Smart waste management system. Case study: Mugonero district hospital

Abstract

Efficient garbage monitoring and waste management pose significant challenges in many hospitals in Rwanda. The existing systems are notably ineffective, leading to suboptimal waste management and collection processes. In several hospital departments, overflowing dustbins are a common sight, attributed to inadequate monitoring and collection. This situation not only results in unpleasant odours, but also poses a risk of infection spread. Timely and regular waste collection is vital in hospital settings to prevent overfilled bins and potential exposure. To deal with these problems, this study proposes the implementation of a "Smart Waste Management System" tailored for hospital environments. The core component of this system is the ESP8266 microcontroller. Ultrasonic sensors are employed to monitor the waste level within dustbins and providing insights into the quantity and type of waste to be disposed in the bins. The collected data is then transmitted by the ESP8266 to a web application, where it is visually represented for easy interpretation. The implementation of the smart hospital waste management system yields promising results. By employing real-time monitoring and data visualization, the system effectively addresses the inefficiencies of traditional waste management in hospitals. The data transmission to the web application facilitates prompt decision-making and intervention. Ultimately, the smart waste management system emerges as a viable and efficient solution to enhance waste management practices in hospital settings.