Just a Cute Desktop Dustbin with an Iris Lid

Everyone needs a small dustbin near their desk, into which they can deposit the byproducts of productivity, such as empty creamer cups, pens that have run out of ink, and tissues soaked in stress-induced tears. If you don’t yet have a dustbin and you want one that will look great on your desk, you should check out this smart and adorable DIY option designed by The Wrench.

I really shouldn’t have to justify this beyond pointing out how cute it is. But just in case the photos aren’t loading and so you aren’t yet convinced, I would like to point out that it is a smart dustbin with an iris mechanism (like a camera shutter. Or a Stargate!) lid that automatically opens when you bring your hand near and then closes after you move your hand away. That’s pretty nifty and should keep some of the ants out if you fill the dustbin with old sugar packets.

You’re surely convinced now and will want to build your own dustbin. To do that, you can start by 3D printing all of the parts. Those include the body and the mechanical bits of the iris lid. You will need some screws and little magnets, but you’ve probably already got some in that box in your garage with “misc” written on it in Sharpie.

Next up you have the electronics and those consist of an Arduino Nano board, an ultrasonic distance sensor, and a little MG90S servo motor. The Arduino detects hands (or anything else) with the ultrasonic sensor and tells the servo to open up the iris. For power, there is an 18650 lithium battery holder and a charging module. Optionally, you can use the provided Gerber files to make a custom PCB that simplifies the wiring of all that stuff.

Then flash the Arduino code and enjoy your stylish trash receptacle! I suggest making a futuristic “vooooom” noise with your mouth each time the iris opens.