IoT based Solid Waste Segregation using Relative Humidity Values

Abstract

Waste generation rates are rising around the world as the result of rapid population growth and urbanization. This waste if poorly managed can create serious health problems and can also contribute to methane (CH4) generation which can lead to global climate change. Also, waste conversion technologies to convert waste into electricity, biofuel and industrial chemical feedstock is a prime research field around the world which shows for the exigency for Solid Waste Management. But this process is expensive, which can amount up to 20-50% of municipal budgets. As, in present scenario research work is being done to recycle most of the waste or to convert waste into another form so as to utilize its energy. This requires segregation of waste and if this segregation is done at the source (i.e., home, hospitals, workplaces etc…) then the overall cost for solid waste segregation can considerably decrease. This paper focuses to segregate waste into dry and wet waste on the basis of the change in relative humidity in the presence of wet waste. The proposed model is cost effective and energy efficient. Also, with the incorporation of IoT (Internet of things) by using 802.11 Wi-Fi standard waste bin status can be monitored through mobile phones for domestic users and through servers for industrial purposes.