An Intelligent System for Automated Waste Management in Smart Cities Using AI

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization has intensified the waste management challenges faced by modern cities, exacerbating issues of environmental pollution, inefficient collection, and public health risks. Traditional waste management methods struggle to cope with increasing waste volumes, resulting in higher operational costs and suboptimal outcomes. This paper investigates the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform waste management in smart cities through automation, route optimization, and enhanced recycling. By integrating AI with IoT (Internet of Things) and data analytics, we propose a system that automates waste collection, optimizes routes for collection vehicles, and promotes recycling efforts, thereby contributing to sustainability goals in urban settings. A comparative analysis of traditional versus AI-enabled waste management systems highlights the advantages of AI in reducing carbon footprints, improving resource utilization, and enhancing cleanliness.