Advancing Sustainability Through an IoT-Driven Smart Waste Management System with Software Engineering Integration

Reem Alnanih (), Lamiaa Elrefaei and Ayman Al-Ahwal
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Reem Alnanih: Department of Computer Sciences, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Lamiaa Elrefaei: Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo 11629, Egypt
Ayman Al-Ahwal: Communication and Electronics Department, Pyramid-Institute for Engineering and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-28

Abstract: Sustainability in software engineering encompasses environmental, human, social, and economic dimensions, each essential for ensuring software’s positive and lasting impact. This paper presents an innovative Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smart Waste Management (SWM) system. The proposed system addresses key limitations in existing solutions, including lack of real-time responsiveness, inefficient routing, inadequate emergency detection, and limited user-centric design. While prior studies have investigated IoT applications in SWM, challenges remain in achieving dynamic, integrated, and scalable systems for sustainable urban development. The proposed solution introduces a holistic architecture that enables real-time monitoring of waste bin levels and fire incidents through Waste Bin Level Monitoring Units (BLMUs) equipped with ultrasonic and flame sensors. Data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a centralized City Command and Control Center (4C), allowing for automated alerts and dynamic route optimization. A dual-platform software suite supports both administrative and operational workflows: a desktop web application and a role-based Android mobile app developed in Flutter, and integrated with Google Cloud Firestore, enabling centralized data management and efficient resource allocation. We validated the system through a working prototype, demonstrating notable contributions including enhanced emergency responsiveness, optimized waste collection routes, and improved stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable urban infrastructure by offering a scalable, data-driven SWM framework grounded in software engineering principles and aligned with smart city objectives. This paper presents an innovative IoT-based Smart Waste Management (SWM) system that addresses key limitations in existing solutions, including insufficient real-time responsiveness, inefficient routing, inadequate emergency detection, and limited user-centric design.

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT); smart waste; smart cities; smart waste management system; software engineering; mobile applications; user experience; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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