A Review of Smart Waste Management Systems using IOT and Embedded Technologies

A Review of Smart Waste Management Systems using IOT and Embedded Technologies

Abhishek

IET, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India abhi842396@gmail.com

Ishant Arya

IET, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India ishantarya608@gmail.com

Ikroop Verma

IET, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India ikroop09@bujhansi.ac.in

Lalit Sen

IET, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, India lalitsen00000@gmail.com

Abstract Worldwide waste management stands as a critical issue because industrial expansion and urbanization activities produce substantial waste quantities. Standard waste collecting procedures create ineffective waste management while adding to pollution in the environment. The combination of Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded technologies within waste management generated smart dustbin systems and automated waste collection methods. This review study investigates smart waste management approaches combined with methodologies and obstacles and eventual applications in the field. The manuscript describes how sensors together with microcontrollers along with real-time monitoring systems enhance waste collection efficiency and create sustainable solutions.

Keywords Smart Dustbin, Arduino, Smart Waste Management, Internet of Things (IoT)

1. INTRODUCTION

   Sustainable urban spaces need an efficient waste management system to prevent environmental and health risks. Hand- picked waste collection serves as traditional waste management but proves to be irregular and inefficient which ends up filling bins to overcapacity levels while worsening environmental pollution. The combination of IoT and embedded systems enabled smart dustbin development which includes waste level monitoring along with route optimization and boosted waste distribution system operations. Smart dustbins utilize Waste management is essential for urban sustainability because these devices contain Waste management sensors for detection. Created through poor waste management methods both environment and human health face serious risks. Most traditional waste collection

   systems depend on workforce that produces irregular and inefficient performance. Overloaded bins and elevated pollution levels are typical effects of this situation.

   The Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems made the development possible for smart dustbins. Smart dustbins feature different sensors to gauge waste amounts like ultrasonic sensors and infrared sensors and weight sensors which serve as monitoring tools. The smart waste systems use real-time data transmissions to municipal authorities which allow them to do waste disposal correctly and develop optimized waste collection routes.

   The automated system cuts down on human maintenance requirements which leads to reduced overflow risk and promotes urban environmental cleanliness. The research analyzes multiple smart waste management technologies alongside their waste detection instruments including ultrasonic, infrared and weight sensors as well as their implementation possibilities. The system sends live data reports to city authorities which helps expedite waste collection activities. Smart automation systems decrease human management needs and cut down waste overflow while sustaining better urban cleanliness. The research investigates numerous smart waste management systems alongside their implementations while suggesting possible advancements [1]. An Arduino-based Smart Dustbin functions as a cutting-edge system which ensures touchless waste dumping through a combination of hardware components. This system connects an Arduino microcontroller as its core component to an ultrasonic sensor which receives readings from a servo motor. The ultrasonic sensor installed on the dustbin runs an ongoing distance measurement function toward the front. The Arduino receives signals from the ultrasonic sensor which operates to detect objects such as hands or waste items that approach within a set distance (usually between 10 to 20 centimeters).

   The Arduino executes the signal received and triggers the servo motor responsible for managing the dustbin lid. The servo motor activates and opens the lid automatically to let users dispose waste items without touching anything. The Arduino communicates with the servo motor once again after a delay of 2 to 5 seconds to execute a command that closes the lid thus protecting hygiene and avoiding contamination.

   This automated system serves crucially important roles in numerous centers like public venues and hospitals and schools and domestic settings because it diminishes exposure to possibly hazardous contact surfaces. Students with an interest in automation and embedded systems can easily benefit from the smart dustbin because it provides both energy efficiency and affordability.

   Future-developments should focus on implementing three key features consisting of GSM modules that trigger full-bin alerts together with weight sensors that detect loads and solar- powered functionality for real-world applications. The smart dustbin represents a useful everyday implementation of basic electronic components and programming which solves common waste disposal issues [2][ 3].

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

   Research indicates multiple studies have concentrated on creating IoT-based smart waste management systems. Studies have produced several essential findings according to previous research:

   The IoT-Based Smart Garbage Monitoring System allows researchers to use ultrasonic sensors with wireless Internet of Things for waste bin monitoring. The systems transmit wireless data through Wi-Fi modules that send information to centralized monitoring stations. The use of Arduino microcontrollers together with servo motors allows automated dustbins to function effectively. The smart systems automatically detect a user's approach with their lid opening mechanism until the timer ends.

   A number of projects have adopted GSM modules to enable remote alerts which trigger automatic notifications to municipal authorities about full waste containers.

