Managing City Waste With The Use Of Technology

by Sanuli Gamage

As the world’s population continues to surge, large cities face an escalating challenge: waste management. With this challenge arises health concerns, economic issues and serious damage to the environment. Luckily, there are ground-breaking technologies that have the suited purpose to combat this issue. 

These technologies include :

o      Smart Waste Management Systems 

These systems are built using the concept of ‘control systems’. The system utilizes advanced sensors, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to enhance waste collection and disposal processes.

Countries such as the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have implemented the use of this system. Smart bins consist of sensors that monitor the level of waste in real-time and sends a signal to the main system which alerts the waste management authorities. This enables the bins to be cleared, reducing unnecessary collection trips.

The use of IoT in these systems allows the waste management authorities to plan their routes efficiently according to the clearing priority, thus reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to experts, transportation costs have decreased by 40% due to the implementation of IoT in the Netherlands.

This system allows cities to be more cost-effective and enhance resource allocation

Recycling technologies

Advanced sorting technologies, such as optical sorting and automated separation systems, enable more precise segregation of recyclable materials from a stream of mixed waste. The benefit of using these technologies minimizes the contamination of recycled products, thus increasing their quality. 

Large cities establishing recycling technologies can lead to the reduction of landfill waste and can conserve natural resources.

Waste-to-Energy Systems (WtE)

This offers a sustainable solution for managing the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. It converts waste into energy through the following processes : 

• Incineration
• Gasification
• Anaerobic respiration 

By harnessing the energy content of waste, the cities can generate electricity, heat, or biofuels, this can significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the need for fossil fuels, thus contributing to the reduction of global warming. 

Whilst this system contributes to sustaining the environment, it is important to ensure that WtE facilities operate within environmentally acceptable limits. 

o       Data Analytics and Predictive Modelling

This type of technology has the potential to revolutionize waste management in large cities. Prediction modelling can anticipate waste generation peaks, enabling proactive measures to avoid overflow situations or disruptions. Given that the provided data are analyzed and modelled correctly cities can optimize waste management processes.

By embracing these technologies smart solutions can be provided successfully to address the pressing solution of large city waste. If used correctly, technology holds the key to a greener future, where environmental harmony coexists with human progress.