Smart Waste Management Using the Internet of Things: A Framework for Sustainable Cities

Abstract

Municipal waste systems face increasing pressure from urban growth, uneven service coverage, collection costs, and environmental impacts. Internet of Things (Iota) technologies can support decisions by linking container sensors, communication networks, vehicle data, and operational software. This narrative review proposes a practical framework for using these tools within a broader waste-management system that prioritizes prevention, safe collection, material recovery, and equitable service. It discusses fill-level measurement, connectivity, data quality, forecasting, route optimization, worker participation, cyber security, and evaluation. A graph presents a World Bank estimate of global municipal solid waste for 2022 and a projection for 2050; these figures describe the scale of the challenge and do not measure the effects of Iota. Published studies demonstrate technical and operational possibilities, but reported savings depend on local infrastructure, baseline conditions, and evaluation methods. A phased municipal pilot should compare equivalent service levels, include sensor and maintenance costs, monitor overflow and worker safety, and assess environmental outcomes across the full system. The review concludes that smart waste management is most valuable when digital information supports accountable public services and established waste-reduction strategies. No new deployment or experimental results are reported.