Nguyen Viet Gia Khai, a 9^th grade pupil at Da Nang’s Chu Van An Junior High School, recently won the first prize at the municipal-level Science and Technology Contest in the 2014-2015 academic year for his invention called 'Smart Dustbin'.  The event was organised by the municipal Department of Education and Training.

The 1 million VND dustbin features 2 separate compartments, one for organic and the other for inorganic waste.  In addition, it has an optical temperature sensor, an LED light and control circuit, an MP3 player, a speaker, a 220V transformer, and a switch. 

Gia Khai and his smart dustbin

When the dustbin is plugged into an electrical socket, its LED light turns on within 5 seconds to highlight the 'organic waste' and 'inorganic waste' signs.  The bin’s optical temperature sensor will then recognise a human face at close range by its temperature of over 36⁰C.  Then, a message in Vietnamese will be delivered three times over 45 seconds - “Welcome to the Smart Dustbin! Please note that the left-hand red compartment is for inorganic waste, whilst the left-hand green one is for organic waste.  Please put your garbage in the correct place.  Thank you!”

The Deputy Headmaster of Chu Van An Junior High School, teacher Ho Huu Tue, remarked that the new invention meets the criteria of innovation, science and utility.  Mr Tue said that Khai’s great passion for inventions has significantly contributed to promoting an active involvement in scientific and technological innovation amongst his school's pupils.  He added that Khai’s 'smart' dustbin will be very useful if it is perfected and produced for sale.