This paper presents the design and implementation of an automated waste segregation system based on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. The system employs multiple sensors to detect key physical properties—conductivity, magnetic response, and material density—for classifying waste into metals, non-metals, and plastics in real time. A combination of actuators and conveyor mechanisms directs the sorted materials into designated bins with minimal manual intervention. The Q-series PLC serves as the central controller, coordinating sensor inputs and actuator responses, while a Human-Machine Interface (GOT2000) provides real-time monitoring and user interaction. Experimental trials demonstrate reliable classification performance, highlighting the potential of PLC-based control for cost-effective and efficient recycling automation.
Raj et al. (Fri,) studied this question.