Design and Evaluation of an Automated Waste Container for Hospital Waste Management. (#1227)

Authors

Ccasa Johanson, Luisa

Centellas Jáuregui, Rosita

Llanos Gallardo, Kathy

Noriega Leiva, Marianela

Silva Martos, Augusto

Abstract

Abstract– In the hospital context, proper waste management is crucial to minimize risks of exposure to infectious agents, ensure biosecurity and comply with health regulations. Traditional methods of waste collection and disposal, such as manual bins, present significant limitations in terms of hygiene, efficiency and ability to prevent contact with contaminated materials. This project proposes the design of an automated waste container, developed with recycled materials, incorporating a proximity sensor for automatic opening and an acoustic alert system using a buzzer, activated by an ultrasonic sensor when reaching maximum capacity. The general objective is to evaluate the impact of this system in improving biosecurity and operational efficiency compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the aim is to: design the automated prototype, analyze its operational performance and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing risks for staff and patients. The methodology adopted is pre-experimental in nature, with a focus on the construction, programming and functional testing of the prototype. The materials include recycled acrylic, an Arduino, sensors (proximity and ultrasonic), a servomotor and a buzzer. Controlled tests were conducted to measure the accuracy of the sensors, the response time of the servomotor, and the effectiveness of the alert system. The results showed that the automated bin significantly improved hygiene by eliminating the need for physical contact, reduced waste collection times, and provided timely alerts for bag changes. Compared to traditional methods, this system showed a notable decrease in the risk of exposure to infectious agents. Keywords- bin, automated, sensor, hospitals