SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

CAPSTONE PROPOSAL PROJECT

WASTE LEVEL MONITORING AT RESIDENTIAL

GARBAGE DISPOSAL
EPO 521
GROUP 3
PREPARED FOR: DR. NIK FASDI

GROUP MEMBER:
 TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 2
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ................................................................. 3
1.3 DESIGN OBJECTIVE ........................................................................ 4
1.4 SCOPE OF WORK ............................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN
2.1 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS...................................................................... 6
2.2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND AREAS INVOLVED ....................... 7
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 DESIGN CONSTRAINTS.................................................................. 8
3.2 STRATEGY ........................................................................................ 9
3.3 TECHNIQUE AND RESOURCES USED ......................................... 10
3.4 FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM................................................. 13
3.5 FLOWCHART .................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER 4: REQUIREMENTS DETAIL
4.1 ENGINEERING SOFTWARE ........................................................... 16
4.2 ENGINEERING HARDWARE.......................................................... 17
4.3 FINANCE AND PRODUCT COSTING ............................................ 19

CHAPTER 5: PROJECT SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES

5.1 WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE ............................................. 20
5.2 MILESTONE ...................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION
6.1 CONCLUSION ................................................................................... 23

REFERENCE..............................................................................................................................
APPENDIX.................................................................................................................................

1
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION
In Malaysia, the management, collection, and disposal of domestic trash has been a major
challenge. This is due to the importance of efficient solid waste collection and disposal to the
sanitation and health of communities. Over time, sanitary engineers and the general public came
to understand that recycling could significantly improve environmental sustainability whereas
poor waste management might cause significant environmental deterioration. Any scale of
improper waste disposal, from being an irritation to discharging pollutants, may have a negative
impact on the well-being of the ecosystem and the economy.

Under the Environmental Quality Act of 1974, the First Schedule Environmental Quality
(Schedule Wastes) Regulations, 2005, list two categories of wastes: schedule waste and clinical
waste. From 2015 to 2019, the volume of schedule trash climbed 8.3% yearly, with 4,013.2 tons
produced in that year. Selangor had a contribution of 25.4% and the largest schedule trash total in
2019 of 1,019.9 thousand tons. In terms of clinical waste, Selangor led all other states with 7.3
thousand tons.

Monitoring and managing the environment is one of the difficulties innovating and
developing an IoT-enabled system. One of the requirements for Malaysia to become a developed
country is effective solid waste management. It is widely acknowledged that a high quality of life
and a healthy environment are significantly associated with proper solid waste management. A
clean and healthy environment has a significant impact on the country's attraction to foreign
investors and tourists. Nearly two-thirds of the world's population will reside in urban areas by
2030. This necessitates the creation of environmentally friendly urban living options. The growth
of smart city ideas, which aim to enhance urban living by utilizing cutting-edge technologies, is
supported by these trends. Cities can become smarter due to the "Internet of Things," which opens
up new possibilities.

2
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENTS

Due to expanding population, cities around the world are dealing with a number of difficult
issues, one of which is the quantity of waste and littering that is being produced due to the high
demand for food and other needs. Residentials dumpsters are overflowing more frequently than
ever, which not only contributes to clogged streets and unpleasant odors but also has detrimental
effects on the environment and public health. With the aid of monitoring system at residential
disposal area, excess waste can be monitored to be frequently monitored by management. The
need to place more dumpster in a mass population area can be well planned with this monitoring
system.

Almost all waste collection policies declare that all areas are entitled to service and that keeping
the city clean is the main priority. The local authorities ensure that there would not be any
remaining waste by collecting it according to the appointed date, time, and location. The existing
operation has some issues, including inefficient or improper usage of trucks and poor quality of
work on the part of some employees who spend time sorting recyclable and precious material
during waste collection and transportation operations. Waste management is ineffective as a result
of these issues. The value of technology must be considered in order to create a waste management
system that is sustainable and effective. The use of technology in waste management makes it
possible to quickly identify the processes that produce larger amounts of garbage, enabling more
active improvement activities, lowering the amount of waste produced and, as a result, lowering
the expenses associated with shipping and final disposal.

