Project Title:
Smart Waste Management System Using STM32 and IoT
Project Overview:
The Smart Waste Management System automates waste monitoring using STM32 and IoT. An ultrasonic sensor detects the fill level of waste bins, and when full, the system sends alerts to authorities via platforms like Blynk, ThingSpeak, or MQTT. An optional GPS module tracks bin locations, enabling efficient waste collection and route optimization.
Hardware Components:
STM32 Microcontroller (e.g., STM32F103C8T6) – Main controller
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) – To measure waste bin fill levels
Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266/ESP01) – For IoT connectivity
GPS Module (Neo-6M) (Optional) – For bin location tracking
Power Supply (3.3V/5V) – To power STM32 and peripherals
Jumper Wires – For connections
Battery/Power Bank – For portable operation
LED/Buzzer – For local full-bin indication
Breadboard/PCB – For circuit assembly
Enclosure Box – To house electronics in the bin
Software Components:
STM32CubeIDE – For coding and flashing the STM32
Arduino IDE (for ESP8266) – To configure Wi-Fi module
Blynk/ThingSpeak/MQTT Platform – For data visualization and alerts
STM32 HAL Libraries – For sensor interfacing and PWM control
Mobile App (Blynk) – For remote monitoring
Google Maps API (Optional) – For GPS tracking integration
Working Logic:
1. Bin Fill Level Detection:
The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor is mounted at the top of the bin.
It continuously measures the distance from the sensor to the waste surface.
If the distance decreases below a predefined threshold, the bin is considered full.
2. Data Processing (STM32):
The STM32 processes the ultrasonic sensor readings.
It calculates the fill percentage and compares it to the threshold.
When the bin reaches ~80-90% capacity, an alert is triggered.
3. IoT Communication:
The STM32 communicates with the ESP8266 via UART/SPI.
The ESP8266 connects to Wi-Fi and sends data (bin status and GPS location) to an IoT platform (Blynk, ThingSpeak, or MQTT).
4. Remote Monitoring and Alerts:
On the Blynk app or web dashboard, users can see real-time bin status (Empty, Half-full, Full).
Push notifications or emails can be sent when the bin is full.
5. Location Tracking (Optional):
A GPS module provides real-time location data.
This helps waste collection teams optimize routes and track bin locations.
6. Local Indication:
An LED or buzzer on the bin can indicate a full status locally.
Block Diagram:
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) → STM32
STM32 ⇄ ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module ⇄ IoT Platform (Blynk/ThingSpeak/MQTT)
STM32 ⇄ GPS Module (Neo-6M) (Optional)
STM32 → LED/Buzzer (for local alerts)
User Smartphone ⇄ Blynk/ThingSpeak App
Features:
Real-Time Monitoring: Continuously tracks bin fill levels.
IoT-Enabled Alerts: Sends notifications when bins are full.
Location Tracking: GPS integration for efficient waste collection (optional).
Energy Efficient: Runs on battery with optimized power consumption.
Cost-Effective: Uses affordable sensors and microcontrollers.
Scalable: Can be applied to multiple bins across cities.