Over the last decade or so, we’ve been inundated with appliances with wireless or “smart” technology that is often of dubious utility. No one really needs a tablet in their refrigerator or Wi-Fi on their coffee maker. A less glamorous kitchen appliance that actually might benefit from some automation and connectivity is the garbage can, or “bin” for those speaking the Queen’s English, and [Mellow_Labs] is here to show off just how to get that done with this automatic garbage can lid.
As he explains, the real impetus behind this build is to not have to touch a dirty lid while cooking to avoid having to take time to wash one’s hands again afterwards. There are a few other design criteria as well; it has to be roommate-approved so nothing permanently attached to the lid, overly complicated, or with an unnecessary amount of wires or other fixtures. A servo with an extension sits on the lid itself, and when activated forces the lid open. A distance sensor provides basic gesture recognition and a microcontroller with wireless connectivity controls both and provides home automation integration as well. With a 3D printed case that includes a quick disconnect function for easy cleaning of the lid, the build was ready to be put into service.
The first iteration used an infrared distance sensor, but placing it by an open window caused it to continuously open and close since sunlight has the same wavelengths of light the sensor is tuned for. A quick swap with an ultrasonic sensor solved the problem, and the garbage can is working flawlessly in the kitchen now. Another appliance that is generally not targeted by off-the-shelf automation solutions is the range fume hood, but another build tackled that problem a while back.
“nothing…overly complicated”
Here in the UK we have had “pedal bins” since about 1950 so you don’t have to touch the lid.
It sounds like this solution can be applied to any existing bin with a hinged lid. I don’t think there’s an after market pedal bin conversion kit on the market that can claim the same. Also, sometimes you just want an excuse, not necessarily a reason to build something.
Had one these auto-open cans. It worked for few months. Tossed it and got one with peddle….working perfectly now for four years hands- free no batteries required.
My pedal activated garbage can is going on like 20 years with no issues. It’s a robust, simple solution to the problem. no need for any electronics. KISS is best!
When I was a kid, we also had a foot pedal for our refrigerator as well.
For some reason no one does this anymore.
Was coming here to say the same thing. If “to not have to touch a dirty lid while cooking” is the ONLY goal, then yes, foot pedal. If that PLUS “do cool hacky stuff”, then this is a win! :D
True, but i understood this was presented as ‘needed’ as opposed to the ‘nobody needs….’
I have a futuristic gadget on my bin which is called ‘foot pedal’. Like magic when i step on it, the lid opens without me touching it.
I, uh, actually added wifi to my coffee maker.
And I mounted a magnet to the back of an old tablet and stuck that on my fridge.
I hope it implements HTCPCP
Of course someone had to go and look that up, and of course that someone was me. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyper_Text_Coffee_Pot_Control_Protocol
Whats wrong with people these days?….well I guess nothing, he is a you tuber so he gotta do what he gotta do.
Can I get one of these to lift the lid on my toilet?
Innovation no one asked for
Half the cheap bins on AMZ have a simple short range PIR that will open and close automagically.
Hack for HaD sure, but over-engineered for SM content.
Who puts any lid on a indoor bin at all? Without one you can toss any piece of trash on a nice little parabolic trajectory and have it land straight in the bin. Not only do you not need to touch the bin that way, you don’t even have to walk right up to it (range of trash tossing inversely proportional to how disgusting the trash is and how much mess it would make if it landed on the floor instead, vertical drop for raw meat’s packaging, long arc for peach stones…).
Ahem. 3 Canines of the correct height to ”graze” in the garbage can in my household.
“bin” for those speaking the Queen’s English
It’s the King’s English now.
It was the Queen’s English for all of lives, so it is understandable to make the mistake though…
She did nothing just lived on tax money.
Her and Paddington entertained us.
I mean, if they learned the queen’s english then surely they can choose whether to speak hers or his? Maybe they are speaking his when they use newer terms, or hers otherwise. :P
Closed cans stink, open they quickly dry out wet stuff gets dried soon enough. If flies are a issue have a screen lid but get rid of the stink first. It’s a decor choice covering the “trash”, the cabinet doors are probably dirty too after cooking.
Where this would be good is outdoors with public cans and trash pandas, it’d have to discriminate.
Fun project but not a leap forward. How about a vapor sensor to tell you when your, er, garbage stinks?
I have one of those; it’s quite sensitive, doesn’t need electricity and works all (well, most, deppending on pollen count) of the time. Called ‘my nose’
Glad to see Edward Snowden is keeping busy
That’s the comment I was looking for.
Care to explain?
The man in the video resembles Edward Snowden
Can’t be over complicated – but a lever connected to a foot pedal is less complicated.