Sustainable Urban Waste Management: A Scalable IoT System for Automated Segregation and Real-Time Monitoring

Rapid urban population growth has exacerbated waste management challenges, leading to overflowing bins and public health risks. This paper presents an innovative IoT-enabled waste segregation and monitoring system designed to improve urban sanitation and sustainability. Equipped with ultrasonic, infrared, and moisture sensors, the system autonomously categorizes waste and tracks bin fill levels. Data collected is transmitted through a wireless mesh network to a central server, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven waste disposal decisions. When bin levels exceed 70%, alerts are sent to municipal authorities via GSM for timely collection. The system is powered by an Arduino UNO microcontroller, which manages sensor operations and data flow, significantly enhancing waste management efficiency. By facilitating automated waste segregation and providing actionable insights, this system supports the development of cleaner, smarter cities and aligns with global sustainability initiatives, promoting urban cleanliness, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship.