Design and Evaluation of an Automated Waste Container for Hospital Waste Management: A Focus on Reducing Risks of Exposure to Infectious Agents

Roger S.-A.; Luisa C.-J.; Rosita C.-J.; Kathy L.-G.; Marianela N.-L.; Augusto S.-M. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1227

Resumen

In the hospital context, proper waste management is crucial to minimize the risk of exposure to infectious agents, ensure biosafety, and comply with health regulations. Traditional waste collection and disposal methods, such as manual bins, present significant limitations in terms of hygiene, efficiency, and the ability to prevent contact with contaminated materials. This project proposes the design of an automated trash bin, developed with recycled materials, which incorporates a proximity sensor for automatic lid opening and an acoustic alert system using a buzzer, activated by an ultrasonic sensor when maximum capacity is reached. The general objective is to evaluate the impact of this system on improving biosafety and operational efficiency compared to traditional methods. Specifically, it aims to: design the automated prototype, analyze its operational performance, and assess its effectiveness in reducing risks to both staff and patients. The methodology adopted is pre-experimental, focusing on the construction, programming, and functional testing of the prototype. Materials include recycled acrylic, an Arduino board, sensors (proximity and ultrasonic), a servomotor, and a buzzer. Controlled tests were conducted to measure sensor accuracy, servomotor response time, and the effectiveness of the alert system. Results showed that the automated bin significantly improved hygiene by eliminating the need for physical contact, reduced waste collection time, and provided timely alerts for bag replacement. Compared to traditional methods, this system demonstrated a notable decrease in the risk of exposure to infectious agents. In conclusion, the prototype proves to be an innovative and functional solution for hospital waste management, aligned with modern standards of biosafety and sustainability. This advancement could be key in transforming how hospitals handle their waste, protecting both medical staff and patients.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte