The Future of Smart Waste Management in Urban Areas: A Holistic Review

With the global population steadily gravitating towards urban living, the demand for innovative and sustainable waste management solutions is paramount. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for Smart Waste Management (SWM) designed to address the escalating challenges of waste disposal in urban areas. It integrates cutting-edge technologies, including IoT-enabled sensors and real-time data analytics, to transform traditional waste collection processes. Emphasizing the significance of efficient waste management, the paper explores existing approaches and initiatives worldwide, with a particular focus on Sweden's successful waste management practices. The proposed framework introduces a systematic approach to waste segregation at its source, deploying colour-coded bags and bins for effective categorization. A diverse array of sensors, including ultrasonic and infrared can be seamlessly integrated into the framework. These sensors, in conjunction with microcontrollers and cloud storage, form a robust Smart Garbage Bin (SGB) network. The data generated by the SGBs undergoes meticulous processing, contributing to optimal route selection and dynamic route optimization, the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a waste monitoring application, provides real-time monitoring of waste collection operations, enhancing transparency and operational control. The proposed framework aims to revolutionize waste management, offering an environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient solution for urban areas facing burgeoning waste challenges.