Internet of Things-Driven Waste Management: Paving the Way for Sustainable Smart Cities

Abstract

Rapid urban growth around the globe has created major waste management challenges, particularly in locations that have experienced rapid urban expansion, such as Oman. In the following study, Al-Duqm as Oman’s primary economic zone is investigated, where outdated waste management practices are at odds with the national Sustainable Development Goals. In order to address this problem, we present a system that includes the use of Internet of Things sensors, combined with GPS tracking features and artificial intelligence capabilities. With this waste collection system, we aim to achieve enhanced speed and cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Ultrasonic sensors with AI-based route planning installed in waste bins enable the system to minimize unnecessary waste collection rounds by trucks. Laboratory evaluations of our system demonstrated a 28% reduction in fuel consumption and a 15% decrease in operational expenses, achieving collection performance levels that improved by more than 41.5%. The unique quality of this approach consists of aligning multifaceted technologies to fulfill Al-Duqm’s special requirements for its dry climate and expanding infrastructure. The combination of sensor-generated data enables trucks to navigate empty container spaces, thus saving time and lowering emission levels. The findings of this study aid Oman in reaching its 2040 targets, in addition to Global Sustainable Development Goal 11, while simultaneously enhancing environmentally friendly initiatives in urban areas. The results of this study demonstrate how modern smart systems transform expensive waste management services into an intelligent environmental tool, thus providing examples for other areas that seek to achieve sustainable development through urban growth.