SMART SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR INDIAN SMART CITIES: AN INTEGRATED IOT-BLOCKCHAIN FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

India's rapid urbanization presents unprecedented challenges in solid waste management (SWM), with over 377 million urban residents generating approximately 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually. Traditional waste management systems are inadequate for handling the complexity and volume of modern urban waste streams. This study proposes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to developing a smart solid waste management ecosystem for Indian smart cities by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, blockchain systems, and sustainable engineering principles. The research aims to develop an optimal framework for waste collection, processing, and recycling while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource utilization. The proposed system combines various engineering disciplines including computer science, data analytics, systems engineering, and urban planning to address multifaceted urban waste management challenges. Key objectives include developing predictive waste generation models, autonomous collection systems, real-time monitoring networks, and circular economy integration applicable across Indian smart cities. Keywords: Smart cities, IoT, blockchain, solid waste management, sustainability, circular economy, urban planning.