IoT-Based Smart Waste Management System

Problem Statement 12: Sustainable Smart City Waste Management System

Team Name: 天堂编码员

Problem: Urban areas face critical challenges in managing waste effectively, leading to
issues like improper waste segregation, overflowing bins, and inefficient waste
collection routes. These problems result in environmental pollution, increased fuel
consumption, and higher operational costs for municipal services.
Therefore, efficient waste management is essential for sustainability in cities.
Optimized waste collection and proper segregation help reduce emissions, improve
recycling rates, and enhance public health.
2. Proposed Solution
We propose an IoT-based Smart Dustbin System that automates waste segregation,
monitors fill levels in real-time, and optimizes collection routes. The system also
engages citizens through direct feedback and education, enhancing their participation
in sustainable practices.
Key Features:
Automated Waste Segregation: Smart bins with IR sensors and cameras identify waste
type and check if it has been disposed of correctly in the correct bin.
Photo and Audio Feedback Mechanism: If waste is incorrectly disposed of, the bin
captures the user’s photo and provides instructions through a speaker. Users are
warned about potential fines for repeated violations.
Fill-Level Monitoring for Route Optimization: Ultrasonic fill-level sensors track the waste
volume inside bins. This data is sent to the central management system for real-time
tracking, allowing for dynamic route optimization of collection trucks. This ensures only
full bins are picked up, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
Maintenance and Reporting System: Citizens can report malfunctioning bins through
the mobile app. If the report is verified, any fines related to the malfunction will be
waived and prioritized for resolution.
Unique Selling Points (USP): The system offers a comprehensive approach combining
real-time user education, waste segregation, and automated route optimization for
trucks, ensuring a scalable and efficient solution.
3. Target Audience
Primary Audience: Urban residents who interact with the public waste bins.
Secondary Audience: Municipal authorities responsible for waste collection, routing,
and system maintenance.
User Needs:
For residents: A straightforward, interactive system that educates and incentivizes
proper waste disposal.
For authorities: A real-time monitoring and optimized waste collection system that
reduces operational costs and improves efficiency.
Benefits to the Audience:
Citizens receive real-time feedback and information on sustainable waste practices.
Authorities benefit from a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly
waste management process. Authorities can also use the system to collect fines from
repeat offenders and turn this solution into a revenue source.
4. Technology Stack
Hardware Components
• ESP32-CAM: For capturing images of citizens and connecting to the network via
Wi-Fi.
• Ultrasonic Fill-Level Sensors: To monitor bin fill levels and send real-time data
to the central system for route optimization.
• Infrared (IR) Sensors: To detect if waste is placed in the correct compartment,
ensuring proper segregation.
• Mini Speaker: For delivering real-time feedback and instructions to educate
citizens about proper waste disposal.
• GSM Modules (SIM800/SIM900): For providing mobile network connectivity
where public Wi-Fi is unavailable, ensuring continuous data transmission.
Software and Frameworks
• Python (Flask/Django): Used for backend server programming to manage data,
build APIs, and integrate the mobile app with cloud infrastructure.
• Node-RED: To integrate and automate IoT components, manage data flows, and
handle real-time communication between bins and the central server using
MQTT.
• OpenCV: For processing images and identifying user interactions to ensure
proper waste disposal.
• Flutter / React Native: For developing a mobile app that interfaces with the
smart bins, providing real-time updates, notifications, and user interaction
capabilities.
 • Firebase: For real-time data management and cloud-based storage, handling
data from smart bins and integrating with the mobile app for seamless
communication.
Cloud Infrastructure
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Used for data storage, real-time processing, and
server hosting. It integrates with Firebase to manage data from smart bins
efficiently and provides scalability for larger deployments.
Integration
• MQTT: For efficient, real-time data communication between smart bins and the
central server.
• Connectivity:
o Public Wi-Fi Networks: For seamless communication in areas with Wi-Fi
coverage.
o Government-Controlled Mobile Networks (GSM): For continuous
connectivity in areas without public Wi-Fi, using GSM modules for reliable
and secure data transmission.
5. Basic Roadmap
Phase 1: Research and Prototype Development (1 month)
• Develop and test a prototype smart bin with waste detection capabilities, fill-
level monitoring, and backend communication using Python.
Phase 2: Integration with Cloud and App Development (1.5 months)
• Develop a mobile app using Flutter or React Native and integrate it with the
backend using Firebase for real-time data management.
• Set up cloud infrastructure for data storage and processing.
Phase 3: Pilot Testing and Optimization (1 month)
• Deploy bins in selected locations with public Wi-Fi access.
• Test fill-level monitoring, route optimization, and data transmission.
• Refine systems based on pilot feedback.
Phase 4: Full-Scale Deployment and Evaluation (2 months)
• Expand deployment across the city using mobile networks to maintain
connectivity.
• Implement dynamic route optimization based on fill-level monitoring data.
• Evaluate and optimize system performance for scalability.

Total Time : 5.5 months