Recycling Night

In my neighborhood, a seemingly trivial but persistent issue is determining the correct night to set out recycling bins for bi-weekly collection. This confusion often leads to a domino effect where, if one resident uncertainly places their bin curbside, others follow suit to avoid missing the collection, despite not knowing if it is indeed the scheduled recycling night.

To address this, I developed a solution using an Arduino connected to a timer module. This setup enabled precise time tracking, allowing for a passive notification system through an LED indicator. On the eve of scheduled recycling nights, the LED would illuminate, signaling that recycling collection was due the next day. This simple yet effective mechanism provided a clear indication of when to take out recycling bins alongside regular trash, removing any guesswork involved.

The beauty of this system lay in its subtlety and functionality. After placing the bins curbside, pressing a reset button on the Arduino would turn off the LED, signifying the task's completion. This interaction with the device was minimal yet impactful, embodying the concept of "invisible interfaces." These interfaces remain unobtrusive in daily life, becoming apparent and useful only when needed.

This Arduino project not only solved a specific logistical problem within my community but also introduced me to the potential and utility of designing passive, invisible interfaces. These systems can significantly enhance daily routines by providing essential information or reminders precisely when they are most relevant, thereby serving niche purposes effectively and efficiently.