# PLC-Controlled Intelligent Conveyor System with AI-Enhanced Vision for Efficient Waste Sorting
## 1 Introduction and Background  
### Global Challenges in Waste Management  
In recent years, the demand for effective waste management has grown due to challenges related to the increasing volume of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The interplay of rapid urbanization and industrialization, along with inadequate waste management practices, has markedly exacerbated various environmental issues. Global waste generation is increasing at an alarming rate and shows no indication of a decline. In 2020, the world produced approximately 2.1 billion tons of MSW annually, a figure that is expected to increase by 56% by 2050, reaching 3.8 billion tons if no urgent measures are implemented; refer to Figure 1. This dramatic increase in waste generation places immense pressure on governments and authorities around the world to implement sustainable waste management practices that effectively mitigate environmental damage while addressing the social and economic implications of waste generation [1].  
Currently, the demand for effective waste management has grown due to the challenges related to the increasing volume of recyclable materials. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in a dramatic increase in MSW, and the inadequate handling of these wastes contributes to significant environmental issues such as air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change [1]. Countries undergoing urbanization and industrialization, with shifts in housing and consumption patterns along with access to a broader array of products, leads to an increase in per capita waste production. This trend is illustrated in Figure 2, which shows a clear relationship between higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increased waste generation per capita [1].  
The United States, for example, generated approximately 12% of global MSW in 2018, despite representing less than 5% of the global population. This places the United States among the highest per capita waste producers, with an average American generating more than 800 kilograms of waste per year. This disproportionate waste generation in wealthy countries reflects the impact of economic growth, industrialization, urbanization, and consumption and housing patterns on increasing waste volumes [1]. In addition, disparities in the generation of waste per capita between regions highlight the inequality in waste generation.  
Figure 1: Projected global MSW generation (in billions of tons) for the years 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050, if immediate and effective waste management interventions are not implemented [1].  
Figure 2: Relationship between GDP per capita (purchasing power parity–constant 2017 international USD) and waste generation (kg/person/year) available between 2010 and 2020 [1].  
Figure 3 indicates that although North America and Central and South Asia generate similar total amounts of MSW per capita, waste production varies significantly. This suggests that economic factors and population growth are key drivers of MSW generation. As urbanization accelerates in middle-income nations, the challenges of waste management intensify, particularly in areas without adequate waste disposal systems [1]. [PERSON] et al. [2] highlighted the main shortcomings in India's urban approach to solid waste management, including overloaded landfills, inefficient waste segregation, and inadequate policy enforcement, highlighting the need for technological innovations and greater participation of the private sector to improve waste processing and recycling efficiency.