   Some smart bin systems implement solar panel technology for sensors and communication module power which minimizes the dependency on external power supply.

   The development of smart cities depends on smart dustbins as explained by multiple research papers because effective waste collection requires both data analysis and predictive modeling [3][4].

   Author(s) / Year	Objective	Methodology	Key Findings
   N. Sathish	To develop an	Implemented	Enhanced
   Kumar et al.	IoT-based	IoT-enabled	human-sensor
   	smart dustbin	dustbins	collaboration
   	system	communicating	and
   	integrated	with a mobile	encouraged
   	with mobile	app; allowed user	community
   	apps for	input and	participation in
   	municipal use.	authority	waste
   		notifications.	reporting.

   1. Evolution of Smart Waste Management

      S. S. Navghae, M. S. Killedar, and V. M. Rohokale,	To manage garbage overflow using smart dustbins with real-time alerts.	Used ultrasonic sensors and Wi- Fi modules to detect garbage levels and notify waste collectors when full.	Prevented overflow and improved collection efficiency through real- time monitoring.
      N. Sharma, N. Singha, and T. Dutta,	To create a solar-powered smart waste system using dustbins with IoT features.	Deployed trash cans with embedded sensors and solar panels, triggering alerts at specific fill levels.	Ensured sustainable operation and timely waste disposal while reducing power dependency.
      A. S. M. Bakry, H. A. Khater, and N. M. Ata,	To design smart recycling bins using AI- based image classification.	Developed edge devices with image classifiers to identify waste types and guide users at the bin level.	Boosted recycling efficiency with 9596% classification accuracy and low-power hardware.
      S. G. M. Eldien, M. K. Hafez, and H. S. Soliman,	To improve urban cleanliness using IoT- enabled smart dustbins.	Built a centralized system for real- time dustbin monitoring with optimal route planning for collectors.	Reduced overflow, minimized collection time, and improved urban sanitation.
      Y. Lei, C. Zeng, and L. Qi	To incentivize proper waste disposal using smart Wi-Fi- enabled dustbins.	Implemented bins that offer internet access as a reward for correct waste disposal behavior.	Motivated cleaner surroundings through a tech- driven reward model.
      R. Mondal, A. Das, and S. K. Ghosh,	To automate smart dustbin monitoring using real- time IoT data.	Integrated microcontrollers, ultrasonic sensors, and Wi- Fi modules to relay bin status to a web server.	Enabled timely waste collection and real-time dashboard tracking for municipalities.

      [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

3. METHODOLOGY

The smart waste management systems discussed in this review typically consists of the following components:

1. Hardware Components

2. Software Components

3. System workflow

1. Hardware Components

   Microcontrollers: Commonly used microcontrollers include Arduino Uno, NodeMCU, or Raspberry Pi for data processing. The Arduino Uno is a popular choice among hobbyists, students, and prototypes due to its beginner-friendly design and versatility. At its core, it is powered by the ATmega328P

   microcontroller chip, which serves as the brain of the board. This chip strikes a balance between processing power and simplicity, allowing users to execute a variety of projects from blinking an LED to building basic robots.

   One of the defining features of the Arduino Uno is its user- friendly layout. It features 14 digital I/O pins (6 of which can output PWM signals) and 6 analog input pins, making it suitable for interfacing with various sensors, actuators, and other electronic devices. The board also includes a USB-B port for programming and serial communication, along with a barrel jack or VIN pin to connect an external power supply when needed [5].

   Sensors:

   Ultrasonic Sensors: Measure the waste level inside the bin and the distance to objects. An ultrasonic sensor is a device that uses sound waves to detect objects. Modules like the HC- SR04 emit ultrasonic pulses and calculate the time it takes for the echo to return. This time delay is used to determine the distance to the object. Ultrasonic sensors are compact, affordable, and easy to use with microcontrollers, making them popular for applications such as obstacle detection, automation, and robotics.

   Infrared Sensors: Detect user presence for automated lid operation.

   Load Sensors: Measure the weight of the collected waste. Actuators: Use servo motors for automatic lid opening and closing.

   Communication Modules: Wi-Fi, GSM, or LoRa for real- time data transmission.

2. Software Components

   Arduino IDE: Used for programming microcontrollers.

   IoT Cloud Platforms: Platforms such as Blynk, ThingSpeak, and Firebase facilitate real-time monitoring.

   Mobile Applications/Web Interfaces: Designed to display waste status and notify users or municipal authorities.

3. System Workflow

   An ultrasonic sensor functions to detect the amount of material contained in the waste bin.

