Intellibin 1.0: A Prototype Of An Automated Smart Recycling Bin For Sustainable Waste Management

Improper waste segregation remains a major challenge in waste management, leading to inefficient recycling and environmental pollution. This study presents the development of IntelliBin 1.0, a prototype of a self-isolated smart recycling bin designed to automate the sorting of recyclable materials. The system integrates mechanical design, 3Dprinted components modeled using TinkerCAD, and EV3 LEGO-based mechatronics programmed via EV3 Classroom. Initially, a chemical sensor-based detection system was proposed to classify waste materials; however, technical limitations highlighted its impracticality. As a result, future development (IntelliBin 2.0) will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)-based image recognition for accurate material classification. The prototype operates by allowing users to insert items via a push-button mechanism, after which the bin segregates waste into appropriate compartments. Additionally, a reward system is embedded to encourage user participation and foster eco-friendly behaviors. Findings demonstrate that IntelliBin 1.0 serves as a functional proof-of-concept for automated waste segregation and provides a scalable foundation for advancing AI-driven recycling solutions. Ultimately, IntelliBin showcases the potential of combining robotics, additive manufacturing, and intelligent systems to promote sustainable waste management practices.