Optimizing Municipal Waste Collection Through IoT-Based Smart Bins and Cloud Platforms

Abstract

This paper explores a comprehensive IoT-based smart bin and cloud-platform architecture aimed at optimizing municipal solid waste (MSW) collection in urban Pakistani contexts. The proposed system integrates sensor-enabled bins, low-power wide-area networking (LPWAN), edge gateways, and a cloud-based analytics and routing engine. We evaluate expected improvements in collection efficiency, route optimization, fuel consumption, and service responsiveness, and discuss implementation challenges including cost, interoperability, data privacy, and stakeholder adoption. Simulation results and a sample dataset analysis indicate potential reductions in collection trips by 30–45% and operational costs by 20–35% under realistic urban deployment scenarios. The paper concludes with recommendations for pilot deployment, policy incentives, and future research directions for scalability and integration with recycling programs.