Top 13 IoT Examples of Smart Waste Management

Last Updated: March, 2024

The importance of waste management is often overlooked when it comes to advancements and technology adoptions. However, a lack of smart waste management can lead to severe effects, from individual health to effects on climate. That’s where IoT smart waste management gives a renewed approach to waste management. 

Smart waste management – how can IoT help the environment?

In general understanding, it is often assumed that waste management is a manual task with minimum technological support at the front of it. However, waste management can change drastically with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT can help different areas of waste management operations and lead to positive environmental effects.

Smart waste management with IoT and 5G can improve how the waste is monitored, collected, routed, processed, and taken care of. IoT can optimize human efforts and involvement with the help of connected devices, a wireless network, and a set of sensors. Through wireless cellular technologies like 5G, a city-wide implementation of IoT smart waste management can come to a realization.

Top 13 smart waste management systems for an eco-friendly world

While IoT connectivity can bring various tailored wireless smart waste solutions, here is a list of the top 10 smart waste management solutions:

  • IoT smart bins: 

The waste collection begins with a proper distribution of available waste collector bins. IoT smart bins can use GPS to find the exact locations of available bins for strategic placement. A handful of PIR sensors or ultrasonic sensors can also help monitor waste occupancy to notify waste collectors before they are full or unusable.

  • Sorting waste:

Different types of waste need to be treated uniquely for proper disposal and treatment. Sensors that can detect an object’s shape, weight, and material can help identify the waste to sort. IoT can help best manage recyclable as well as toxic waste. 

  • Real-time monitoring:

5G smart bins can provide real-time monitoring of bins. It can help confirm that bins are in their exact placement and if they are in order. IoT can help notify waste management teams in case of any unexpected occurrences such as accidents, falls, or misplacement of waste containers.

  • Waste collection fleet management:

Waste collection across cities can be trickier without traceability. IoT-based waste collection can help manage pick-up tracks for the most effective route and schedule. Proper waste collection routes would also reflect higher bins’ availability, optimized fuel consumption, and citywide cleanliness.

  • Sustainable energy production:

The next-generation sustainability will be built upon renewable sources of energy. The energy produced from waste will also play a significant role. IoT can help monitor such productions and push forward the best efforts to maximize them.

  • IoT composting (Smart Composting Toilets): 

Composting can help turn organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. IoT composting solution can leverage a wireless sensor network to monitor composting by sensing temperature, humidity, and light.

  • Smart waste landfills: 

Waste landfills are an important part of limiting pollution and disposing of waste in an optimized manner while complying with regulations. Through IoT technology, these waste landfills can detect the presence of any toxins in gas and substances.

  • Electronic waste recycling: 

Electronic waste also presents several complications when it comes to disposal. IoT-enabled e-waste recycling can provide real-time data to ensure that e-waste is sorted, managed, and disposed of with the right practices.

  • Reducing food waste: 

Food waste is one of the most prominent waste management challenges; reducing it has been as hard as ever. A smart waste management solution in restaurants and eateries can help authorities to identify alarming food waste and take insightful actions toward reducing it.

  • Smart waste management awareness:

Smart city waste management would emphasize on connecting with people to educate, inform, and empower them. IoT and wireless sources of engagement can raise awareness across smart cities to help create a healthier and sustainable environment. For example, Smart bins for cigarette butts: These special bins are designed to collect cigarette butts, which are a common source of litter and environmental pollution. The bins can be placed in public areas to encourage people to dispose of their cigarette butts properly.

  • Smart parking garages:

Smart garages use sensors to direct drivers to empty parking spots, reducing the time spent circling for a spot and reducing emissions.

  • Waste sorting robots

These robots use AI and machine learning to sort recyclables from non-recyclables, improving the efficiency of waste sorting and reducing contamination.

  • Upcycling programs:

Upcycling waste programs encourage people to repurpose garbage materials, such as turning plastic bottles into planters or furniture.

➡️ If you are curious about how IoT technology can help our mission of saving the environment and combating climate change, read this article.

The future of Smart waste management

Integrating smart waste management systems will become increasingly important as more cities adopt smart city technologies. With the ability to connect to the internet, sensors and devices in waste management systems can share real-time data, leading to more efficient waste collection and disposal. This will improve the overall cleanliness of cities and reduce costs and carbon footprint associated with waste management.

Moreover, the future of smart waste management will also see the emergence of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies will enable waste management systems to learn from historical data and make predictions on waste production and disposal, resulting in better waste management strategies and optimized collection routes.

In addition to the benefits of improved waste management, smart cities will also see a reduction in overall environmental impact. With optimized waste collection routes, there will be fewer trucks on the road, reducing traffic congestion and associated carbon emissions.

M2M & IoT SIM Connectivity for Smart Waste Management use cases

As we move towards a more sustainable future, smart waste management systems will play a crucial role in helping cities reduce their environmental impact while improving residents’ overall quality of life. At Freeeway AG, we are committed to helping cities and organizations implement smart waste management solutions that align with their sustainability goals with seamless IoT connectivity through IoT & M2M global SIM cards and Connectivity Management Platform. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organization create a more sustainable future.

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