Once a week we have to put out either our garbage or recycling, and then due to wildlife, bring them back inside same day. They're stored in the Garage.
I am going to be implementing a simply scheduled reminder to put it out in the morning, but wonder if anyone has any suggestions for how to remind me to bring them back in if I've forgotten? So far the main idea I've had was a simple mounted smart button above the bins on the wall or similar, which I can press when I bring them back in (and I only need one I guess since they never go out on the same day). Though I definitely prefer the idea of somehow automating this without my needing to actually DO something like press a button...
Any ideas for some sort of integration or sensor that could seamlessly handle this?
Check this thread for ideas. The IR or ultrasonic sensor would be perfect I think, you could set up an alert to check at X time if the cans are not there to remind you constantly until they are put away.
Since it is only once a week, I just have an EchoSpeaks announcement that says “Just a reminder to bring in the trash cans if you have not already done so”. Since we use Alexa, we can cancel/prevent the reminder announcement with a verbal command when we get back in the house with “I brought in the trash cans” (no reminder is announced later for that day). If we forget to issue this command after retrieving the trash cans before the reminder, saying that “I brought in the trash cans” cancels any repeating of the reminder announcement when stated after (if) the house makes a verbal reminder. No sensors or switches (other than the virtual switches that are voice controlled) needed on the trash cans etc.
Depending upon the time of day (or you can use outside lumens. . . I just reference a certain amount of time after sunset occurs in RM), if the trash cans are left out in the evening, the outside/driveway lights will be automatically illuminated if the reminder has not already been cancelled and the reminder will be announced at the given time on trash day.
Verbal communication may seem like a hassle to some, but it is only once a week so the verbal command is no big deal and seems pretty natural and “conversational”. Just one approach so that sensors with batteries and range issues are not involved (but I do realize that some people absolutely do not like to have to talk to their house). Just one method that my family is comfortable with. YMMV. Hope this helps to give you some ideas.
Although the reminder could be done in Hubitat, Amazon Alexa, and presumably Chromecast and Home Kit, are great at reminders. Since Alexa stores messages that are repetitious, I believe the announce will be made even if the Internet goes off line.
I have been retired nearly 10 years now, so I am at the age where I have a mild case of CRS (Can't Remember Stuff). I have Alexa remind me every evening 1 hour before bedtime to take my night-time pills. Sometimes I remember and take them before she reminds me. Sometimes, if I am busy when she makes the announcement, I might still forget and have to go back to the kitchen after I have gotten ready for bed. While daily reminders are easy, I believe you can set up weekly reminders as well.
Just as a simple option, I have a similar take out the trash reminder based on a door sensor...a rule starts checking at 7pm, and if our side gate hasn't been opened (trash goes out through that gate), then I start getting reminders until the gate opens once.
You could do something similar w/your garage door if you have a consistent time you bring in the trash can, and if your garage door isn't normally opened around that time.
My side gate has very limited use, so using it as the key works well for me - may not be the same for you and your garage door, but thought I'd throw this out as it's a simple approach that has been very reliable for me.
Oh, almost forgot. Easiest of all would be I send my wife to sit next to you on the couch and ask you "Did you bring in the trash can yet?" She's really good at chore reminders.
