IoT-based Smart Waste Segregation and Monitoring System

Abstract

Accelerated urbanisation coupled with continuous population growth has substantially amplified the volume of solid waste generated, thereby rendering effective waste management an urgent and complex challenge. Inadequate segregation at source and delays in waste collection frequently contribute to environmental contamination and pose considerable risks to public health.This paper presents an IoT-based smart waste segregation and monitoring system designed to automatically separate waste into dry, wet, and metallic categories while continuously monitoring bin fill levels. The proposed system uses an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with IR, rain (moisture), metal, and ultrasonic sensors to detect waste type and bin status. A stepper motor and servo motor mechanism ensure accurate positioning and controlled disposal of waste into the appropriate bins. Real-time monitoring and alert notifications are enabled through the Blynk IoT platform, allowing timely collection and preventing bin overflow. Experimental results demonstrate reliable segregation, accurate level sensing, and stable IoT communication. The system offers a low-cost, compact, and scalable solution suitable for smart city waste management applications.