SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR ECONOMIC AND ENERGY RESILIENCE

Abstract

This invention provides a smart waste management and resource recovery system that integrates IoT-enabled waste bins, data analytics, automated sorting, and resource recovery technologies. Designed to optimize waste collection, processing, and energy recovery, the system promotes economic resilience and environmental sustainability. By converting waste into biogas, biofuels, and compost, this system supports a circular economy and reduces dependency on landfills.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to waste management and environmental technology, specifically a system designed to optimize waste collection, processing, and resource recovery. The system integrates IoT, AI, and data analytics to support efficient waste management while promoting resource recovery and economic resilience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The rapid urbanization and population growth in modern cities have created significant challenges in waste management, including high operational costs, resource scarcity, and adverse environmental impacts. Traditional waste management practices primarily rely on landfill disposal, contributing to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of efficient resource recovery systems in existing waste management solutions limits the potential to turn waste into valuable products, further exacerbating the strain on natural resources.
As municipalities and industries face these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative waste management solutions that address both economic and environmental concerns. Existing technologies for waste sorting, recycling, and resource recovery lack integration, are costly, and often fail to adapt to dynamic waste generation patterns. This invention proposes a comprehensive waste management and resource recovery system that employs IoT-enabled smart bins, automated sorting, and energy recovery technologies to optimize waste management. By promoting a circular economy and reducing dependency on landfills, this invention provides an economically viable and environmentally sustainable waste management solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention introduces a Smart Waste Management and Resource Recovery System, which leverages IoT sensors, data analytics, and automated sorting technologies. The system consists of IoT-enabled waste bins, a data analytics platform, an automated waste sorting facility, and integrated resource recovery technologies. These components work together to enhance waste collection efficiency, maximize resource recovery rates, and reduce landfill dependency. Additionally, the system is equipped with energy recovery features that support economic and environmental sustainability, making it adaptable for urban and industrial applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SHOWS THE IOT-ENABLED WASTE BINS EQUIPPED WITH SENSORS FOR MONITORING WASTE LEVELS, TEMPERATURE, AND COMPOSITION.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Smart Waste Management and Resource Recovery System is a comprehensive solution aimed at transforming waste management practices by optimizing collection, sorting, and resource recovery processes. The system begins with IoT-enabled waste bins, which are equipped with sensors to monitor fill levels, temperature, and waste composition. These smart bins collect data in real time, allowing waste management authorities to optimize collection schedules based on waste generation patterns, thereby reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs. This IoT network enables seamless data transmission to the system's central data analytics platform.
The data analytics platform serves as the core of the system, utilizing AI algorithms to process and analyze data collected from the smart bins. Through predictive analytics, the platform identifies recycling opportunities, forecasts future waste flows, and enhances the decision-making process for resource recovery strategies. The platform provides valuable insights that allow municipalities and waste management companies to dynamically adjust operations, improving system responsiveness and resource allocation.
At the center of the system is an automated waste sorting facility, equipped with robotic sorting technologies and machine learning algorithms to efficiently separate recyclables, compostables, and residual waste. This automated sorting process not only increases recovery rates but also reduces labor costs and enhances the quality of recycled materials. The facility's sorting efficiency ensures that a higher percentage of waste can be directed towards recycling or composting, minimizing landfill dependency.
The resource recovery technologies within the facility include anaerobic digestion for organic waste, pyrolysis for plastics, and energy-from-waste systems for residual waste. These processes convert waste into valuable resources like biogas, biofuels, and compost, contributing to energy security and sustainable resource management. The biogas generated can be used to produce electricity or heat, reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, the compost produced from organic waste enhances soil fertility and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The system's integration with a smart grid enables efficient energy distribution, utilizing the recovered energy to power waste management operations and reduce overall energy costs. The system's modular design allows for scalability and adaptability, making it suitable for various municipalities and industrial settings. By transforming waste into valuable resources, the Smart Waste Management and Resource Recovery System enhances economic stability, reduces environmental impact, and fosters a circular economy.
, Claims:1. A smart waste management and resource recovery system comprising IoT-enabled waste bins, a data analytics platform, an automated sorting facility, and resource recovery technologies for sustainable waste management.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the IoT-enabled waste bins monitor waste fill levels, temperature, and composition, allowing for optimized waste collection schedules.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the data analytics platform utilizes AI algorithms to process waste data, forecast waste generation, and optimize resource recovery strategies.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the automated sorting facility includes robotic sorting systems and machine learning algorithms for efficient waste separation.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein resource recovery technologies convert waste into biogas, biofuels, and compost, supporting sustainable energy and agricultural practices.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biogas produced is utilized for electricity generation, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
7. A method for managing waste using the system as claimed in Claim 1, involving real-time data collection, automated sorting, and resource recovery to minimize landfill dependency.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the smart grid integration distributes recovered energy to power waste management operations and supports local energy resilience.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it provides economic benefits by reducing waste management costs, creating job opportunities, and generating revenue from recovered resources.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it promotes a circular economy by converting waste materials into high-value products, reducing environmental impact and resource depletion.

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