Smart Trash Can Auto-Open Lab Kit - Touchless Cistern Water Saver
Smart Trash Can Auto-Open Lab Kit – Touchless Cistern Water Saver with Arduino Uno & Ultrasonic
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
This lab kit takes the same touchless HC-SR04 circuitry used in smart trash cans and reimagines it for a water-saving purpose. You’ll build a cistern fill controller that stops the inflow before overflow, saving around 2 litres in every flush. All sensing, timing, and display logic is crafted around the Arduino Uno, while the relay output can drive a solenoid valve (not included) — just as it would operate a servo lid in an auto-opening bin.
What You'll Build
With this kit, you’ll assemble and program a real-time cistern monitor. The HC-SR04 measures water level from the tank ceiling, the DS3231 RTC timestamps each flush event, and the microSD module stores usage logs. The 0.96-inch OLED shows current fill percentage and last flush duration. The 5V relay, triggered when the cistern reaches a calibrated “full” mark, cuts power to a valve solenoid, preventing the usual 2-litre overfill waste.
What You’ll Learn
- How to set up and trigger an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor for non-contact water level measurement
- Wiring and coding a 5V relay module to control an external high-side load (valve or motor)
- Using a DS3231 real-time clock and microSD shield for timestamped data logging
- Adapting the same circuit logic to a motion-activated trash can auto-open system
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | x1 |
| HC-SR04 | x1 |
| 5V Relay Module | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 1N4007 Diode | x3 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | x5 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | x1 |
| M-M Wires | x20 |
| 9V Battery Snap | x1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Ideal for CBSE Class 11–12 physics lab extensions, B.Tech ECE/EEE mini projects, and ATL Tinkering Lab challenges. Students preparing for Smart India Hackathon or working on water conservation prototypes will find the sensor-logging stack directly applicable. Makers building IoT-aware touchless bins — whether for trash or for water — get a solid, reusable platform.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code inside the box to start a conversation with the AI companion trained on this kit. You can also reach us on WhatsApp — we’ll help you debug the circuit or logic in real time.
Can this actually save 2 litres of water per flush?
Yes. By cutting off the fill valve as soon as the cistern reaches the correct level, overfill is eliminated. In a typical 10-litre cistern, this prevents roughly 2 litres of overflow per cycle, which translates to thousands of litres saved each year in a household.
Do I need to buy a separate solenoid valve?
The kit includes a 5V relay module that can switch an external solenoid valve. You’ll need to source the valve separately or repurpose a 12V DC inlet valve commonly available at hardware stores.
Is it safe to run this circuit near water?
The HC-SR04 sensor does not contact water; it measures distance from the tank ceiling. The relay and Arduino are intended to stay outside the cistern housing. Follow standard electrical safety precautions, and never submerge any components.
Touchless Bin — HC-SR04 monitors cistern fill level. Relay valve closes early to save 2 litres per flush.
What's in this kit
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items