Smart Home Trash Sorter

Initial Thesis

I wanted to make waste sorting at home simple, efficient, and accessible—so I designed a smart trash bin that automatically separates waste into three categories: recycle, non-recycle, and compost. Most sorting systems available are bulky and made for commercial use, so I focused on creating something compact and home-friendly. The bin has three separate drawers made from corrosion-resistant 6061 aluminum alloy for durability. Inside, the compartments are fitted with washable PLA liners, keeping things hygienic and easy to clean. I paid close attention to ergonomics to ensure the bin is comfortable to use and easy to install in a typical household. It's designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines without taking up extra space. My goal was to remove the guesswork from sorting and make sustainable living feel effortless.

Design Process

I began with quick hand sketches to explore form, function, and user interaction. These sketches helped me visualize the layout of the three-bin system and refine ergonomic details. Once the concept was clear, I transitioned to SolidWorks for precise 3D modeling and mechanical design. This allowed me to simulate fit, material behavior, and assembly before moving toward prototyping.

Initial concept

How Sorting Works

Users simply toss waste into a single top opening, just like a regular bin. Inside, a set of smart sensors work together to identify the type of waste without relying on cameras. An inductive sensor detects metals, capacitive sensors analyze material properties like plastic or organic matter, and a weight sensor measures the item's mass to improve classification accuracy. For compostable waste, a gas sensor can detect organic gases to confirm if the item belongs in the compost bin. Based on this combined sensor data, a microcontroller instantly directs the waste via a mechanical flap into one of three compartments: recycle, non-recycle, or compost. This approach ensures reliable, hands-free sorting in any lighting condition while keeping the system compact and user-friendly.

Concept

To bring the concept to life, I developed three iterative prototypes, each refining different aspects of the design. The first focused on validating the feasibility of embedded sorting and internal waste routing. The second prototype addressed form factor—shrinking the footprint while maintaining capacity and mechanical stability. The third iteration prioritized user accessibility, refining drawer mechanics, handle height, and component layout for real-world usability. Using SolidWorks, I modeled every detail, from internal pathways to the outer enclosure, and rendered visuals to communicate design intent and material use. Each version brought the product closer to being a truly seamless, smart addition to the modern home.

The Trash Collectors