Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Vol. 10, No. 1, April 2018, pp. 120~128

ISSN: 2502-4752, DOI: 10.11591/ijeecs.v10.i1.pp120-128  120

Trash Basket Sensor Notification Using Arduino with Android

Application

Adel ALFoudery1, Abdulrahman Abdullah Alkandari2, Nayfah Mohsen Almutairi3

1,2
Computer Department, Basic Education College, PAAET, Kuwait
3
Islamic Studies Department, Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs, Kuwait

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: The protection of society and environment from garbage accumulation and
its polluting effects is carried by waste management companies, the services
Received Jan 9, 2018 provided by these companies are improving life overall quality. By
Revised Mar 2, 2018 preserving raw materials, proper collecting and elimination of trash have
Accepted Mar 18, 2018 reduced pollution and environmental impact. On the other hand, areas which
are suffered from inappropriate negative service appreciate the garbage
collector’s valuable efforts. Appropriate garbage collection and management
Keywords: facilities have made a recycling process improvement which caused a
reduction in waste generation. Also controlling the released contaminators
Android application and pollutants has decreased the impact on landfills and protected the
Arduino environment from the pollution negative effects. Using mobile and electronic
Infrared Sensor technology to enable waste management companies to finish its work and
Trash Sensor make it easier for collecting trash in a simple and an easy way. We introduce
Smartphone Trash Sensor Android Application to help waste management companies
detect trash levels to collect it and help citizens from undesired odours.
Copyright © 2018 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.
All rights reserved.

Corresponding Author:
Abdulrahman Abdullah Alkandari,
Computer Department, Basic Education College, PAAET, Kuwait,
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
The Due to market saturation and intense competition, achieving success cannot be maintained by
product portfolio and prices alone. Thus, telecom operators must search for other levels for positioning and
differentiation. The Internet and its widespread adoption give users more independent, more flexible, and
more demanding. Zooming in on product or service purchase and management, consumers freedom in
deciding when and how to communicate with a company, or even whether to communicate with it at all, is
growing. Depending on the geographical location and across all devices and channels, Real-time self-service
is becoming an essential expectation.
Communication methods have been changed significantly within the last 20 years. Methods of
receiving and displaying information have passed through a great revolution. The Internet origins belong to
1960s, and by reaching 1990s, the Internet usage was established in a wide range with a continuous growth of
web access [1].
In the other hand, the mobile Internet accessing has increased significantly. There are 3.5 billion
global mobile Internet users as at August 2017 [HostingFacts].
Mobile applications can load information that is available and necessary for doing and achieving the
desired tasks. Minified functions and layouts can be introduced to a mobile application which may not be
achievable on a mobile website. This will result in a faster loading and provide a more user-friendly approach
to complete processes required [1].

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Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752  121

2. PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
The problem of trash/waste is aggravating, which an impact effect us and the environment. As a
result of our continued use of natural resources and continuous production of waste, the pollution in our
world increases rapidly.
Garbage usually emits stench odours, and every normal person can recognize the stink. On a hot and
humid summer day, meat or diapers omitted in the garbage can give a clear picture about the mischief-
making powers of bacteria and microbes. Clarifying the reason for such smell is very simple, as it contains
decaying, putrescible materials such as meat or vegetables or diapers. The decaying process attracts bacteria
and fungus that feast on the amino acids in the meat's proteins. As microbes attack the vegetables' cell
structure, it causes the rot of the vegetables. This slowly liquefies the vegetables, and the fermenting liquids
warm up the garbage bag. The bag may rupture due to the increase of liquids and gases production. Although
it sounds gross, this what a small garbage could do. Cleaning companies want to know when the garbage box
is empty, half, or fully. Also, industrial factories want a method to know when the trash is full to avoid any
problems.
As a result of a problem solving the Trash Sensor Android application focus on finding a solution
for management of garbage companies to control trash levels through a notification system. The application
focus on:
a) Easy detect for trash level.
b) Determine trash levels through a sensor at three points empty, half, and full.
c) Receive a notification when a level came to its point.
d) Control receiving notification.
e) Using a suitable and comfortable interface.
f) Founding a proper design methodology for database and application interface.

