YOLO-Based Object Detection for Separate Collection of Recyclables and Capacity Monitoring of Trash Bins

Abstract

This study describes the development of a smart trash bin that separates and collects recyclables using a webcam and You Only Look Once (YOLO) real-time object detection in Raspberry Pi, to detect and classify these recyclables into their correct categories. The classification result rotates the trash bin lid and reveals the correct trash bin compartment for the user to throw away trash. The performance of the YOLO model was evaluated to measure its accuracy, which was 91% under an optimal computing environment and 75% when deployed in Raspberry Pi. Several Internet of Things hardware, such as ultrasonic sensors for measuring trash bin capacity and GPS for locating trash bin coordinates, are implemented to provide capacity monitoring controlled by Arduino Uno. The capacity and GPS information are uploaded to Firebase Database via theESP8266 Wi-Fi module. To deliver the capacity monitoring feature, the uploaded trash bin capacity information is displayed on the mobile application in the form of a bar level developed in the MIT App Inventor for the user to quickly take action if required. The system proposed in this study is intended to be implemented in a rural area, where it can potentially solve the recyclable waste separation problem.