SenTraGator

An automatic Waste Management Machine

A Study Presented to the Faculty of

St. Louis High School of Balatoc, Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment

of the requirement for the subject

Practical Research 2

By

Binwag, Lemmor Faith G.

Bumahit, Daniel Paul M.

Culaton, Frances Yllize P.

Daus, Marlou L.

Deguzman, Letty Murriah Chrischelle C.

Fernandez, Narcisa B.

Mang-usan, Aris Frian M.

Velasco, Jin Gerald Rye A.

 SenTraGator: An automatic Waste Management Machine

I. Overview

This project will focus on developing a machine that separates biodegradable, non-
biodegradable and metallic wastes. Since it was observed by the researchers that Philippines is still
struggling to solve this long-time problem. The researches will use a detector to determine the type of
waste that is thrown inside the machine. Bottles, papers, and plastics will all be non-biodegradable. The
goal of this research is to assist schools and communities in segregating waste; additionally, this project
will benefit garbage collectors by making waste management easier and safer. The researcher used a
sensor to detect an objects physical property before dropping it into a designated container.

II. Problem domain

A. Statement of the problem
1.Will the automatic waste segregator (AWS) efficient enough to handle the amount of waste produced
within the school?
2.Will the automatic waste segregator (AWS) be effective on segregating the waste in the school?
B. Background & objectives

Trash creation has significantly increased as a result of urbanization and population growth,
providing serious challenges to trash management and disposal for both local and national
governments. Conventional trash segregation techniques, like rag pickers sorting rubbish by hand, take
a lot of time, are unhealthy, and undervalue waste economically. In order to overcome these obstacles,
garbage may be effectively separated into several categories, such as dry, moist, and metallic trash, at
the home level using an automatic waste segregator (AWS). By doing this, trash workers' occupational
risks may be decreased, recycling materials quality can be increased, and segregated garbage can be
sent straight to processing and recycling facilities.

Objectives:

1. To design and develop an automatic waste segregator (AWS) that can efficiently segregate waste
non-biodegradable, biodegradable categories.
2. To promote the adoption of the AWS.
C. Significance & scope
Year after year, as the population grows, the quantity of waste produced is rising dramatically.
Waste is produced on a daily basis by a variety of sources, including domestic, industrial, and medical
activities. This has resulted in numerous dangerous issues. Handling this massive volume of waste by
hands is very expensive, time-consuming, and difficult. For this reason, the automatic waste segregator
finds extensive use in waste management. Now is the ideal moment to think about installing an
automatic waste management system in order to decrease waste production and recycle and reuse
waste. The device divides waste into three distinct categories; non-Biodegradable, biodegradable, and
metallic wastes.

D. Documentation of existence & seriousness of the problem

Philippines' waste output has been steadily increasing and is predicted to do so in the years to
come. According to the review, sanitary landfill shortages, improper disposal, growing volumes of solid
waste, and poor implementation of laws are all issues related to the nation's solid waste management.
Rebuelta-The (2022) ranks the Philippines as one of the world's top ocean polluters and the fourth-
largest waste generator in Southeast Asia. Methane emissions from improper waste disposal are a
direct cause of climate change and global warming. According to Portillo (2023), inadequate waste
management infrastructure exists in many parts of the Philippines, which contributes to inappropriate
waste disposal. Many communities lack access to sufficient infrastructure development.

Children and other vulnerable groups are more likely to experience unfavorable health
outcomes. Inadequate waste collection can clog water drains and pollute the environment and marine
life. Flooding that results and other standing water in waste materials provide an environment that is
conducive to cholera and vector-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria (Guidance on Solid Waste and
Health, n.d.). Burning waste releases toxins and other dangerous substances into the atmosphere,
adding to air pollution. Inhaling these pollutants increases the risk of lung infections, aggravates pre-
existing conditions like asthma, and causes respiratory issues. Waste that is not properly disposed of
can contaminate groundwater and soil with pathogens and dangerous chemicals. Communities that
depend on these water supplies may be affected by waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid as a
result of this contamination getting into water sources. The fertility and quality of the soil can be
reduced by improper waste disposal, which lowers agricultural productivity. Toxins and heavy metals
 from waste can seep into the soil, rendering it unusable for farming and causing long-term harm to
ecosystems. As waste builds up at uncontrolled disposal sites, habitat destruction and deforestation
may result. A cascade effect on biodiversity may result from this, upsetting regional ecosystems and
putting numerous plant and animal species in risk (Sirisha, 2023).