3. RELATED WORK
We live in a world full of goods and no wonder that the trash and recyclables are included.
Regrettably, no one knows how it is managed or how it disappears. All this might change because researchers
are focusing on the removable chain to economize landfill space. In addition, trash tracking is a big topic and
has many research in many countries, mainly on designing and developing a smart trash management system
to control garbage processing and trash detection [2]. Various studies have been conducting on comparing the
different smart garbage systems [3]. However, we will introduce some of the related works in this field.
The location and reports data fed to the server via the cellular network is being measured
periodically by the trash tag. The 1st generation of trash tags was a GSM-based cellular phone technology
that estimates the tag position by measuring the signal strength from each cell tower in range of the device
and comparing it to a map of cell phone towers. The accuracy of the location is not as good as GPS.
However, it tends to be more durable as cellular signals can be picked up from inside buildings and within
piles of trash. Without the necessity of having a sky view. The second generation of tracking tags used the
best of both technologies; that is GPS and CDMA cell-tower trilateration based on Qualcomm’s GPS One
technology providing excellent accuracy and availability for position tracking applications [4].
These trends support the development of Smart City concepts, which are intended to improve living
in urban areas by using innovative technologies. The “Internet of Things” provides new opportunities for
making cities smarter. The internet of things (IOT) services was able to attract researchers in a various field,
and waste management system has become one of the interested application of IOT services [5]. In AHER
and et al. article, a trash management system based on IOT was discussed. It is a webpage based application
to detect trash level and alert cleaning coordinator by SMS [6]. An intelligent web-based bin system for
management of waste was presented by Kokila et al. it is an IoT based system integrated with (RFID),
Sensors, Arduino, and GSM. The system keeps track of the bin status to manage bin cleaning strategies [4].
Shiju presented a smart alert structure for a common web server, which was implemented by using
Arduino UNO with an ultrasonic sensor. The system detects the waste level of the dustbin and sends an alert
in case it is filled to the common web server [7]. Another designed system based on Arduino Nano board
with an ultrasonic sensor was proposed by Fadel. The system detects the level of the waste bin and sends
SMS warning when it is full [8]. A smart system was built by Gayathri et al. to monitor hospitals garbage.
The system using Arduino UNO with an ultrasonic sensor to alert the responsible authority when the dustbin
is filled with garbage [9].
Hannan et al. designed a new approach to detect wastebin level using a Gabor wavelet filter as a
feature extractor. RFID, GPS tracking, and a low-cost camera were integrated to develop a system that is
capable of collecting solid waste efficiency [10]. Robot Trash Can is a smart trash can that is implemented by
embedded algorithms of artificial intelligence. The can was designed to capture and clean up trash. In Padang

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Tunggal et al. paper, a pursuit algorithm based on fuzzy algorithm was presented to help the can in finding
the shortest path to the destination point where the garbage exist [11].
Kalpana and Jayachitra proposed the use of a smartphone in designing an intelligent trash
management system. Their design put the users in charge of informing the concerned authorities about the
trash level by sending the information to the system server, and the concern authorities will take the
appropriate action [12]. Suganya and et al. represented the same idea. However, the system uses UV Sensor
combined with WIFI system [13]. Nevertheless, the implementation of smart trash system using smartphone
application is the primary goal of this paper.

4. SYSTEM DESIGN
4.1. Software Design
The outputs should include a project plan that could form the basis of an application for research
and development or other relevant funding. The programming language that is used in the application is
explained as follows:
a) Java for Android: a programming language to develop Android code.
b) IDE (Integrated Development Environment): used to develop the Android Studio coding.
c) MySQL 5.5: it is a database to store the data of the user.
d) Toad for MySQL: it is an IDE that deals with the database; tables and relations creating.
e) Java J2EE to enable us to develop APIs (Application programming interface) which used to send
notifications.
f) Eclipse IDE to enable us to develop our java APIs code.
g) Tomcat application server to host our web application to handle APIs transactions.

Figure 1. Trash Sensor Full Sofware Component Diagram

4.2. Hardware Design

The Hardware design comprises three main components:
a) Arduino Mega 2560:
Arduino Mega 2560 is considered as microcontroller board which is based on Arduino
ATmega2560. The board consists of 54 digital pins for input and output connections (the pulse width
modulation uses 15 output pins, universal serial bus connection, reset button, 16 analog inputs, electrical
connector and four universal asynchronous receivers and transmitters. It includes everything that will be
needed for maintaining the microcontroller. By using a USB cable, the board can be easily connected to the
computer or can be turned on by using external power source. Also, Arduino Mega 2560 is suitable to use for
most of the Arduino shields. [7]
b) ArduinoWifi Shield:
The Arduino can be connected to the internet wirelessly by using the Arduino WIFI shield. It can be
connected to any wireless network just by following some simple steps to control the world by using the
internet. The Arduino software and hardware can be easily found due to its availability as an open source
platform, which means that Arduino users can learn exactly about Arduino startup circuits design and how it
can be connected. [14]
The shield contains a pushbutton which is responsible for resetting the Arduino board and HDG204.
The shield contains a mini USB port which is used for updating the AT32UC3 by using Atmel device
firmware upgrade protocol. It also contains a programming jumper which is close to the power jack. On the
other hand, Input pins must be unconnected for typical use; it can be only used in programming mode [15].

