Mark GjølMar 10

I would like #homeassistant to alert me if I have forgotten to take out the trash. First thought is a proximity sensor of some sort. Or just anything where I can detect that my trash can has moved the ten or so meters away from my house to the road (there are multiple trash cans on different schedules). A sensor that does nothing except report signal strength might also work.

Any good ideas?

Show threadStu KZ4LN
@Gjoel Are the cans stored in a climate controlled location? You could also potentially use those ultrasound distance sensors, assuming you always store the bins in the same location. If you're handy with ESPHome, that would be a viable alternative to consider.
Mar 10 at 7:51pmWeb
Show threadMark GjølMar 10
@KZ4LN they are outside. Also, the trash bin is handled rather roughly when emptied... Perhaps an optical sensor could be used, like what they use for the gates in super markets? Line of sight to a reflective surface sort of thing. Is that an option?
Show threadStu KZ4LNMar 10
@Gjoel https://esphome.io/components/sensor/ultrasonic/ I was picturing something like this, mounted on a wall behind where the bins are stored. It does not require any special reflective surface for the bin, and since it stays on the house, rough handling of the bin is a non-issue. However weather is, hence leading with that constraint.
Ultrasonic Distance Sensor

Instructions for setting up ultrasonic distance measurement sensors in ESPHome.

ESPHome - Smart Home Made Simple
Show threadMark GjølMar 10
@KZ4LN Yes, the sensor would have to withstand moisture, even if I could shield it from direct rain. That's a very good idea though!