IoT Advancements in Smart Waste Management

According to Statista, the worldwide market for intelligent waste disposal management was valued at approximately $2 billion in 2022. It was projected to experience a consistent annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.98% until the close of the decade, with the aim of reaching $6.2 billion by 2030. Incorporating IoT into industrial waste disposal management transforms traditional practices. By integrating sensors, IoT connectivity options that enable remote control, and data analytics, it's possible to adopt more sustainable waste practices globally. 

IoT Devices and Hardware for Waste Management

The IoT devices within waste management include the following categories and corresponding brands:

Device 

Manufacturer 

Smart Bins 

Bigbelly, Ecube Labs, Enevo 

Compactors 

Compology, CleanRobotics, WhizAI 

Vehicle Tracking 

Fleet Complete, Geotab, Samsara 

Bin Fill Level Sensors 

Bin-e, Rubicon, SmartBin 

Waste Sorting Systems 

ZenRobotics, Machinex, TOMRA 

IoT-enabled Recycling Containers 

ReCollect, Enevo, SUEZ 

Environmental Sensors 

Libelium, Semtech, Senix 

Smart Waste Management Platforms 

SmartBin, Enevo, Rubicon 


The connectivity hardware necessary for connecting the IoT enabled devices with software is represented by the following modems, modules, and chipsets: 

Manufacturer 

Model 

Quectel 

Quectel BC66 

Telit 

Telit ME910C1 

u-blox 

u-blox SARA-N3 

SIMCom 

SIMCom SIM7000 Series 

NimbeLink 

NimbeLink Skywire Series 

Sequans 

Sequans Monarch 

Particle 

Particle Boron 

Digi International 

Digi XBee Cellular Series 

Cellular communication technology remained the dominant choice for connectivity in 2020, representing 75% of the connected waste collection points.  Cellular LPWA (including NB-IoT and LTE-M) is projected to outstrip traditional cellular 2G/3G/4G options as the primary connectivity method for smart waste sensors by 2023 and is anticipated to achieve the significant milestone of connecting 1 million endpoints by 2023. Learn more in the Berg Insight article.

Reducing Emissions and Optimized Collection Routes

  • Challenge

    The waste collection routes are often predetermined and may not consider real-time factors such as fill levels, traffic conditions, and optimal routes. This leads to unnecessary emissions as collection vehicles travel longer distances than required to empty bins.

  • Solution

    Optimized collection routes minimize vehicle emissions, while smart waste management systems can reduce collection vehicle miles traveled.


Decrease of the Landfill Usage and Sustainability

  • Challenge

    Inadequate waste sorting practices result in lots of recyclable or compostable materials ending up in landfills. This not only wastes valuable resources but also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases as organic waste decomposes in landfills, generating methane. 

  • Solution 

    IoT technology helps to create smart waste management systems that use sensors and real-time data to monitor waste bins' fill levels. These systems can optimize waste collection routes, reduce unnecessary waste pickups, and ensure that recyclables and compostables are diverted from landfills effectively, contributing to environmental sustainability. 


Decreasing Operational Costs and Driving Logistics

  • Challenge

    Drivers often lack prior knowledge about the fill levels of trash bins they encounter. This results in a significant waste of time, fuel, and consequently, finances. 

  • Solution 

    Garbage bins equipped with sensors and connected to the internet can gather data on fill levels, temperature, location, or other relevant data types. With an interface presenting the positions and fill levels of all bins, waste collectors can access automated route planning that prioritizes areas needing immediate cleanup while bypassing disposal units that still have capacity. In addition, IoT-driven waste management can lead to a reduction in operational costs. For example, the utilization of a smaller quantity of bins leads to cost savings related to setup, upkeep, collection, and disposal.

1NCE Shop

Buy the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat now

Visit the 1NCE Shop and start connecting your IoT devices easily. Simply order your SIM cards, choose the desired type of SIM card and fill out all required forms. After the payment has been approved you get your cards within seven to ten business days.

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