Optimizing Waste Collection and Disposal with an AI- and IoT-Driven Smart Waste Segregation and Management System

Abstract

The rapid increase in global population and industrial growth has led to an unprecedented rise in waste generation, with approximately 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste produced annually worldwide, a figure projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050. Poor waste management contributes to severe environmental and health risks, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths annually linked to waste-related issues. Wildlife, too, is severely affected, with more than one million animals suffering injuries or fatalities due to waste, including plastic and broken glass fragments that pose significant threats. Existing waste management systems, primarily relying on traditional collection, segregation, and disposal, often lack efficiency and scalability. These conventional methods are hindered by inefficiencies in routing collection vehicles, overfilled bins, and inconsistent service, which contribute to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health hazards. To address these challenges, the proposed invention introduces an “AI- and IoT-Driven Smart Waste Segregation and Management System.” This system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to classify and sort waste types, monitor waste levels, and alert municipal services when bins are nearing capacity. With compartments for organic, medical, glass, and metal waste, the system employs ultrasonic sensors to track waste levels in real time, a camera and AI-based module to identify waste types, and a heating mechanism to dry moist waste, thus reducing odors and bacterial growth. Initial results indicate that this system optimizes waste management efficiency by preventing overflow, reducing collection costs, and lowering environmental impacts, making it a sustainable solution for urban and rural areas alike.

Specification

Description:The proposed invention is an "Optimizing Waste Collection and Disposal with an AI- and IoT-Driven Smart Waste Segregation and Management System" that leverages sensors, artificial intelligence, and automated controls to efficiently sort and process different types of waste. This system uses an AI-based waste classification module to identify waste types, ultrasonic sensors to monitor waste levels and alert system to municipality while the dustbin filled from ¾ portion and displays the value on screen. The system is designed to handle multiple types of waste, including organic, medical, glass, and metal waste, with distinct compartments for each type. Additionally, it includes a drying mechanism to manage moisture in the waste.

1.Waste Compartments:
The system features multiple compartments within a central collection unit (dustbin), each dedicated to a specific type of waste: Organic Waste, Medical Waste, Glass Waste, and Metal Waste. Each compartment has a sensor module to monitor the waste level, allowing the system to manage waste levels effectively and prompt disposal when necessary.
2.Ultrasonic Sensors:
These sensors are positioned above each compartment and serve to measure the waste levels in real-time. When the compartments reach a ¾ capacity, the system will alert the municipality for waste collection and display the filled portion. These sensors ensure that the bin operates efficiently without overflow, enhancing sanitation and waste management.
3.Camera:
A camera is positioned to monitor the waste entering the tray for sorting. This camera works in tandem with the AI-based waste classification module to visually identify the type of waste according to the trained data. By using computer vision, the camera assists in classifying waste correctly, allowing the system to direct it to the appropriate compartment.
4.Tray to Collect the Wastage:
Waste is initially placed on a collection tray before being classified and sorted into the respective compartments. The tray may have a detection sensor to identify when waste is present and to trigger the AI-based classification process.
5.Heating System:
A heater is integrated into the system to dry the moisture from the waste, especially useful for organic and medical waste. This drying process prevents foul odors, reduces bacterial growth, and aids in the preservation of dry waste, making it easier to manage and dispose of effectively.
6.Controller:
The core of the system is a central controller that receives data from various sensors, processes it, and manages different modules such as the heating system, compartment actuators, and communication module. The controller plays a pivotal role in integrating data from the sensors and AI module to make decisions regarding waste sorting, drying, and notifications.
7.Data Storage and Analytics Module:
This module stores data on waste collection, levels, and classification. Over time, it could be used to analyse patterns and optimize waste management processes. The data storage component may also retain information for compliance purposes in larger waste management systems.
8.AI-Based Waste Classification Module:
This module uses image recognition algorithms, likely a CNN model, to classify the type of waste based on the camera's input. The AI model can differentiate between organic, medical, glass, and metal waste based on the visual features of each item. Once classified, the controller directs the waste to the correct compartment.
9.Ultrasonic and Environmental Sensors:
Ultrasonic sensors detect waste levels, while environmental sensors monitor factors like temperature, humidity, or the presence of harmful gases (if applicable).
These sensors help maintain optimal conditions within the bin and ensure the safety of the surrounding environment.
10.Heating System:
As mentioned in Image 1, the heating system dries waste with high moisture content, reducing odors and microbial growth. The controller activates the heating based on data from the sensors.
11.Compartment Actuators:
Actuators control the movement of waste into specific compartments after classification. They enable the physical sorting mechanism by guiding waste into the correct bin based on AI input.
12.Communication Module:
This module starts sending alerts to municipality when bins reaches to 3/4 capacity, it will connect to the web app to provide real-time updates.
13.Display:
A display panel shows relevant information, such as current waste levels, the status of compartments. It acts as a user interface for operators or maintenance personnel. , Claims:We Claim that,
1. An intelligent waste segregation and management system comprising:
a central collection unit with multiple compartments designated for specific types of waste, including organic, medical, glass, and metal waste;
an AI-based waste classification module configured to classify waste based on image data;
a tray to collect waste and direct it to appropriate compartments based on classification;
one or more ultrasonic sensors positioned above each compartment to monitor waste levels in real-time and trigger alerts at a predetermined capacity level;
a heating mechanism to reduce moisture within the compartments;
a controller to manage system functions and coordinate data from sensors and AI-based classification modules.
2.Claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sensors alert a connected communication module when the waste level in any compartment reaches three-fourths of its capacity, enabling real-time notifications for waste collection.
3.Claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI-based waste classification module utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to analyze images of waste items and classify them into specific waste categories based on trained data.
4.Claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating mechanism is configured to dry moisture from organic and medical waste, reducing odors, bacterial growth, and improving waste preservation within the compartments.
5.Claimed in claim 1, wherein, the AI-based waste classification module configured to receive images from the camera and direct the classified waste to the appropriate compartment.
6.Claimed in claim 1, wherein the system display panel shows waste levels, status of compartments, and alerts for operators or maintenance personnel.

Documents