   A process at the microcontroller system analyses incoming data to establish when sending an alert becomes necessary.

   Excessive waste will trigger notifications to reach authorized authorities when sensitive threshold values are breached.

   The waste measurement data gets stored in cloud databases for route analysis before waste collection route optimization takes place [3][5][6].

4. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

   Multiple studies on both prototype and live smart waste management systems show their success in operation. Different research studies demonstrate the following critical results:

   The smart bin system enhances waste collection operations because it waits to send alerts about fullness until waste bins reach maximum capacity. Smart bins accomplish reduced waste overflow and reduce pollution because they ensure timely waste disposal thus lowering health risks alongside environmental pollution. The major cost-saving benefit of waste management route optimization is that it makes waste services more cost-effective. User Engagement becomes better because certain systems utilize mobile applications which enable residents to monitor and report full bins using the applications. Problems regarding sensor calibration occur when using ultrasonic sensors because non-uniform waste distribution leads to measurement inaccuracies.Network failures create delays in the delivery of notifications because of connectivity issues.Running continuous monitoring and data transmission depletes the power stored within battery- operated devices.

   The initial investment for advanced sensors along with IoT devices remains high and their sustained maintenance costs are considerable. Rural areas and semi-urban communities represent the main population groups who lack access to smart waste solutions. Wrong readings from sensors together with their malfunctioning would create deficient choices in waste collection and processing systems. The system faces performance problems because internet connectivity must remain steady even if network signals are weak or disappearing in certain areas. Smart systems experience complex installation challenges when operators try to merge them with conventional waste management solutions. Those integrations sometimes fail to operate smoothly. The operation and maintenance of smart technology systems needs knowledgeable employees but numerous local governments do not possess these trained personnel. Security issues related to data privacy arise because these systems gather substantial amounts of information.

   Most smart devices must operate interminably but several regions do not provide steady power supplies for their operation. The effectiveness of smart waste systems is limited due to the unsatisfactory knowledge levels of the public regarding their purpose and usage. The electronics used in smart systems create electronic waste problems because improper recycling procedures fail to handle them properly [7] [8].

5. GAPS & FUTURE SCOPE

   The adoption of smart wase management systems faces multiple critical obstacles that prevent their general use. Various platforms and technologies fail to achieve standardization because they operate without interoperability. Different systems operated by cities and municipalities do not share effective communication thus impairing the capabilities for extensive integration or collaborative efforts between departments. Multiple unconnected systems create inefficient operations that prevent waste management entities from creating one unified waste management system.

   Smart waste infrastructure expenses remain high because of deployment and maintenance costs. Businesses need to invest a significant amount of money at first to implement IoT monitoring systems and tracking tools and data analysis

   solutions. Using these expenses causes considerable strain on local governments particularly in developing areas. The maintenance of such systems needs a trained staff that occasionally demonstrates scarcity.

   A principal obstacle exists because the public does not understand these systems well nor do they take part in them. Successful smart waste management requires citizens to actively participate in waste sorting and prompt trash disposal and complete integration of technology-based waste management tools. The insufficient knowledge held by people about these systems causes them to underutilize them which leads to diminished efficiency.

   Smart waste management technology establishes various important changes that will shape the future of waste management practices during upcoming years. Modern technological solutions assist the prediction of waste volume as well as maximize collection route operations and automate waste sorting and recycling functions to boost overall efficiency at lower operational costs.

   Developments in energy recovery from waste operations are expanding as an important field of progression. The system helps manage waste accumulation and supports the renewable energy goals for the country [9][10].

6. CONCLUSION

A major step towards dealing with the increasing problems in modern waste generation is smart waste management. Such intelligent systems enable waste bins monitoring in real time, routing of collection vehicles dynamically and forecasts of trends concerning waste accumulation in the future. This means that cities and communities can lower their operational costs, decrease the greenhouse gas emissions and improve the sanitation standards.

In addition, smart waste management facilitates a change toward more environmental friendly behavior through their transparency and transparency. They educate its citizens about how to recycle and segregate the waste, this helping the citizens to become more conscious of the matter in handling the waste. Following such successful implementations of these systems, clean environments, resource conservation, and positive public health outcomes became occurring.

It is not just a technological upgrade but rather a necessary way to embrace smart solutions in waste management in line with sustainable urban development and environmental protection. If policy supports and advances with innovation, these systems can become smart, green, resilient communities of the future where the world can reduce half of waste today, and by 2021 these systems will be smart enough to support waste management and recycling by 50 per cent worldwide.

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