Design and Fabrication of A Household-Friendly 5R Dustbin for Food Waste Composting

Abstract

Malaysia’s rapid population growth has intensified the need for effective food waste management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane. This study presents the design, fabrication, and evaluation of the 'Dustbin 5R', a compact, user-friendly composting unit aimed at household use. Incorporating the 5R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Rot—the system features a low-speed, high-torque DC motor that drives a stainless-steel cutter to process food waste into compostable material. Constructed with aluminum and stainless steel for durability, the dustbin operates using a rechargeable battery system and has overall dimensions of 500 mm × 500 mm × 600 mm. The primary objective is to enable users to manage food waste at home and convert it into organic fertilizer, promoting environmental awareness and cost savings. The prototype supports a capacity of up to 5 kg of food waste and has demonstrated effective cutting performance, compost output, and operational safety during testing. Results validate its potential as a decentralized solution for urban food waste challenges. In conclusion, the Dustbin 5R is not only environmentally friendly but also practical for everyday use, offering a sustainable way for households to reduce waste and produce organic fertilizer.