People's health is affected by improper home waste disposal, which can lead to air pollution,
contamination of surface and groundwater, and direct contact with the trash. Other symptoms
include dengue outbreaks, food poisoning, and leptospirosis, which is spread by rodents, insects,
and mosquitoes as carriers [2]. A perfect breeding place for bacteria, insects, and vermin is an
overflowing dumpster. The flies that contaminate our foods are the same insects that visit the
waste. By doing this, they raise chances of getting dengue fever, food poisoning, and other serious
infections.

3
1.3 DESIGN OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this project are :

1. To monitor excess waste in the waste disposal area by using ultrasonic sensor to detect
the level of waste in the dumpster and display the percentage of the waste on the LCD
to aware the residents about the condition of waste in the dumpster either full or not.

2. To develop smart waste monitoring system with IoT application by connecting the
waste collector company with our device to easy for them for monitoring the dumpster.
If the dumpster full, the collector company will notice and collect them.

3. To improve waste management in the residential area by alert the waste collector
company to be ready to collect the waste when the dumpster is full. Not as before, the
collector company only came to the residential area to collect the waste when it is on
schedule.

4
1.4 SCOPE OF WORK

There are several numbers of factors that must be considered in order to fulfil the project's goal,
which include:

1. Designing a prototype of this project that meets the objectives.

2. Choosing a practical and suitable component to build the system.

3. Building the prototype of waste level monitoring system.

4. Applying Internet of Things (IoT) into the system.

5. Simulate and testing the prototype to get the expected result of the system.

Based on research and findings, students concluded that poor management and service of waste
dumpsters is the biggest threat to the quality of life in residential areas. The purpose of waste level
monitoring system to improve and prevent overflowing thrash. Moreover, with the aid of this
system, keeping the residentials clean and free from diseases will be easier. Clearly, this project
focuses on small scale waste disposal area which is residential areas while other countries may
already utilizing this system in large scale areas. Level monitoring system together with IoT makes
this system perfect for present day technologies. Monitoring the waste from a mobile phone device
reduce cost as everyone is well equipped with a mobile phone. Other parts of the components also
not too complicated and expensive to be implemented into the system.

5
 CHAPTER 2

DESIGN
2.1 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

The function of our project system is to detect the level of waste in the dumpster at the
residential area either the dumpster is full of waste or not full of waste yet. The residents of
that area will notice the percentage level of waste in the dumpster by observing the percentage
level of waste that have been display by LCD that attached on the dumpster. When the
dumpster was full, the ultrasonic will detect it full and the LCD will display “FULL”. After
that, the device will send a notification to the waste collector company about the dumpster was
full and they will collect the waste at that residential area. At last, the ultrasonic sensor detected
the dumpster is empty and the LCD will display the percentage of waste in the dumpster is
“0%”.

6
 2.2 MUTLDISCIPLINARY AREAS INVOLVED

2.2.1 Electrical Design

• Electrical Components

2.2.2 Software Design

• AutoCAD have been used to design the simulating project
• Proteus used to design the project wiring

Knowledge Area Competency Source of Competency Remark

Marks
AutoCAD 30/100 Close contact and Used to simulate the
YouTube project

Proteus 50/100 Lab manual, close Used to make the circuit

contact, YouTube diagram of this project

Table 1 : Competency of project equipments

7
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

There are a few constraints in making this design. Which are time constraint, requirement
constraint and integration constraint.

To make this design function, the specific area must have WiFi coverage. If that area
does not have WiFi coverage, the waste collector company will not get the notification in their
system either the dumpster is full or not to collect the waste. Besides, the design will just
display the percentage level of waste in the dumpster on the LCD only.

