Iot-Based Smart Waste Collection and Utilization of Segregated Waste as Primary Material for Road Construction

Abstract

Urbanization, by its nature, is defined as a process where the vast majority of the world's population is moving into cities during this century. This rapid rate of urbanization will significantly increase municipal solid waste generation over time, creating a significant number of challenges for traditional waste management systems (traditional collection methods lack real-time monitoring capabilities; the collection method results in overflowing bins within the urban landscape; citizens suffer from exposure to environmental pollution, and ultimately, sanitation workers are put at risk due to Health & Safety risk factors on the job). This project presents a solution through the combination of an Internet of Things (iot) Smart Waste Collection & Segregation System, combined with the recycling of Segregated Waste through its use in road construction. The proposed system utilizes an assortment of sensors (ultrasonic, moisture, metal, and gas) which provide automated integration with a Microcontroller; the system monitors the type of waste being produced and provides automated monitoring of the level of waste within a given waste bin, all while communicating real-time data, via Wireless Communication Modules, with appropriate authorities so that timely collection of the waste is available. The proposed automated collection process will ultimately eliminate much of the manual labour currently needed for segregation at the source and will enable increased efficiencies to recycle what is produced while reducing the need for new construction methods (for example: the recycling of segregated plastic through the Recycling of plastic while the incorporation of segmented plastic in the bituminous base for pavement will prolong cement base durability to a significantly higher degree than that of current construction methods). The integrated approach presented by this project will provide both increased efficiencies to existing waste management systems and further support sustainable Infrastructure Development efforts around Smart City Initiatives through the recycling of waste outside of landfills and minimizing any negative effects associated with the accumulation of urban produce as solid waste.