♻️ Smart Reverse Vending Machine
AI-Powered Plastic Bottle Recycling and Reward System The Smart Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is an intelligent recycling system designed to encourage people to recycle plastic bottles by providing a simple, automated, and rewarding recycling experience. The system uses an ESP32-CAM and an Edge Impulse-trained AI model to identify plastic bottles based on their visual characteristics. The machine is designed to accept plastic bottles only and reject objects that do not match the trained bottle category. Once an acceptable bottle is detected, the system automatically controls the collection mechanism, records the recycling activity, and provides a unique reward code to the user.
The Smart Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is an intelligent recycling system designed to encourage people to recycle plastic bottles through automation and rewards. The project combines Artificial Intelligence (AI), embedded systems, sensors, and GSM communication to create a convenient and interactive method of collecting recyclable plastic bottles. The system uses an ESP32-CAM and an AI model trained with Edge Impulse to identify plastic bottles based on their visual characteristics. When a user presents an object, the camera captures its image and the trained model determines whether it belongs to the accepted plastic-bottle category. If the object is recognized as an acceptable bottle, the machine activates a servo-controlled mechanism to allow the bottle into the collection section. Objects that do not meet the required classification are not accepted. After an accepted bottle enters the machine, an IR sensor counts it, while an LCD display provides information such as the bottle count and a unique reward code. The system can also use a SIM800L GSM module to communicate reward information to designated users. The project aims to promote responsible waste disposal and increase participation in plastic recycling by combining smart technology with an incentive-based recycling process. It provides a practical demonstration of how AI and embedded technology can be applied to environmental challenges while creating a more engaging recycling experience. Project Motto Recycle More. Earn More. Save the Earth.
Project Overview
♻️ Smart Reverse Vending Machine
The Smart Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is a technology-based recycling system developed to encourage the proper disposal and recycling of plastic bottles. The project combines Artificial Intelligence, computer vision, sensors, automation, and GSM communication to create an intelligent and user-friendly recycling machine.
The system is designed to accept plastic bottles only. An ESP32-CAM captures an image of the item presented by the user, while an AI model trained using Edge Impulse analyzes the image to determine whether the item matches the trained plastic-bottle category. When an acceptable bottle is detected, the machine activates its automatic mechanism and allows the bottle to enter the collection compartment.
After acceptance, an IR sensor counts the bottle, while an LCD provides feedback to the user. The system also generates a unique alphanumeric reward code, which can be used when claiming the recycling reward. GSM communication can be used to transmit the reward information to the designated contact.
The project demonstrates how modern embedded and AI technologies can be applied to environmental challenges. By combining bottle recognition, automatic collection, counting, and rewards, the Smart Reverse Vending Machine provides an interactive approach to encouraging plastic bottle recycling.
Project Focus:
AI-Based Plastic Bottle Detection → Automatic Acceptance → Bottle Counting → Reward Generation
How the Smart Reverse Vending Machine Works
The Smart Reverse Vending Machine operates through a sequence of automated processes that allow the system to identify, accept, count, and reward users for recycling plastic bottles.
When a user approaches the machine, the ultrasonic sensor detects the presence of an object and activates the bottle detection process. The ESP32-CAM then captures an image of the object and sends it to the trained AI model. The model, developed using Edge Impulse, analyzes the visual characteristics of the object, including its appearance, shape, and size, to determine whether it belongs to the accepted plastic-bottle category.
If the object is recognized as a plastic bottle, the system activates a servo motor, which opens the entry mechanism. The bottle is then allowed to pass into the collection section. An IR sensor detects the bottle after the mechanism has opened and increases the bottle count. This arrangement ensures that the IR sensor counts bottles only after they have been accepted by the system.
The LCD display provides real-time information to the user, including the system status, number of bottles collected, and a unique alphanumeric reward code. The GSM module can also be used to communicate the reward information to the designated contact.
If the object is not recognized as an acceptable plastic bottle, the machine does not open the entry mechanism. This helps prevent unwanted materials from entering the collection compartment.
System Process
Object Detected → Camera Captures Image → AI Identifies Object →
Plastic Bottle?
✅ YES → Servo Opens → Bottle Enters → IR Counts Bottle → Reward Code Generated
❌ NO → Entry Remains Closed → Object Rejected
This automated process makes the system more convenient, controlled, and interactive while encouraging users to participate in plastic bottle recycling.