Beside that, there is a time constraint in this design. It will take a few seconds to sense
the waste level in the dumpster and to send the notifications to the waste collector company if
the dumpster was full.

8
3.2 STRATEGY

If there is a constraint, of course there will be the ways to overcome that constraint. Same
goes to this design constraints, there is the strategy to overcome them.

For the WiFi coverage, the residential manager should install the WiFi around the
dumpster area. So that, our product device can send notification to the waste collector company
to collect the waste at that area if the device detected the dumpster is full of waste.

For the time constraint, we should use the best electronic components to sense fast and
accurate on the level of waste in the dumpster and to send the notification immediately to the
waste collector company. On this strategy, we as an engineer should consider on the budget
too. As the electronic components are the best, the price of that components are costly.
Therefore, we will use the electronic components that is fast response and affordable for our
design.

9
3.3 TECHNIQUES AND RESOURCES USED

3.3.1 Techniques

To complete this project, other than just do the sketching of full design of the Smart
Dumpster (IoT) on paper, 3D CAD Software have been used too for designing the full part of
the project which is AutoCAD Software. By using this software, all part of the project can be
seen clear and easy to understand on how this design works.

10
3.3.2 Resources Used

Resources Description

Software The software that have been used in this

project is AutoCAD Software

Materials PVC sheets

▪ used to make the box for electronic

components.

▪ Eco-friendly, non-toxic, strength,

durability, flame and chemical
resistance, easy to cut and shape.

Measuring Device Ultrasonic Sensor HCSR04

▪ used to sense the level of waste in the

dumpster

Displaying Device LCD 2x16 I2C

▪ used to display the level of waste in

the dumpster in percentage; above
70% will display “FULL”.

Communication Devices NodeMCU ESP8266

▪ used to let the data transfer using the

Wi-Fi protocol.

GSM Sim900A

▪ used to allows users to receive

notification through SMS if the
ultrasonic sensor sense the dumpster
is full.

11
System block Function Component Remark

Power Sources Powered up the Seal Lead Acid SLA battery used due to its
entire project Battery take a long time to loss
power.

Microcontroller Control electronic Arduino UNO Low cost, flexible and easy
Board components to use .

Input System Detecting the Ultrasonic Highly accurate to detect the

distance to the waste Sensor level of the waste in the
using sonar dumpster

Connecting objects NodeMCU Integrated support for WiFi

and transferring data ESP8266 networks, smaller board size
using WiFi protocol and low energy
consumption.

Output System Allows users to SIM 900A Higher data transmission

receive data over GSM speed.
General Packet
Radio Service
(GPRS)

Display the LCD 2x16 I2C LCD I2C only use 4 pins of
percentage level of Arduino UNO (Vcc, Grnd,
waste in the SDA, SCL)
dumpster
Table 2 : Block Function

12
3.7 FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

INPUT OUTPUT

ULTRASONIC LCD 2X16 I2C

DISTANCE SENSOR
HCSR04

NODEMCU ESP8266 ARDUINO UNO SIM900A GSM

Figure 1 : Block Diagram

13
3.8 FLOWCHART

Figure 2 : Flow Chart of the project

14
 Figure 1 shows the flowchart of the project. At first, the system will start. The ultrasonic
sensor will sense the level of the waste in the dumpster. The LCD will display the level of the
waste in the dumpster in percentage. If the ultrasonic sensor senses the level of waste is 70% and
above, the LCD will display “FULL” while at the same time the nodeMCU and SIM900A GSM
will work to send the notification to the waste collector company to alert them about the condition
of the dumpster. After the waste have been collected and the dumpster is empty, the ultrasonic
sensor will sense again the level of waste and the LCD will display the percentage level of the
waste in the dumpster. This process repeatedly continue.

