Sota Bin - Group L2-G3

Project Title: Sota Bin - State-of-the-Art Sorting for a Sustainable Future
Course: SYSC3010W25
Group: L2-G3
TA: Afsoon Khodaee
Team Members: Uchenna Obikwelu, Adeyehun Folahanmi, Dearell Tobenna Ezeoke, Emeka Anonyei, Tobiloba Ola

Initial Project Image

Physical Implementation

Project Objective

Problem Statement: Waste misclassification is a persistent issue that contaminates recyclables, increases landfill waste, and reduces recycling efficiency. Many users struggle to sort waste properly due to the lack of real-time guidance and intuitive feedback mechanisms.

Motivation: Our main goal was to design a smart waste bin that automatically sorts waste materials while educating its user on how to classify waste items properly. This is why we designed Sota Bin — "State-of-the-Art Sorting for a Sustainable Future." We also addressed the issue of continuous bin monitoring by implementing an automated bin-full detection feature using IR sensors instead of ultrasonic sensors.

Key Features:

1. Classifies waste into four categories — landfill, paper, plastic/metal, and compost.
2. Educates users on the classification of items in real-time via a website.
3. Sends alerts when a bin section is full, notifying users and managers.
4. Provides sorting data analytics over time.
5. Allows managers to remotely reset the Sense HAT LED indicator when a bin section is full via the web.

Key Users: Everyday users and facility managers in schools, offices, and other public spaces.

Repository Structure

Folder	Description
SOTA BIN MAIN/	Contains the main Python implementation for each Raspberry Pi responsible for different subsystems as well as the website code. Each folder includes a README explaining the role and setup: • RPi1: Object detection and waste classification • RPi2: Motor control • RPi3: Bin full monitoring for Paper and Compost bin sections and Website scripts (see WEB) • RPi4: Bin full monitoring for Plastic/Metal and Landfill bin sections • configs/: Configuration constants and Firebase credentials
SOTA BIN TEST/	Contains end-to-end and unit test scripts for all components. • HARDWARE_TEST/ and SOFTWARE_TEST/ are unit test scripts for hardware and software components. • Other folders are for end-to-end testing.
Project_Images/	Contains key photos from the project: system diagram, RPi1 peripheral wiring, bin full detection (IR + SenseHAT), motor setup, and group image. All images are referenced in the Appendix section below.
README.md	This file — the top-level documentation for understanding and running the entire system.

Installation Instructions

Hardware Setup

• RPi1: Camera, color sensor, IR reflective sensor, metal sensor, LCD display
• RPi2: Stepper motor + A4988 driver, servo motor
• RPi3: IR reflective sensors, Sense HAT
• RPi4: IR reflective sensors, Sense HAT
• Power: 5V USB for RPis, 12V adapter for metal sensor

Software Setup

# Clone the repository
$ git clone https://github.com/ucheeaa/sota-bin-sysc3010

# Navigate to the appropriate directory (example for RPi1)
$ cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi1"

# Install dependencies (adjust based on your Pi)
$ pip install opencv-python firebase-admin RPi.GPIO sense-hat websocket-client

• Add your Firebase firebase_key.json to the correct directory (e.g., RPi1/, RPi3/, etc.)
• Update scripts with your Firebase Realtime Database URL

Firebase Setup

• Create Firebase project
• Enable Realtime Database
• Download firebase_key.json and add to each Pi folder except for RPi2 which doesn't communicate with Firebase

How to Run the System

1. RPi1 (Object Classification):

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi1"
python3 classifier_and_commander.py

Then in another terminal run:

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi1"
python3 lcd_simulation.py

2. RPi2 (Motor Control):

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi2"
python3 final_motor.py

3. RPi3 (Bin Full Monitoring & Web Interaction):

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi3"
python3 monitor_bins.py

4. RPi4 (Optional Monitoring):

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi4"
python3 bin_full_monitor.py

5. Web Dashboard:

cd "SOTA BIN MAIN/RPi3/WEB"
# Open index.html in browser or serve via local server

How to Know It’s Working

• Running SOTA BIN TEST/HARDWARE_TEST and SOTA BIN TEST/SOFTWARE_TEST scripts should pass

• LCD screen continuously shows "Place one item at a time."

• When waste is placed on plate:

  • Object is detected and classified
  • Classification appears in RPi1 local DB, Firebase and Web UI
  • Servo and stepper motors activate (RPi2) to the appropriate bin section

• When a bin is full:

  • One of the two Sense HATs beems up
  • Web interface alert appears
  • Manager is sent an email

• When reset is clicked (web):

  • Firebase logs the action
  • RPi3 detects it and clears Sense HAT display

Appendix

1. Demo Video

Watch our team demo

2. Physical Top View Setup of Sota Bin

3. RPi1 Peripheral Devices Circuit Connection

4. Bin Full IR Sensor Detection

5. Sense HAT Notification Beem RPi3 /RPi4

6. Physical Motors Set Up (RPi2)

7. Team Members

Group L2-G3: Tobiloba, Folahanmi, Uchenna, Dearell, and Emeka.