If you’re looking for a fun and affordable project to work on, why not turn your trashcan into a smart bin? With some basic supplies and an Arduino platform, you can create a fully automated trash can that opens up when you approach it.

To start, you’ll need a few components such as a motion sensor, a motor, and jumper wires. You can easily find a pack of SG90 motors on Amazon for around $12. Additionally, a 10-pack of HC-SR04 sensors costs $13, and you can get a bunch of jumper wires for about $10.

Once you gather all the necessary supplies, you’ll need to connect the motion sensor to the motor using the jumper wires. The idea is that the lid of the trash can will pop open when you come within 30 cm of it. This simple upgrade can greatly improve your quality of life, but make sure to keep it away from pets who might try to get into the trash.

This project is a great way to get started with Arduino and explore its capabilities. It’s affordable and straightforward, allowing you to determine if you enjoy working with the Arduino platform before investing further. If a smart trash bin doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of other projects to try, such as building a smart vacuum cleaner with spare Arduino parts.