15
 CHAPTER 4

REQUIREMENTS DETAIL

4.1 ENGINEERING SOFTWARE

To complete this project, the skilled worker will need a variety of tools. Using Proteus
simulator, we have created a simulation before moving on to hardware. The Proteus Design Suite
is a proprietary software tool suite used primarily for electronic design automation. The software
is used mainly by electronic design engineers and technicians to create schematics and electronic
prints for manufacturing printed circuit boards. Figure below shows the schematic diagram
software design for the electronic part in this project.

Figure 3 : Schematic Diagram Smart Dumpster Design

16
4.2 ENGINEERING HARDWARE

These are the project’s required components in order to complete it effectively. The
project’s key components are depicted in the picture below.

Figure 4 : Components for Smart Dumpster

Figure 5 : Smart Dumpster Design

A smart dumpster is made up of numerous components, including an Arduino Uno,

Ultrasonic sensor, Wi-Fi module, Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) and GSM SIM900a. Arduino Uno
is an open-source microcontroller board created by Arduino.cc and first made available in 2010.
It is based on the Microchip ATmega328P microprocessor. A variety of expansion boards (shields)
and other circuits can be interfaced with the board’s sets of digital and analogue input/output (I/O)
pins. The board features 6 analogue I/O pins, 6 digital I/O pins, and 14 digital I/O pins, six of
which can be used for PWM output. It can be programmed using the Arduino IDE (Integrated
Development Environment) with a type B USB cable. It accepts voltages between 7 and 20 volts,
but it can also be powered by an external 9-volt battery or by a USB cable. It resembles the Arduino
Nano and Leonardo in certain ways. The primary component of this project is an Arduino Uno,
which will process the data for other components.

17
 Ultrasonic sensors are components that produce or detect ultrasound energy. Transceivers,
receivers, and transmitters are the three broad categories into which they can be separated.
Ultrasound can be sent and received via transceivers, which also transform electrical impulses into
ultrasound. To measure the amount of trash or garbage dumped in the dumpster, an ultrasonic
sensor will be used. In order to establish a wireless internet connection, many goods require Wi-
Fi modules (wireless fidelity), often referred to as WLAN modules (wireless local area network)
modules.

Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) is a flat-panel display or other electronically manipulated

optical device that makes use of polarizers as well as the light-modulating capabilities of liquid
crystals. Liquid crystals don’t emit light directly, they create images in either colour or
monochrome using a backlight or reflector. Any dumpster-related information will be displayed
on the LCD.

SIM900A Modem by SIMCOM is based on a Dual Band GSM/GPRS modem. It operates

at 900 and 1800 MHz. The SIM900A can automatically search these two bands. AT Commands
can also be used to set the frequency bands. Through the AT command, the baud rate is
programmable between 1200-115200. To enable you to connect with the internet through GPRS,
the GSM/GPRS Modem has an inbuilt TCP/IP stack. The wireless module SIM900A is incredibly
small and dependable. This entire GSM/GPRS module is of the SMT variety, features an
AMR926EJ-S core integrated single-chip processor, and benefits from compact dimensions and
low-cost solutions.

18
4.3 FINANCE AND PRODUCT COSTING

Components Price (RM) Quantity (unit) Amount (RM)

LCD 17.50 1 17.50
NodeMCU ESP8266 Wi-Fi module 25.00 1 25.00
Arduino Uno 54.00 1 54.00
Ultrasonic Sensor 8.50 1 8.50
Jumper wire (10cm) 0.20 40 8.00
Breadboard 6.50 1 6.50
9V to Barrel Jack Adaptor 3.00 1 3.00
Battery 9V 9.50 1 9.50
Battery Holder 8.50 1 8.50
Total 140.50

Table 3 : Product Costing

19
 CHAPTER 5

PROJECT SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES

5.1 WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management technique that takes a step-by-
step approach to completing huge projects with several moving parts. A work breakdown structure
(WBS) can integrate scope, cost, and deliverable into a single tool by dividing the project down
into smaller jobs. While most WBS are deliverable-based, they can also be phase-based. To start
of this proposal, we survey and gather every bit of information related with the main theme which
is ‘Electrical Energy Project For Solid Waste Management To Enhance The Quality Of Life’. As
we got the information that enlighten our theme, each member start to create idea with the related
problem and propose the project. 4 projectS was proposed and being evaluated. The final project
that was approved after consider the strength and weakness is ‘Waste level monitoring atresidential
garbage disposal’.

