IoT-Enabled Waste Management Systems Can Optimise Collection & Recylcing: Here’s How

IoT will not only collect waste itself but will also help the citizens get involved by providing them via mobile applications and Web portals.

By adopting IoT-based waste management, it will be easier to control waste effectively.

Source : Getty

By Tejaswini Gupta

Waste management has emerged as a critical challenge in today's world due to the ever-increasing volume of waste generated by growing populations and urbanisation. Conventional waste management approaches often fall short of efficiently collecting and recycling waste, leading to environmental and health hazards.

In a country as big as India, certain aspects affect effective waste management. Waste generated daily is a lot, which is hard to manage considering the waste management system of India. As of now, citizens of India have experienced the rising global concern regarding pollution that massively affects life forms. Steps have been taken to reduce such rising problems in the government in recent years.  

With the new uplifting in technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought solutions for a better management system for the waste generated. IoT has shown itself beneficial in coming up with an approach that will eventually help in reducing waste, optimising the waste collection process, and showing how new tech can optimise the whole management process in an eco-friendly way. India can optimise waste collection routes, improve recycling processes, and promote sustainable practices.

What’s The Root Problem Related To Waste Management?

Collection of garbage in a wide area with so much population is not at all an easy task; it is time-consuming and even costly. Even so, citizens do not care about segregating the waste, even today, many people do not bother to separate the wet waste, recyclable waste, and biodegradable waste.

The waste management industry has to face many challenges related to collection, cost management, and the segregation process. Lack of education leads to poor waste disposal; lack of resources to manage waste; limited financial and technical support; and a lack of policies make it harder to do any good.

There is a requirement for collaboration between governments, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive and integrated waste management system that prioritises waste reduction, recycling, and environmental sustainability.

Here's How IoT Can Revolutionise Waste Management In India

1. Smart Waste Bins:

A large amount of waste is collected from bins that are placed to dump garbage. Smart bins are advanced bins that can detect the amount of garbage in them. All this is done through sensors present in them that measure the weight and then forward the data to the authorities who manage the waste.

2. Route Optimisation:

Route optimisation is a valuable strategy for waste management companies to streamline their collection and transportation processes. By leveraging advanced technologies, data analytics, and real-time updates, waste management companies can minimise travel distance, reduce costs, and improve their environmental impact. By minimising travel distance and optimising collection routes, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions are reduced, leading to lower carbon footprints and improved air quality.

Implementing route optimisation not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable and effective waste management system.

3. Garbage Collection:

By implementing the IoT in waste management, the data collected by the smart bin will also help reduce missed pickups. Optimised routes will also help the management collect garbage on time and avoid littering.

4. Maintenance:

To maintain this optimised system there will be the need for the Smart bins and machines to have a fully functioning body without faults. The sensors will also be able to detect any abnormalities that are taking place in vehicle performance and bins. It will help the maintenance team to detect problems and resolve them as soon as possible making it possible to have a uniform system.

5. Optimisation Of Recycling Process:

Due to smart detection of the garbage, it will be easy to segregate the garbage and collect it accordingly which will help in optimising the recycling process without involving a lot of labour for the segregation process.

Smart recycling plants equipped with IoT sensors can monitor sorting, processing, and quality control. These sensors can detect contamination, track recyclable materials, and provide real-time data for efficient decision-making, reducing waste and enhancing the quality of recycled products.

6. Waste Tracking:

Tracking the waste will be easy to monitor due to smart tracking, the entire cycle of waste collection to waste disposal can be tracked. Each waste item can be tagged with a different identification, which will allow us to track its movement from the moment it is generated, collected, sorted, recycled, and finally disposed of.

This enhances traceability, transparency, and accountability in waste management practises, aiding in compliance with regulations and improving overall waste management performance.

7. Data Analytics:

The massive amount of data collected through IoT-enabled waste management systems can be analysed to gain valuable insights. It is not easy to optimise huge amounts of data, but with the help of an IoT management system, it can be easier.

Advanced analytics techniques can identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Waste management companies can use these insights to optimise resource allocation, streamline operations, and implement targeted waste reduction strategies. 

8. Awareness & Engagement:

IoT will not only collect waste itself but will also help the citizens get involved by providing them via mobile applications and Web portals that will help them report any waste-related issue or any other problem, track the collection schedule, and have access to all information regarding the whole waste management process of recycling and reduction.

It can help the citizens optimise waste management without any issue and even segregate it accordingly, encouraging them to feel responsible for sustainable waste management.

9. Environmental Benefits:

The whole process will bring out many environmental benefits. This reduction in travel distance leads to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced greenhouse gas emissions. IoT-enabled waste management systems help mitigate air pollution, contributing to improved air quality and a healthier environment. IoT-based waste management systems help curb littering, preventing waste from being scattered and reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

All these systems contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly waste management approach. Leveraging IoT technology in waste management is a valuable step towards building a greener future and preserving the environment for generations to come.

To implement an IoT-based management system in India, there will be numerous challenges that need to be addressed. Which may include:

• Implementing IoT-based waste management systems requires a significant initial investment, including the deployment of IoT sensors, the installation of communication networks, and integration with existing waste management infrastructure.
• Ensuring adequate network connectivity and coverage in all areas can be a challenge, especially in remote or underserved regions.
• Adequate measures must be in place to secure IoT devices, communication networks, and data storage systems.
• IoT devices require a continuous power supply to function effectively. Battery life and power management strategies need to be carefully considered to ensure the uninterrupted operation of sensors and devices. Regular maintenance and monitoring of IoT devices are also essential to identify and address issues such as device failures, connectivity problems, or sensor inaccuracies.
• Collaboration and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including waste management companies, technology providers, government agencies, and service providers, are crucial for successful integration and implementation.

Waste management in India is a complex issue, but with the government's initiatives, public participation, and technological advancements, progress is being made towards sustainable waste management practices. The focus on waste segregation, treatment, and disposal facilities, extended producer responsibility, and integration of the informal sector are steps in the right direction.

By adopting IoT-based waste management, it will be easier to control waste effectively. It won’t be easy to apply such a large change, but the process is easy and smart to use. Looking at the rising pollution and waste, it is important to address this issue quickly.