III. Review of related literature

The global solid waste generation is increasing, reaching up to 1.3 billion tons per year, and is
projected to be 2.2 billion tons in 2025 (Australian Bureau of Statistic, 2013). The improper disposal of
waste, such as dumping, creates health risks for the public and imposes costs on others, making waste
disposal a political issue. The textile production industry is also a significant contributor to
environmental issues, producing more than 88.5 million tons of material each year, with waste attributed
from the industry mainly taking place in developing countries (Yacout, 2018). The shear amount of
waste being generated makes it difficult to dispose of without severe environmental consequences.
According to Coaker et al. (2015), the current institutional solid waste management in a Nigerian private
institution of higher learning is inefficient and unsustainable. The study found that the waste generation
rate, pattern, and characterization are not being utilized for the bioenergy and organic fertilizer, and non-
biodegradables are not being sold in the secondary market, resulting in a considerable amount of wealth
being lost. Similarly, Rajamanikam and Poyyamoli (2014) conducted a study at the staff quarters of AIM
Herry Engineering College and found that the average household solid waste is 1.76 kg/day, with a
considerable portion of recyclables. However, there is a lack of programs and policies for improving
source segregation, storage of recyclables, collection and transportation, and safe disposal methods to
facilitate increased recovery rate towards forming an inclusive sustainable waste management system.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines stated that
our country is facing a major problem with solid waste management due to mismanagement of waste
segregation at the local level. Improper waste disposal is a major issue worldwide, as it contributes to
land pollution, water pollution, air pollution, climate change, extreme weather, disease, plant death,
animal and marine death, and loss of habitats. Land pollution occurs when waste ends up on soil or other
land, absorbing it and becoming dangerous for people and animals. The contents of the waste break
down and seep into the area around it, causing soil and groundwater contamination. According to a
report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), land pollution can result in soil
degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and harm to plant and animal life (EPA, 2021). Water
pollution occurs when waste enters the ocean or other bodies of water, contaminating it and making
freshwater unsafe for human consumption. Unprocessed waste is a significant contributor to water
pollution, which affects both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Waste that ends up in oceans and other
bodies of water breaks down and releases toxic chemicals, harming aquatic life and reducing water
quality. The United Nations (UN) reports that marine pollution, including waste, has become a global
problem, with over 80% of marine pollution originating from land-based sources (UN, 2018). Air
pollution is a major issue worldwide, contributing to greenhouse gases that cause global climate change
(Smith, 2022). Including open burning, can release harmful air pollutants, contributing to air pollution
and climate change. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released during the decomposition of organic
waste in landfills. According to a study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
methane emissions from waste management activities account for approximately 8% of global
anthropogenic methane emissions (IPCC, 2014). Some consequences put holds on the plant death, as
soil and water can be toxic and kill plants. Animal and marine death is also a result of improper waste
 disposal, leading to the extinction of many species and permanent damage to ecosystems (Clean
Management Environmental Group). This can harm plants and animals, affecting biodiversity and
ecosystems. Animals can ingest or become entangled in waste, leading to injury or death. According to a
study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plastic waste poses a
significant threat to marine animals, with over 700 species affected (NOAA, 2021). Furthermore, this
may also affect one’s health, Improper waste disposal can lead to disease outbreaks, as unprocessed
waste can become a breeding ground for diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and malaria. A report by
the World Health Organization (WHO) states that inadequate solid waste management can result in the
spread of infectious diseases, affecting both human and animal health (WHO, 2015).
As we narrowed down the problem from whole to locals, the study found that waste collection in
Metro Manila is performed through the combined efforts of barangays and LGUs, with barangays
collecting segregated waste and LGUs collecting residual waste. However, due to limited resources and
the small number of materials recovery facilities (MRFs), this condition has not been achieved in the 17
LGUs. The study also noted that non-collection of garbage is expected in areas not covered by barangay
collection and not reached by LGU collection trucks. The study classified the LGUs into four tiers in
terms of overall solid waste management (Reyes, 2023).

IV. Theoretical framework

A. Improper Waste Disposal

Pugot (2017) defined improper waste disposal as the disposal of waste in a way that has
negative consequences for the environment. Examples include littering, hazardous waste that is
dumped into the ground, and not recycling items that should be recycled.

