A revolutionary IoT-based waste management solution that leverages ESP-32 CAM modules and computer vision to automatically detect and sort waste with 80% accuracy, ensuring proper segregation and reducing environmental impact.
This intelligent waste management system combines computer vision, IoT communication, and automated actuation to solve the critical problem of improper waste segregation. The system automatically detects waste type anomalies (e.g., plastic in organic waste bins) and triggers appropriate responses to maintain proper waste sorting.
ESP-32 CAM Module (Sender) → ESP-32 Main Board (Receiver)
↓ ↓
Object Detection → Decision Making
↓ ↓
Data Transmission → Servo Control
| Component | Quantity | Purpose | |———–|———-|———| | ESP-32 CAM Module | 1+ | Object detection and image processing | | ESP-32 Main Board | 1 | Central processing and control | | Servo Motors | 2+ | Automated bin lid control | | DHT22 Sensor | 1 | Temperature & humidity monitoring | | TGS2611 Gas Sensor | 1 | Methane gas detection | | Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) | 2 | Proximity detection & bin level monitoring |
ESP32 Camera Library
ESP-NOW Communication Library
Servo Library
DHT Sensor Library
NewPing Library (for ultrasonic sensors)
Firebase ESP Client Library
WiFi Library
# Install ESP32 board package in Arduino IDE
# Go to File → Preferences → Additional Board Manager URLs
# Add: https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
// Upload MAC_Address code to Main Board
// Note down the MAC address from Serial Monitor
// Example: C0:49:EF:D2:B7:E8
// In Sender_main code, update broadcast address:
uint8_t broadcastAddress[] = {0xC0, 0x49, 0xEF, 0xD2, 0xB7, 0xE8};
Sender_main.ino to ESP-32 CAMReceiver_main.ino to ESP-32 Main Board// Configure WiFi and Firebase in Receiver_main
#define WIFI_SSID "your-wifi-network"
#define WIFI_PASSWORD "your-wifi-password"
#define FIREBASE_HOST "your-project-default-rtdb.firebaseio.com"
#define FIREBASE_AUTH "your-database-secret-key"
# Navigate to react-dashboard folder
cd react-dashboard
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Configure Firebase credentials in src/config/firebase.js
# Start development server
npm start
Waste_Management_System/
├── Sender_main/
│ ├── Sender_main.ino # ESP-32 CAM detection code
│ └── camera_config.h # Camera configuration
├── Receiver_main/
│ ├── Receiver_main.ino # Main board control code
│ └── sensor_config.h # Sensor configurations
├── MAC_Address/
│ └── MAC_Address.ino # MAC address utility
├── firebase_integration/
│ ├── firebase_config.h # Firebase configuration
│ └── data_uploader.ino # Cloud data upload functions
├── react-dashboard/
│ ├── src/
│ │ ├── components/ # React components
│ │ ├── pages/ # Dashboard pages
│ │ ├── config/firebase.js # Firebase config
│ │ └── App.js # Main app component
│ ├── package.json # Dependencies
│ └── README.md # React app setup guide
└── README.md # This file
ESP-32 CAM → Component
VCC (5V) → Power Supply +
GND → Power Supply -
IO0 → GND (for programming)
GPIO Pin → Component
GPIO 18 → Servo Motor 1 (Signal)
GPIO 19 → Servo Motor 2 (Signal)
GPIO 4 → DHT22 (Data)
GPIO 34 → TGS2611 (Analog Out)
GPIO 5 → Ultrasonic Sensor 1 (Trig) - Proximity Detection
GPIO 16 → Ultrasonic Sensor 1 (Echo) - Proximity Detection
GPIO 17 → Ultrasonic Sensor 2 (Trig) - Bin Level Monitoring
GPIO 21 → Ultrasonic Sensor 2 (Echo) - Bin Level Monitoring
// Adjust detection sensitivity
#define DETECTION_THRESHOLD 0.8 // 80% confidence
#define FRAME_RATE 5 // FPS for processing
// TGS2611 Methane Detection
#define METHANE_THRESHOLD 400 // PPM threshold for alert
#define GAS_SAMPLE_RATE 1000 // Sample every 1 second
// Ultrasonic Sensor Settings
#define PROXIMITY_THRESHOLD 50 // cm - user detection range
#define BIN_FULL_THRESHOLD 10 // cm - bin considered full
#define MAX_BIN_DEPTH 80 // cm - total bin depth
// ESP-NOW Configuration
#define WIFI_CHANNEL 1
#define MAX_RETRY_COUNT 3
// Servo positions
#define SERVO_CLOSED 0 // Closed position
#define SERVO_OPEN 90 // Open position
#define RESPONSE_DELAY 2000 // 2 seconds open time
Solution:
- Check camera focus and positioning
- Verify lighting conditions
- Adjust detection threshold in code
- Ensure objects are within detection range
Solution:
- Verify MAC addresses are correct
- Check ESP-NOW channel settings
- Ensure both devices are powered
- Reduce distance between modules
Solution:
- Check VCC (5V) and GND connections
- Verify Trig and Echo pin assignments
- Ensure sensors are mounted properly (no obstructions)
- Test with simple distance measurement code
- Check for electromagnetic interference
Solution:
- Check WiFi credentials and network connectivity
- Verify Firebase database URL and authentication key
- Ensure Firebase project has Realtime Database enabled
- Check firewall settings for outbound connections
- Monitor Firebase usage quotas and limits
Solution:
- Verify Firebase configuration in React app
- Check browser console for JavaScript errors
- Ensure Firebase security rules allow read access
- Test Firebase connection with simple queries
- Clear browser cache and reload application
Solution:
- Check servo connections and power supply
- Verify GPIO pin assignments
- Test servos with simple sweep code
- Ensure adequate power supply (5V, 2A minimum)
Solution:
- Allow TGS2611 warm-up time (24-48 hours for accuracy)
- Check analog pin connection (3.3V compatible)
- Verify sensor calibration in clean air
- Ensure proper ventilation around sensor
// Enable debug mode in both modules
#define DEBUG_MODE 1
// Serial monitor will show:
// - Detection confidence scores
// - Communication status
// - Servo position feedback
// - All sensor readings (DHT22, TGS2611, Ultrasonic)
// - Proximity detection status
// - Bin fill level percentage
// - Firebase connection status
// - Data upload success/failure messages
| Metric | Value | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Accuracy | 80% | 85% |
| Response Time | <2 seconds | <1 second |
| Communication Range | 50 meters | 100 meters |
| Battery Life | 8 hours | 12 hours |
| False Positive Rate | 15% | <10% |
| Proximity Detection Range | 50 cm | 100 cm |
| Bin Level Accuracy | ±2 cm | ±1 cm |
| Methane Detection Range | 0-5000 PPM | 0-10000 PPM |
| Cloud Data Sync | 5 seconds | 2 seconds |
| Dashboard Load Time | 3 seconds | 1 second |
- Edge AI processing for offline operation
- Multi-camera support for 360° monitoring
- Advanced sensor fusion algorithms
- Real-time video streaming to dashboard
- Automated calibration procedures
- Blockchain integration for waste tracking
- Computer vision for waste volume estimation
- Integration with existing smart city infrastructure
- Advanced security and encryption protocols
- Multi-language support for global deployment
- Autonomous waste collection robot coordination
- Integration with circular economy platforms
- AI-powered waste reduction recommendations
- Global waste management network connectivity
- Carbon credit integration and tracking
Made with ❤️ for a cleaner, smarter future
Last Updated: June 2025