IoT-based smart waste management system: real-time monitoring and environmental compensation

Abstract

This paper presents the design, development and evaluation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart waste management system aimed at addressing the inefficiencies and public health concerns associated with traditional waste collection methods. The proposed system integrates ultrasonic sensors for real-time bin fill-level detection, a rain sensor for environmental compensation, an ESP32 microcontroller for data processing and transmission, and a dual-mode feedback mechanism via a local LCD display and a remote web dashboard. Experimental results demonstrate a 99% accuracy in fill-level and rain detection, with data updates to the cloud platform (ThingSpeak) occurring within 2 seconds of a 15-second reporting interval. The system's robustness, low cost, and energy efficiency highlight its potential for scalable deployment in urban environments, contributing to cleaner, smarter communities.