Innovative Urban Waste Optimization: A Futuristic Approach to City

Sustainability

Group Members:

Roa, Charles Roven B.

Romero, Diodale Aura Luis F.
Rosales, Ralph Peter V.
Santos, Simoun Felix B.
Sevilla, Monina Joy A.
Shaque, Sophia Colleen
Udarbe, Limvei Joseph L.
Villafranca, Antonio G.
Villaverde, Joshua P.
Villoso, Samantha Mae C.
Yamongan, Gian Carlo A.

GROUP 4 – CE102 – A77

Background of the Study:
The Philippines, a nation known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant urban centers,
faces an ever-pressing challenge - the management of its growing waste. As the country's
population continues to expand and urban areas become more densely populated, waste generation
has surged, causing significant environmental, social, and health concerns. In many urban areas of
the Philippines, residents frequently encounter overflowing trash bins, littered streets, and
haphazard disposal practices that contribute to pollution, the spread of diseases, and degradation
of natural resources. The rapid urbanization and population growth in cities have led to an increase
in waste generation, posing significant challenges for municipal waste management systems.
Inefficient waste disposal processes contribute to environmental pollution and unsustainable
resource utilization. According to the World Bank, an astounding 2.7 million tons of plastic waste
are produced annually in the Philippines, with an approximate 20% of it finding its way into the
ocean. The World Bank additionally stated that "78% of the material value of the key plastic
resins– upwards of US$890 million per year – is lost in the Philippines when recyclable plastic
products are discarded rather than recycled into valuable materials (Market Study for Philippines:
Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers, 2021). Furthermore, according to an article by
INQUIRER.net, the Philippines faces a critical waste management challenge, generating around
40,000 tons of waste daily, with only 40-85% being collected, resulting in open dumping,
pollution, and health hazards (Mawis, 2019). Additionally, a lack of effective waste segregation
and law enforcement challenges persist, necessitating public awareness, stricter ordinance
implementation, and collaborative efforts between government, private entities, and the public
(Philippine News Agency, 2022).
In 2016, the Philippines generated an average of 40,087.45 tons of solid waste daily, with the
National Capital Region (NCR) as the highest waste generator (Senate of the Philippines, 2017).
This waste is primarily composed of 52 percent biodegradable materials, 28 percent recyclables,
and 18 percent residuals, and there is a shortage of sanitary landfills with numerous open dumpsites
still in operation. To address this crisis, we propose the implementation of a Smart Waste
Management System (SWMS) in urban areas, leveraging technology to optimize waste collection,
reduce costs, and promote sustainability. The SWMS will enhance waste collection efficiency and
require collaborative efforts among government, private entities, and the public to create cleaner,
more sustainable urban environments.
Statement of the problem:
A serious and growing issue in urban waste management systems has been brought on by
the fast urbanization and population increase of cities. Urban areas are growing, and with that
growth comes an increase in the amount of trash produced, which, under the current methods, has
a number of negative effects on the environment. In addition to failing to appropriately address
this increase in garbage, outdated and inefficient waste disposal techniques also seriously harm the
environment. Ineffective trash collection and disposal techniques lead to the depletion of natural
resources, increased operating costs for communities, and an unsustainable reliance on landfills.
To address the growing urban garbage dilemma, which has many different aspects and is complex,
new solutions are needed.
 On many levels, the problem of ineffective waste management in cities is of utmost
importance. First off, it has an immediate negative effect on the environment, including soil
contamination, air and water pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. The general well-
being of people living in cities and the larger ecosystem is affected by these impacts in a long-
lasting and frequently permanent way. Additionally, the operational shortcomings of the current
waste management systems drive up municipal expenses, burdening taxpayers and taking money
away from other crucial urban services. The cornerstone of long-term urban sustainability is also
threatened by unsustainable garbage disposal practices, endangering inhabitants' quality of life and
future opportunities.
Our main objectives in this project are to develop a Smart Waste Management System
(SWMS) for urban areas and evaluate its performance. By utilizing technology like data analytics
and smart routing to save operational expenses, we hope to increase the effectiveness of waste
collection. Through recycling and eco-friendly disposal techniques, we also aim to support
environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing our reliance
on landfills. Furthermore, we will assess SWMS's feasibility from a monetary point of view to
make sure it benefits both the environment and local government budgets. Lastly, since active
citizen engagement is essential to the system's long-term sustainability, we want to include the
community in responsible waste management by offering user-friendly interfaces and educational
programs.
Challenges Encountered:
Inefficient waste collection methods have long plagued urban areas, with fixed schedules
often resulting in overflowing bins, a misallocation of resources, and a rise in operational expenses.
This inefficiency not only undermines the sustainability of our cities but also exacerbates the
environmental impact of waste mismanagement, contributing to pollution and the depletion of
valuable resources.
Compounding the issue is the absence of real-time data, as municipalities struggle to access
accurate, up-to-the-minute information about waste container fill levels, which is critical for
optimizing collection routes and resource allocation. The lack of such real-time insights further
hampers the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management systems, making it challenging to
address the pressing issue of urban waste in a more sustainable manner.
Furthermore, the implementation of a smarter waste management system may encounter
resistance from both municipal workers and residents, posing a significant challenge to achieving
more sustainable urban environments. Overcoming this resistance and transitioning to innovative
solutions is essential for cities to make meaningful progress towards more efficient waste
management practices and the creation of cleaner, more sustainable urban spaces.
Type of Strategy:
The proposed strategy combines Internet of Things (IoT) technology, data analytics, and
community engagement to create a Smart Waste Management System. The system will employ
smart sensors placed in waste containers to monitor fill levels. Data from these sensors will be
collected and analyzed to optimize waste collection routes and schedules. Additionally, it will
create a user-friendly mobile application for residents to report issues, schedule special pickups,
and receive updates on waste collection. In addition to improving efficiency and the preservation
