IoT-Based Waste Management System in Formal and Informal Public Areas in Mecca

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Urban Planning and Management

Background:

• Smart city initiatives are expanding globally, with Saudi Arabia focusing on sustainable urban development.
• Traditional waste management systems are inefficient, lacking real-time data and failing to cover all urban areas.
• Population density and waste source locations significantly impact waste generation, particularly organic waste.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate how integrating the Internet of Things (IoT), geographic information systems, and optimization algorithms can enhance urban waste management.
• To propose a smart waste-gathering approach using IoT-enabled bins and optimized collection routes.
• To address the challenges of waste overflow, separation, and collection in urban environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of an IoT prototype with sensors for real-time bin volume monitoring and data transmission.
• Implementation of a genetic-based optimization algorithm to determine optimal collection routes based on bin status and waste type.
• Proposal of varied truck sizes tailored to different waste types (e.g., food, plastic) to manage collection efficiently.

Main Results:

• The proposed IoT-based system reduces the number of smart bins and locations visited by 46% compared to conventional methods.
• Optimized routing based on real-time bin volume and available space significantly improves collection efficiency.
• The system effectively manages waste overflow and separation, addressing challenges in public and small-space areas.

Conclusions:

• Integrating IoT and optimization algorithms offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for urban waste management.
• The developed system enhances city administration by providing real-time data and efficient resource allocation for waste collection.
• This approach contributes to Saudi Arabia's smart city goals by improving municipal services and environmental sustainability.