20
 Once the proposal was accepted, software part should be started as soon as possible in order
to complete the project on time. The sub task that was included in the software part is to write the
coding for the Arduino that will control the LCD, ultrasonic sensor and the GSM. The written
coding need to be troubleshoot to check and ensure if any error exist. Software installation will be
completed on the finished hardware once the coding finalized. As for the hardware part, it consists
of designing the prototype, hardware installation and testing and monitoring. The design of
prototype was done using the AutoCAD software. The design was based on the design of common
dumpster with a little bit of adjustment. All the hardware part that will be used in the project was
attach together in the design. The testing and monitoring for software and hardware part will be
done as all the sub task in both task complete and before the day of presentation.

Last task is the report that come with sub of presentation, writing and submitting the report.
The day of presentation will be announced by lecturer and during that day the final project will be
presented and evaluate by a panel. The final project will be the one that will be written in the
report. The report consists of the process that was done during the completion of the project till
the day of presentation. As the report complete, it will be hand over to the lecturer to evaluate
according to the rubric given. In conclusion, the whole project need to be completed based on the
work breakdown in order to have a functional time management and a satisfied final product.

21
5.2 MILESTONE

Figure 6 : milestone

22
 CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

With increased population, there will undoubtedly be an increase in rubbish around urban areas,
particularly in high-rise buildings. Here, we will make an evolutionary shift toward cleanliness.
Smart dustbins outperform ordinary garbage cans due to their combination of intelligent waste
monitoring and trash compaction technologies. It is outfitted with smart gadgets such as the
Arduino sensor. In this study, we presented a smart dustbin with garbage level monitoring that
functions automatically to assist in resolving this issue by utilizing IOT and sensor-based circuitry
that is extremely suitable for today. IOT-based dustbins allow management to simply monitor
garbage and reduce the work of monitoring the trashcan every now and then, while also keeping
the area clean for a healthier living environment.

There will be no overflow waste, which might spread infections and odor. When these smart
dustbins are built, various features such as durability, affordability, damage prevention, and
maintenance difficulties are addressed. This Smart Dustbin can make a significant contribution to
a clean and sanitary environment when constructing a smart city. This project ensures that dustbins
are cleaned as soon as the rubbish level reaches its peak. If the dustbin reaches its maximum
capacity, a notification will be sent to the high-rise building management or higher authority, who
will be able to take appropriate action against the garbage in the dustbin, such as calling the waste
business. In conclusion, smart dustbins play an important part in keeping the surrounding
environment clean and green while also making garbage management much easier.

23
REFERENCES

1. Omar, M. F., Termizi, A. A. A., Zainal, D., Wahap, N. A., Ismail, N. M., & Ahmad, N. (2016).
Implementation of spatial smart waste management system in malaysia. IOP Conference Se-
ries: Earth and Environmental Science, 37, 012059.

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/37/1/012059

2. Al-Naggar, Redhwan & Abdulghani, Mahfoudh & Al-Areefi, Mahmoud. (2019). EFFECTS
OF INAPPROPRIATE WASTE MANAGEMENT ON HEALTH: KNOWLEDGE, ATTI-
TUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG MALAYSIAN POPULATION. Malaysian Journal of
Public Health Medicine. 19. 101-109. 10.37268/mjphm/vol.19/no.1/art.41.

3. https://www.trustedmalaysia.com/best-waste-management-malaysia/

4. https://simplicable.com/new/design-constraints

5. https://asana.com/resources/project-constraints

24
APPENDIX

25
26