IoT Assisted MQTT for segregation and monitoring of waste for smart cities

Rapid urbanization has increased the complexity of waste management and monitoring in smart cities, demanding intelligent and automated solutions. This paper presents an IoT-assisted MQTT-based system for real-time waste segregation and monitoring aimed at improving urban cleanliness and operational efficiency. The proposed system employs ultrasonic sensors to continuously monitor waste bin fill levels, enabling timely waste collection and preventing overflow. A moisture sensor is used to perform basic segregation by distinguishing between wet and dry waste at the source. Sensor data are acquired and processed using an ESP32 microcontroller and transmitted to a cloud platform through the lightweight MQTT protocol, ensuring reliable and low-latency communication. The system supports real-time visualization through a mobile application and provides instant alerts via a buzzer and display unit when predefined thresholds are exceeded. By enabling continuous monitoring, efficient segregation, and remote supervision, the proposed solution reduces manual intervention, optimizes waste collection processes, and supports sustainable urban development. The system demonstrates a scalable and cost-effective approach suitable for deployment in smart city environments.