Development of a Solar-Powered Embedded System for Waste Management In Rural Communities

Waste disposal remains a significant challenge globally, with most smart waste management systems focusing on urban areas. However, rural communities have been largely overlooked in these innovations, necessitating targeted solutions for effective waste management in these underserved regions. This research presents a smart waste management embedded system designed for rural communities. The system uses an Arduino Nano development board integrated with sensors, actuators, and a communication module within a waste bin. Ultrasonic sensors detect object proximity and content levels in the bin. A servo motor opens or closes the lid based on object distance and fullness. A SIM800L GSM module, operating on a 2G network, sends text messages to the waste management organization when the bin is full. The system was powered by a 12V solar panel and a 9V Lithium-Ion battery, ensuring reliable operation in areas with unstable electricity. To address delayed pickups, two bins were stationed at the exact location. The system was tested in Gidan Kwano Village of Niger State, Nigeria, where it showed response times of 5.67 seconds in areas with strong signal strength, 14.87 seconds with average network strength, and 83.47 seconds with poor signal strength. The results indicate that the system is effective and sustainable for rural communities, improving waste disposal and supporting economic growth.