of the environment, this strategy is for garbage disposal establishes the city as an industry leader
in utilizing modern technology to solve local difficulties.
Internet of Things (IoT) Technology: utilized to improve and economize trash collecting
and disposal procedures. Rubbish bins now have IoT sensors built in to track their fill levels
instantaneously, enabling effective route planning and garbage disposal only when bins are getting
close to capacity.
Data Analysis: Data analysis will be conducted every month, in order to be able to adjust
to our customers and make the system more sufficient and efficient. This analysis will then be put
on different graphic designs to be put on the mobile application, so that users can see what is being
done with the data gathered, this will also include tips on how to manage certain wastes.
Strategy Effect: This strategy will be beneficial to the product in: Improving our service:
Because with data gathering, we can accurately monitor the progress and problems of the system
and quickly act on it, and using internet of things, we can pinpoint the exact location of error
quickly and being able to locate risks ahead of time: because of we can see how people manage
their waste and to avoid more air pollution, water and soil contamination.
Execution Plan:
The world's trash problem will not go away any time soon, and conventional waste
management techniques are ill-prepared to handle the additional trash generated by expanding
populations. Communities must implement smart waste management technologies that boost
productivity, cut collection costs, and divert more waste from landfills in order to close the gap.
Every barangay across the city will have smart waste bins installed, which can reduce
improper recycling sorting by using object recognition powered by artificial intelligence to
automatically sort recyclables into different compartments. With the initial sorting process being
eliminated by smart waste bins, recycling facilities can process materials more quickly and
efficiently. Waste level sensors will also be installed in every waste container which will collect
and store data on fill levels, allowing collection services to predict how often bins need to be
emptied. For a more efficient way of waste disposal, install pneumatic waste disposal bins that will
connect to a series of underground pipes. Through the pipes, garbage is transported to a waste
collection facility where it is sorted or hauled away. This system reduces energy costs, eliminates
the need for conventional waste collection, and boosts overall effectiveness. To reduce annual
collection costs, garbage truck weighing mechanisms are installed which can predict fill levels in
every garbage truck and reduce collection trips.
In today's world, waste management technologies have undergone significant
advancements, with mobile applications being employed to optimize the efficiency of waste
collection and disposal while providing an intuitive experience. The use of an app for waste
management offers numerous advantages, including the ability to keep track of the schedule for
emptying your trash or recycling bins, enabling notifications to waste collection personnel
regarding the correct time and location for picking up your trash, assisting in the proper sorting
and recycling of waste, allowing for the reporting of missed collections or damaged bins,
facilitating the payment of waste management bills through the app, and offering valuable insights
and tips for promoting recycling and reducing waste. This is akin to having a digital assistant to
manage waste, streamline the process, and promote environmental conservation.
Intelligent waste management technologies have significantly transformed collecting and
managing waste. To fully optimize these technologies, waste collection staff must receive
comprehensive training in the operation of new equipment such as intelligent bins and GPS
devices. They must also become proficient in navigating the most efficient collection routes,
managing bins equipped with sensors that provide alerts when they have reached their capacity,
responding to changes in collection schedules, correctly sorting waste for recycling and disposal,
and utilizing mobile apps and devices. It is also imperative that waste collection staff prioritize
safety and adhere to local waste management regulations. With adequate training, workers can
seamlessly integrate these innovative technologies into their workflow, resulting in an efficient
and effective waste collection process.
The crucial role of community awareness in innovative and intelligent waste management
technologies demands that the inhabitants of a region or city be well-informed about proficiently
utilizing and deriving benefits from such tools as apps and sensors. The emphasis must be on the
significance of proper waste sorting and recycling, the waste collection schedule, any changes that
may arise, the environmental benefits of waste reduction and recycling, the procedures for
reporting issues or requesting special waste pickups, and the impact of individual actions on
fostering a cleaner, more sustainable community. The aim is to educate and engage the community
in utilizing these technologies to uphold a clean, eco-friendly environment.
Engage, Follow-Up, and Feedback:
To actively involve the community in our mission to transform urban waste management, we
employ a multi-step approach:
Engage:
We kick off the process by establishing a direct line of communication with our residents.
This is achieved through town hall meetings and community forums where we openly discuss the
myriad advantages of the Smart Waste Management System (SWMS) and take the time to address
any concerns or questions that may arise.
Follow-Up:
The commitment to improvement does not end with initial engagement. Regular and
diligent monitoring of the SWMS's performance remains a top priority. We consistently gather
feedback from both our dedicated municipal workforce and the residents we serve, actively
seeking their insights and opinions through surveys and app reviews.
Feedback:
 The information and feedback received are not just for show; they serve as the building
blocks for enhancing our system. By using this valuable input, we continuously refine the SWMS,
proactively addressing any issues and making the necessary improvements to ensure that it aligns
with the ever-evolving needs of our city.
The Smart Waste Management System stands as a testament to our commitment to
revolutionizing urban waste management, with the aim of enhancing efficiency, reducing costs,
and promoting environmental sustainability. By actively engaging our community and remaining
receptive to their input, we strive to create a cleaner and greener future for our city.

References:
Market Study for Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers. (2021, March 21).
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Mawis. (2019, May 18). Solid waste mismanagement in the Philippines. INQUIRER.net.
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mismanagement-in-the-philippines
Philippine News Agency. (2022, May 20). Solid waste segregation remains major challenge in
PH: DENR chief. Retrieved October 14, 2023, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175460
Senate of the Philippines. (2017, November). Philippine Solid Wastes At A Glance. Retrieved
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https://www.senate.gov.ph/publications/SEPO/AAG_Philippine%20Solid%20Wastes_Nov2017.
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