Comparative life cycle assessment and route optimization modeling of smart versus conventional municipal waste collection: Environmental impact analysis in an urban context

• Smart waste collection reduces global warming potential by 45.7 % compared to conventional systems. • Route optimization modeling demonstrates 52 % reduction in total vehicle distance traveled. • Smart system shows net positive health impact (−9.78 DALY) versus conventional system's negative impact. • Integrated LCA-simulation approach provides comprehensive environmental impact assessment methodology. • Smart collection reduces ecosystem quality impacts by 37.3 % and resource depletion by 46 %. This study conducts a life cycle assessment comparing smart and conventional municipal waste collection systems over a 10-year period in a medium-sized urban area, employing the IMPACT 2002+ method and simulation modeling. The smart waste collection system demonstrated significant environmental advantages across key impact categories. Global Warming Potential was reduced by 45.7 % (19,209,995 kg CO₂ eq vs. 35,370,480 kg CO₂ eq) through optimized route planning and reduced fuel consumption. Human health impacts improved substantially, with the smart system showing a net positive effect (-9.7756731 DALY) compared to the conventional system's detrimental impact (23.574054 DALY). Ecosystem quality impacts decreased by 37.3 % (15,662,705 vs. 24,999,196 PDF m² yr), while resource depletion was 46 % lower in the smart system, despite increased mineral extraction for electronic components. The simulation revealed a 52 % reduction in vehicle distance traveled (38,535.36 vs. 80,282.00 km/month). While demonstrating clear environmental benefits, the study identifies challenges in electronic component lifecycle management and mineral resource recovery. Future research should prioritize developing recyclable components, integrating renewable energy sources, and optimizing end-of-life management strategies. These findings provide practical guidance for municipalities transitioning to smart waste collection systems, particularly in medium-sized urban areas. Real-world implementations in cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona have shown similar improvements, with route efficiency gains of 35–40 %, validating the potential of smart waste management technologies in urban sustainability initiatives.