WASTE

This project presents the design and implementation of an automated waste management system utilizing an Arduino Uno microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, and a servo motor to enhance efficiency and hygiene in waste disposal. The system continuously monitors the fill level of a waste bin using an ultrasonic sensor, which provides real-time data to the Arduino. When the sensor detects that the bin is nearing capacity or a user is present, the Arduino activates a servo motor to automatically open and close the bin lid, enabling touchless operation and reducing the risk of contamination. Powered by a 9V replaceable battery, the system is portable and well-suited for environments with unreliable electricity supply. Rapid lid response, with positive user feedback regarding convenience and hygiene. The project highlights the potential for scalable, low-cost smart waste solutions in both urban and rural settings, and lays the groundwork for future enhancements such as IoT connectivity, renewable energy integration, and automated waste sorting for improved sustainability and resource management

Rapid urbanization and shifting consumption patterns have led to an unprecedented increase in municipal solid waste generation, posing significant environmental and public health challenges. Traditional manual waste sorting is inefficient, unhygienic, and increasingly hazardous for waste management workers. This project presents the design and fabrication of an automated, smart Waste Segregation System capable of detecting and sorting mixed waste into three distinct categories: metallic, wet/organic, and dry/plastic. The physical architecture of the system consists of a hopper-fed conveyor belt driven by a high-torque DC motor, mounted on a durable structural frame. The intelligence of the system relies on an array of sensors integrated with an Arduino Mega microcontroller. An inductive proximity sensor is utilized to identify metallic objects, while a calibrated moisture/capacitive sensor detects organic and wet matter. Items that do not trigger these sensors are classified by default as dry non-metallic waste (such as plastics or paper). Upon material identification, the microcontroller processes the signals in real time and activates a mechanical sorting mechanism—consisting of servo-controlled flaps and pneumatic actuators—to direct the waste item into its designated collection bin. Experimental testing of the fabricated prototype demonstrated a high sorting accuracy rate of approximately [Insert your percentage, e.g., 92%] with an average processing time of [Insert time, e.g., 2–4 seconds] per item. The system successfully minimizes human intervention, increases recycling efficiency, and offers a cost-effective, scalable solution for smart city waste management initiatives.

Ineffective waste management in rapidly urbanizing cities has intensified environmental and public health challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where traditional collection methods remain inefficient and costly. The emergence of smart waste bin technologies offers a sustainable alternative by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) components for real-time monitoring, automated waste handling, and optimized collection processes. This study addresses the limitations of existing systems—such as lack of automation, poor material sustainability, and insufficient adaptability to environmental conditions—by developing a smart waste bin prototype that enhances efficiency, reduces health risks, and supports global sustainability goals through innovation in sensor integration, automation, and eco-friendly design. This study encompasses the design and development of a smart waste bin system integrating sensors, automation, and wireless communication technologies. The prototype includes real-time monitoring, SMS notifications, and automated features such as waste compaction and lid control to enhance hygiene and usability. Emphasis is also placed on the use of sustainable construction materials and the system’s adaptability to various environmental conditions. Rigorous hardware and software testing ensures reliable sensor performance, effective automation, and accurate communication. These evaluations validate the system’s functionality in real-world scenarios, reinforcing its potential as a scalable and sustainable solution for modern waste management challenges. The developed smart waste bin system demonstrated successful integration of real-time monitoring, automation, and wireless communication technologies. Testing confirmed the reliability of its components—ultrasonic and load sensors, linear actuators, and GSM/GPS modules—under realistic operating conditions. The system effectively detected fill levels, triggered automated compaction, and sent timely alerts, thereby reducing overflow incidents and improving waste collection efficiency. These results suggest the system’s potential to address key urban waste management challenges, offering a scalable and sustainable solution adaptable to residential, commercial, and municipal applications

This study evaluated waste management practices among residents of Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The research examined how residents handle their waste, their knowledge level on proper waste management, and the key factors influencing their disposal practices. Descriptive survey design was used, and data were collected from 180 respondents across selected wards using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that although many residents use public bins and engage private waste collectors, some still practice open dumping and burning of refuse. The study also found that most residents have a fair knowledge of waste management meaning and principles such as the 4Rs; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover, but this knowledge is not fully reflected in their daily practices. Factors such as irregular waste collection, inadequate public bins, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and poor infrastructure were identified as major barriers to effective waste management. The study concludes that improving waste management in Oredo requires stronger policy enforcement, public education, and better waste collection systems. It recommends collaborative efforts between government agencies, private waste collectors, and residents to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

This research project looks into the viability of using agricultural waste (coconut shells) as a source of biochar, a porous carbon material with excellent CO2 adsorption capabilities, for carbon capture. This will involve preparing biochar from coconut shells, characterizing the prepared biochar sample, and using this biochar sample to adsorb CO2, in a bid to demonstrate the possibility of using agricultural waste for carbon capture. The biochar was prepared by carbonizing coconut shells. The residue obtained was activated in batches using NaOH and Phosphoric acid to obtain biochar samples with slightly different properties. A 1:1 coconut shell and palm kernel shell blend was prepared to test the effect of blending. Preliminary characterization was carried out to select the biochar sample with the highest adsorption potential for further characterization. An iodine number test was carried out to determine the adsorption capacity of the biochar samples, indicating their level of activation. The CO2 capture test involves measuring the amount of CO2 adsorbed by the biochar sample in a fixed-packed bed adsorption column to determine the adsorption capacity. This was achieved by measuring CO2 concentrations at the bottom and top of the column to determine the amount of CO2 adsorbed by the biochar adsorbent. The analysis of the final biochar sample (sample 3) showed promising characteristics, making it suitable as an adsorbent material with a micropore surface area of 719.886 m2 /g and a micropore volume of 0.256 cc/g. These values are within typical ranges found in commercial adsorbents. For the first run of CO2 adsorption experiment using 30g of biochar an adsorption capacity of 16.28 mg CO2/g of biochar was obtained. Subsequent runs with smaller amounts of biochar resulted in decreasing adsorption capacities, demonstrating that using greater amounts of biochar increases the performance. These results are consistent with previous research on CO2 capture. Overall, the biochar sample derived from coconut shells showed sufficient adsorption capacity for use in CO2 capture systems, despite the simple production process without sophisticated equipment. The research findings suggest that coconut shell-derived biochar shows promise for carbon capture applications.