With the rapid urbanization of cities, effective waste management and water conservation have become critical challenges. This paper presents a Smart City Module leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor garbage levels and automate watering systems for roadside plants on dividers. The system integrates smart sensors, real-time data processing, and cloud computing to optimize resource utilization and reduce manual intervention. The proposed solution enhances sustainability, reduces operational costs, and contributes to a cleaner and greener urban environment.
Introduction
Rapid urbanization has intensified issues in waste disposal and water management. Traditional systems often result in overflowing garbage bins and inefficient watering of roadside plants, leading to environmental, logistical, and public health challenges.
To address these, a smart IoT-based system is proposed that automates:
Waste collection by monitoring bin fill levels, and
Irrigation by measuring soil moisture and adjusting watering schedules accordingly.
Key Features and Methodology
System Components:
Ultrasonic sensors: Monitor garbage bin levels.
Soil moisture sensors: Track hydration in roadside plants.
Actuators: Trigger garbage alerts or water pumps.
Cloud platform: Collects, analyzes, and stores data in real-time.
Wi-Fi communication: Enables seamless data transfer.
Waste Management Module:
Sends alerts when bins are 75% full.
Reduces fuel usage by optimizing truck routes.
Prevents overflow, improving hygiene and aesthetics.
Automated Irrigation Module:
Waters plants only when soil moisture is low.
Integrates weather forecasts to avoid watering before rain.
Minimizes water waste and supports healthier greenery.
Cloud Analytics Integration:
Enables predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decisions.
Helps city planners make informed improvements over time.
Process Automation:
Waste trucks are dispatched based on real needs—not fixed schedules.
Irrigation is timed and adjusted automatically for efficiency.
Testing & Iteration:
A small-scale pilot is used to refine sensor accuracy and data interpretation.
Iterative improvements are made before full deployment.
Results and Impact
A. Waste Management:
Significant reduction in bin overflow and public littering.
Optimized fuel consumption and fewer emissions from waste trucks.
Enhanced urban cleanliness and better public health outcomes.
B. Irrigation System:
Avoided overwatering through moisture sensors and weather data.
Reduced water usage by irrigating only when necessary.
More effective watering schedules improved plant health and conservation.
Conclusion
A prototype was developed using an ATMEGA-328, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors, YL-69 soil moisture sensors, DHT11 Temperature and humidity sensor, LDR and an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. The system was deployed in a controlled test environment, simulating an urban landscape with smart garbage bins and roadside plants. Initial tests validated the accuracy of sensor readings and the efficiency of the automation process. Data from the prototype demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrated approach in optimizing waste management and water conservation.
During the prototype testing phase, data was collected over a period of one month. The analysis revealed a 30% reduction in unnecessary garbage collection trips, significantly improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the automated irrigation system led to a 25% decrease in water consumption, showcasing its effectiveness in sustainable resource utilization. By integrating IoT-driven automation, the system successfully reduced manual labor, improved response times, and optimized urban resource management. The real-time analytics provided valuable insights for city planners, allowing them to make data-driven decisions for future urban development projects.
References
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