Figure 1

Cause: Effect: Solution:

Ignorance Affects our Health Decompose
Laziness Affects our Climate Recycling
Greed Air Pollution
Soil Contamination
Infections to humans

Cause:
1. Ignorance: Ignorance of people about proper waste disposal. People are unaware of
consequences of their unwise acts.
 2. Laziness: Can cause improper garbage disposal because people not following the correct rules of
proper waste disposal their always throw it what place they want and they have no care what will
be the effect of it.
3. Greed: Can cause improper garbage disposal for example burning tires of wheel and plastic
instead of keeping it or trade the excess automobile car’s tires to maximize on it.
Effect:
1. Affects our Health: Like lung disease, heart problem, skin irritation, problem or abnormality in
breathing and more.
2. Affects our Climate: As some waste decomposes, it releases greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. Like trapping it here on earth that may affect the abnormality of weather condition
like more storm or typhoon coming per year is happening until now.
3. Air Pollution: The open burning of waste causes air pollution or greenhouse affects, for example
burning of rubber and plastic.
4. Soil Contamination: Is caused by the presence of man-made chemicals,the softness of the
ground,having smelly soil vapor and other alteration in the natural soil environment.
5. Infections to humans: Skin irritation and blood infections resulting from direct contact with
waste,and transmitting bacteria from waste to infected wounds.
Solution:
1. Decompose: Decompose your waste is an option for getting rid of your householdwaste. You can
compost lots of items: food waste, animal waste, yard waste,and much more
2. Recycling: waste is another option for getting rid of waste. There are many different things that
are recyclable: paper, tin, aluminum, plastic and much more.
B. Automatic Waste Segregator
An automatic waste segregator is a system designed to automatically separate different types of
waste materials into their respective bins using various sensors and mechanical components. It typically
utilizes sensors such as inductive and capacitive sensors to detect and segregate papers, plastics, metals,
and other waste items. The system is built using components like wood, pipe, screws, and nails, and the
segregation process is carried out based on the properties of the waste materials. The automated waste
segregator aims to improve waste management by efficiently sorting dry wastes into separate categories,
reducing environmental damage, and optimizing the utilization of garbage trucks. It also helps in
preventing the spread of infections by automating the segregation of biomedical waste without human
intervention. (Agarwal et al., 2021)
I. Main parts
a. Metal detection system (Inductive sensor)
This sensor is a non-contact electronic sensor that is utilized to identify positions of any
metal things. It induces current when metal is close to it. The sensor does not indicate the presence
of an object if it is not metal. The sensor incorporates an electromagnetic coil which is used to
recognize the presence of a conductive metal thing. When an alternating current is passed through a
coil it creates a magnetic field. When a metallic object is introduced in the region of the coil, eddy
currents are induced on its surface area. These eddy currents are a function of the size, distance,
 surface area and composition of the target. This generates a magnetic field which opposes the actual
Magnetic field which is generated by the coil. The inductive coupling between the object and the coil
creates a mutual inductive effect on the coil which reduces the parallel resonant impedance of the
circuit which in turn is reflected by a rise in the proximity count value. Magnetic fields do not affect
the metal detection system. It can detect any conducting material irrespective of its magnetic nature.
As the target nearer to the sensor the eddy current increase, increasing the load on the oscillator and
further reducing the amplitude of the field. The trigger circuit monitors the oscillator’s amplitude and
at a predetermined level switch the output state of the sensor from its normal original condition.

b. Capacitive sensing module

The way used for segregation of waste is the relative dielectric constant. Once a dielectric is
present between the plates of the capacitor the capacitance rises. Wet waste has more relative
dielectric constant than that of dry waste because of the wet content present in the waste. If the
change in the capacitance count is greater than the threshold, then the type of waste is inferred as wet
waste else it is dry waste.
c. IR Sensor
An infrared sensor is an electronic instrument which is used to sense certain characteristics of its
surroundings by either emitting and or the detecting infrared radiation. Infrared sensors are also
measure or observe the heat of an object as well as by detects the motion .an infrared sensor circuit is
one of the basic and popular sensor module in an electronics device. This sensor is analogous to
humans’ visionary senses which can be used to detect obstacles and these type of sensors measures
only infrared radiation, rather than emitting that is called as a passive IR sensor. usually in the
infrared spectrum. all the objects radiation some forms of thermal radiations are invisible tour eyes,
that can be detected by an infrared sensor. The emitter is simply an IR LED (light emitting diode)
and the detectors is simply an IR photodiode which is sensitive to IR light of the same wavelength as
that emitted by the IR LED. When IR light falls on the photodiode. The resistance and these output
voltages, change in proportion to the magnitude of the IR light received.
d. Arduino Uno r3
Is a popularly used open-source micro-controller board that runs on ATmega 328P micro-
controller. This board is developed by Arduino.cc which is an Italy based hardware company. This
board contains a set of digital and analog I/O data pins that are used to interface this board with other
electronic components. Arduino Uno consists of 14 digital pins and 6 analog pins. This board can be
programmed with the help of Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that supports
embedded C, its back-end is constructed using JAVA. Uno consists of an USB port through which
the code can be uploaded on to the board. This post can also be used to power the board by
connecting it to a laptop, PC, etc. Along with a USB port, it also has a DC input power jack. An
external battery of 9V can also be used to power Arduino board.
II. Subparts:
a) Dc Rotors- It is used to deflect the waste to the respective bins. A servomotor is defined by a
rotary actuator or linear actuator that takes into account exact control angular or linear position,
velocity and acceleration. A suitable motor is coupled to a sensor for obtaining position feedback.
The digital or analog input control signal represents the position directed for the output shaft.
 b) Battery- It is used for storing the converted heat energy to electrical energy from the sun, it is
used for powering the machine
c) Solar panel (DIY) - The solar panel is used to collect energy from the sun and converts to
electrical energy. The DIY solar panel is used for collecting energy and stores it in a batter for the
machine to use.

