Abstract Sustainability efforts have experienced a significant boost in recent years, where the investment in designing systems that help people better separate waste is evident. These efforts are centred on developing smart bins that can increase recycling by impacting the correct separation rate. This article presents a literature review of the attributes of smart bins that have contributed to a higher separation rate. The review yielded three key findings. The first is the characterisation of the commercial sensors used to identify waste and the mechanical components used to segregate and separate waste according to their category. The second is an analysis of the implications of selecting components, sensors and actuators, currently used and their impact and influence on the design of a smart bin. The third is a classification proposal of smart bins in four categories: i) full automation: the system classifies and separates the waste automatically. ii) moderate autonomy: the system is able to re-classify waste, when the user fails to correctly dispose, and segregate it automatically. iii) low autonomy: the system identifies the waste and indicates to the user where to dispose. iv) manual: since technological aids are not available, the bin signage will suggest to the user where to dispose.