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An FTDI connection provides serial communication with the 32U used for debugging purposes.
Arduino WIFI shield was used with Arduino Mega 2560 to enable us to connect to the server to send a
notification to users.
c) Infrared Distance Sensor Type E18-D80NK:
This is an Infrared Transmitter and receiver which together make up a photoelectric sensor. The
sensor has a long detection distance and has less interference by visible light because it uses modulated
Infrared light. The sensor contains an adjustable screwdriver that can set the measured distance. Then it gives
a digital feedback when the sensor senses anything within the range. However, it cannot return a distance
value.
As per the Trash Sensor Android Application, the grove infrared proximity sensor was used to
detect the trash level and send a signal to the Arduino mega then to the server through the WIFI shield [14].

Figure 2. Hardware/Software Component Diagram

4.2. Trash Sensor Top-down View

Figure 3. Arduino Wifi Shield Back

a) The sensor will detect trash level on trash box.

b) The sensor will send a signal to Arduino Mega 2560 with level detected (Empty, Half, and Full).
c) Arduino Mega 2560 will connect to the internet by ArduinoWIFI Shield.
d) Arduino WIFI shield will connect to the server and call web service to send a notification to all users.
e) Trash Sensor Application will receive notification and save it in SQLite internal database.

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4.4. System Result

The trash sensor application screens are designed to have a friendly user interface and clarity
resolution view (see Figure 8 and 9). During the design, we follow some steps including:

4.4.1 Clarity (user-friendly) is job #1

Clarity (friendly user) can be classified as one of the most considerable jobs of any interface.
Recognizing and knowing the interface job is very important to people because it helps them to understand
what they are interacting with. Also predicting what may happen while using it which will help the user to
interact with the interface successfully. While there is a mystery room in interfaces, a room for confusion will
not exist, which will help the user to understand how to use the interface. It also e contains one hundred
screen which makes it preferable to a single crowd and unclear screen.

4.4.2 Interfaces Exist to Enable Interaction

The interfaces job is to make humans and the world react and interact together as one part. It can
bring people together and shows their relationships. Also, interfaces can manage people expectations to have
more access to many types of services.

4.4.3 Conserve any attention

As we are living in an interrupted world, reading without being distracted is almost hard to be
found.

4.4.4 Keeps the user in control

Users can be more comfortable, by making them feel that they have a full control of themselves and
be able to control their own environment.

4.4.5 Direct Manipulation

The interfaces can help to manipulate and interact with physical objects since it is not possible to
interact with them as they are more informational.
- Single primary action for each screen which gives every designed screen ability to support real value for
the user.
- Each primary action can contain multiple secondary.
- It only shows the necessary items on each screen which allows the user to choose widely from a variety of
information.
Trash sensor Android application home page contains two functions as shown in Figure 4.
Notification Status (ON/OFF), and Notification Listing.
By clicking on the notification, the status will turn on/off receiving notification as shown in Figure 5
and 6.
By clicking on “Notification Listing” button, a list of received notification for current day will be
loaded with details like Sent Date, Sent Time, and Trash Level.
By the end of the day, all notifications will be removed from the database as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 4. Trash Sensor App Home Screen Figure 5. Trash Sensor App Notification On/Off
Control

Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, Vol. 10, No. 1, April 2018 : 120 – 128
Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752  125

Figure 6. Trash Sensor App Notification Alert Figure 7. Trash Sensor App Received Notification
List

Figure 8. Trash Sensor App Model Figure 9. Trash Sensor App Hardware Connection

4.5. Data Flow Diagram

Creating data flow diagrams helps to clarify how data is being processed by any system in terms of
inputs and outputs. Also, it focuses on the information flow and indicates the track of data in the system.

Figure 10. Trash Sensor Data Flow Diagram

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4.6. Use Cases

Table 1. User Receive Notification Control

Case User Receive Notification Control
Description User can set receive notification switch to on/off to be able to receive notifications
from trash sensor
User Users
Steps - Download and install the application.
- Click on “Notification Status” button to enable/disable receiving notification.
Response If user set receiving notifications to “ON” will start to receive notifications, otherwise, if he
set to off will stopping to receive any notifications from trash sensor.

