental ramifications. The technology
environmental preservation through automated, systematic reduces the need for manual labor, such ragpickers, who are
segregation that is suited to contemporary requirements. subjected to health risks in India's traditional trash
management methods, by automating garbage segregation at
the source.[14] This change not only increases worker safety
but also supports the Swachh Bharat Mission's overarching
goals, which place a strong emphasis on sustainable and clean
waste management.[15] By carefully selecting waste for
recycling and resource recovery, landfill-bound waste is
reduced, which further reduces pollution and preserves
natural resources. For example, recycling is made easier when
metallic waste (such as copper and aluminum) is separated,
while composting or energy recovery operations are
supported when wet waste (such as biodegradable organic
matter) is isolated. Iterative refining of the system, including
sensor calibration and motor response, improved its reliability
across a variety of household trash kinds, according to testing,
making it a useful tool for sustainable urban living. However,
Fig 10 Resulted Project expanding this technique beyond small-scale applications still

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presents difficulties. The throughput of the current prototype ACKNOWLEDGMENT

is limited by its reliance on servo motors and a single
revolving plate, which might lead to difficulties with We are grateful to the Noida Institute of Engineering
operation in high- waste settings like industrial zones or and Technology (NIET) for their continuous support and for
crowded urban locations. Future versions could address this providing valuable resources and guidance. We express our
by implementing conveyor belts or robotic arms, as sincere gratitude to colleagues, friends, and organizations
recommended in the conclusion, to manage higher volumes from around the world who have contributed valuable
and more waste streams at once.[16] Furthermore, although information and assistance.
the system's sensor suite works well for classifying metal,
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