SenTraGator Parts Process:

Inductive Metallic Waste

Sensor

Fruit, IR Sensor Motor Rotates

Vegetable, 90 degrees
Leaf, Paper
Waste

Capacitive Waste Bin 3

sensor

Motor Rotates
90 degrees

Plastic Bottle

Waste Bin 1

Motor Rotates
90 degrees

Waste Bin 2

V. Project details
A. Concept
SenTraGator (sensorized trash segregator) is a machine that automatically separates waste into
their designated container bins. It will organize the waste basing from its physical property. The
SenTraGator System is driven by the Microcontroller Arduino UNO which will be the main brain of the
machine. All the functions of the components of the machine will be programmed with the JavaScript.
The program is written in an embedded language and it reads the input/output pins of the components. It
uses sensors to detect the physical properties of the waste (Inductive sensor, IR sensor, and Capacitive
sensor). Inductive sensor detects whether the object is metallic, IR sensor detects if the object is a
biodegradable material such as fruits, vegetable, leaves, papers, etc., and Capacitive sensor detects and
count non-metallic objects such as glass, plastic, and wood. These sensors will give a signal to the main
brain.
After the waste enters the tube, it will take at least 6 seconds for the sensors to detect the physical
property of the material. Metallic materials will be dropped in bin 3, biodegradable materials will be
dropped in bin 1, and non-metallic materials will be dropped in bin 2. The bins will be placed on a
circular platform that can rotate, once the sensors detect the physical property of the material the main
brain will give a command and the platform will rotate until the assigned bin aligns with the tube then
the material will be dropped in the bin. When the bins reach a certain weight, the main brain will give a
notice.
a) Blueprint
B. Methods

a) Methodology
This study will be implementing a descriptive and analysis method as it describes the process of
creating the SenTraGator and its functions. Descriptive analysis will be used to describe the results of
our experiment during the trial-and-error stage and the final stage of implementing the SenTraGator,
then analysis method will be used to analyze the result of the implementation of the machine within the
school. In addition, this study aims to develop a machine helpful in reducing the waste management
problem in the school. Specifically, the entire process of creating the machine will go through step-by-
step process to be able to achieve the desired output. It will also go through trial and error to determine
if it needs some adjustments. This will ensure the efficiency of the machine.
b) Timeline
c) Budget

VI. References
Agrawal. C., Bhavesh, Y., Chaitali, J. (June 2020). Automatic Waste Segregation and Management.
https://www.ijert.org/research/automatic-waste-segregation- and-management-IJERTV9IS060534.pdf

Ajmera, P. (2018). A Review Paper on Infrared sensor. IJERT. https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTCONV5IS23007

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2013). Environmental issues - Australian Bureau of Statistics.
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/environment/environmental-issues/latest-release
Coaker, T., Oyedepo, S.O., & Adeleke, M.A. (2015). Institutional solid waste management practices in a Nigerian private
institution of higher learning: A case study of Covenant University. Journal of Cleaner Production, 105, 385-393.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/
NOAA. (2021). Marine Debris Program. https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/
Rajamanikam, K., & Poyyamoli, K. (2014). Household solid waste generation and management in staff quarters of AIM
Herry Engineering College, Chennai, India. Journal of Cleaner Production, 84, 476-483.
Reyes, M. a. L. (2023, February 3). Worsening garbage
problem. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/02/04/2242354/worsening-garbage-problem
Rubuelta, A. (September 03, 2022). No Time To Waste: A collaboration. https://opinion.inquirer.net/156624/no-time-to-
waste-a-collaboration
Smith, H. (2022, January 4).
Clean Management Environmental Group, Inc. (n.a). How Improper Waste Disposal Affects the Environment
https://cleanmanagement.com/blog/how-improper-waste-disposal-affects-the-environment/
Soil Pollution. https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/soil-pollution
UN. (2018). The Global Waste Management Outlook.https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/23666/
GWMO_Full_report.pdf
WHO. (2015). Waste Management and Public Health.https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/waste-
management-public-health/en/
Yacout, A. (2018). Textile waste: A growing problem in the environment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195, 387-396.