Table 2. Notification History Use Case

Case Notification History
Description The user can use Trash Sensor App to display all received notifications for today.
User Users
Steps - Download and install the application.
- Click on “Notification History” button.
Response All received notifications for current day will be displayed with received date and time.

5. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION, DIFFICULTIES, AND TESTING

5.1. System Implementation
All projects must go through a life cycle beginning with a feasibility study, system and business
analysis (requirements), physical and logical design, running testing and verification, through the end point
of the project – a successful and effective implementation, and, and the cycle will compete with the system
maintenance and developments. However, we have two types of implementations:

A. Hardware Implementation
1) Arduino Mega 2560 to be burned with code through Arduino IDE.
2) Arduino WIFI Shield to be integrated with Arduino Mega 2560 and configured to connect to WIFI
network.
3) D-80 PIR Sensor to be connected and configured to Arduino 2560 input and output ports.

B. Software Implementation
1) Java API web service to be exported as WAR file and deployed on Tomcat server.
2) Android application to be exported from Android studio IDE as an APK file.
3) Install the application on Android device.

5.2. Difficulties
During the development of our project, we faced many difficulties in both hardware and software
including
- Determine which sensor will be suitable for our project’s target.
- While writing our Arduino code, we faced a problem to send the trash level as a parameter in the API.
- Determine the level of the trash, while trashes fall down in the same trash box and cut the three sensors at
the same time.
- Also, we take more time to set the Arduino baud rate. Finally, we know from Arduino datasheet to be set to
9600.

5.3. System Testing

The Trash Sensor Android mobile application has been tested on the Samsung Note4, and Sony
Xperia mobile phones and it was running successfully with all functionalities well. There are no resolution
issues, no performance problems, and no screen issues.

6. CONCLUSION
Trash Sensor Android application focus on finding a solution for waste management companies to
control trash levels through a notification system. The following are the most distinctive features of the Trash
Sensor application:

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Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci ISSN: 2502-4752  127

a) Trash sensor mobile application has the ability to introduce an online solution to detect the trash level.
b) The application will send notifications to all users with the level indicator.
c) The sensor will connect to an Arduino Wi-Fi shield to send a notification containing the trash level to all
users.
d) History for all received notification will be available for one day.
e) The sensor will detect the trash levels at three points are empty, half, and full.
f) The user can turn on/off receiving notifications.

7. FUTURE WORK
We finished to program, implement and design Trash sensor android application using an Arduino
Mega 2560 and we have a future work which includes:
a) Add track to each trash with its location by Google maps.
b) Identified each trash with an identification number.
c) Classified application to track trashes by the government like Hawaaly, Mubarak Al-AlKabeer, and
Kuwait City.
d) Work on adding administration to control on notifications and adding or removing trashes from the
system.
e) Work on adding rules and credentials by username and password for every user to be responsible for his
location.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Adel AL oudery received the B.Sc. degree in Computer Science from Central Michigan
University, U.S.A in 1991, the M.Sc. degree in Philosophy- Information and Communication
Technology in Nonprofits - from Loughborough University, England in 2001, and the Ph.D.
degree in Philosophy: Internet Network in Kuwait Charities Loughborough University in 2006.
Dr. Adel ALFoudery is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, The
Public Authority for Applied Education & Training (Basic Education College). His research
interests include intelligent systems, traffic engineering, algorithms, smartphone applications,
IoT, smart cities, and wireless sensor networks.

Abdulrahman Alkandari received the B.Sc. degree in Computer Engineering from Kuwait
University, Kuwait in 2004, the M.Sc. degree in Computer Engineering from Kuwait University,
Kuwait in 2011, and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from International Islamic University
Malaysia in 2014. Dr. Alkandari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer
Science, The Public Authority for Applied Education & Training (Basic Education College). His
research interests include intelligent systems, traffic engineering, algorithms, smartphone
applications, IoT, smart cities, and wireless sensor networks.

Nayfah Mohsen Almutairi received the B.Sc. degree in Molecular Biology from Kuwait
University, Kuwait, in 2006, B.Sc. degree in Computer Science from Gulf University for Science
and Technology, Kuwait, in 2012, and the M.Sc. degree in Computer Science Kuwait
University, Kuwait, in 2014. She is a programmer in Islamic Studies Department, Ministry of
Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Her research interests include databases application, data structures
and algorithms, smartphone applications, and artificial intelligent/intelligent systems.

Indonesian J Elec Eng & Comp Sci, Vol. 10, No. 1, April 2018 : 120 – 128