Smart Waste Collection based on PIC Microcontroller and Embedded C For Coastal Sustainability: A Tech-Driven Approach

Environmental issues are increasing day by day, including coastal contamination, which has made inventive and technologically leading waste management systems essential. In this study, a "Smart Waste Collection System for Coastal Sustainability" is designed and implemented. This system mainly makes use of embedded technology and automation for the enhancement of garbage collection efficiency from water bodies. A PIC Microcontroller is Integrated with various components, such as a propeller motor for forward and backward directional movement on water, a geared DC motor for controlling the up and down mechanism of the waste-collecting conveyor and maintaining its speed, and a triangular flap that navigates the left-right direction of the system. Also, the ultrasonic sensor is mounted on the servo motor for real-time obstacle detection at a 180° angle, which allows the command execution and stops the whole system. It uses the HC-05 Bluetooth Module for continuous communication with the user's mobile device, allowing smooth system functioning. Custom design of PCB and Embedded software supports the system, which encourages sustainable waste management practices in coastal areas. This adaptable and effective solution illustrates the capability of embedded and automation technology. The project aims to design a technology-driven waste collection system for Coastal contamination. The system is designed in such a way that it reduces human interference and permits remote control through mobile applications. The real-time scenarios were effectively implemented in this system. Resulting in effective collection of waste material floating on water bodies, detection of obstacles, and smoothly responding to the mobile commands given by the user. The Bluetooth module ensures continuous communication, which makes the system a robust, scalable, and sustainable solution for Coastal waste collection. The main issue solved by this study is the inefficiency and constraints of current coastal waste collection systems, which are usually non-automated, non-adaptive to aquatic environments, and non-remotely operable. The designed system was evaluated in a controlled aquatic environment, showing efficient navigation, precise obstacle detection, and successful collection with more than 85% operational efficiency. The combination of the remote control based on Bluetooth and embedded automation led to low human intervention and high responsiveness, highlighting the system's potential as a scalable and sustainable solution for real-world coastal waste management applications.