# Internet of Things-Assisted Vehicle Route Optimization for Municipal Solid Waste Collection
## 1 Introduction  
The upsurge in urban population correlates with a heightened demand for municipal services, placing additional stress on waste management facilities. The increase in city residents invariably leads to a proportional rise in the generation of municipal solid waste, prompting the need for the development of supplementary waste disposal sites to accommodate the amplified volume [1]. The environmental consequences of mounting municipal solid waste (MSW) are substantial, playing a significant role in the exacerbation of climate change [2]. Inadequate waste disposal practices lead to the release of significant quantities of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, as organic waste decomposes in landfills. Moreover, the energy-intensive processes involved in waste treatment and disposal contribute to an increased carbon footprint, intensifying the overall environmental impact. Addressing these challenges through the adoption of sustainable waste management practices is imperative to mitigate adverse environmental effects and reduce the contribution to climate change. Typical waste collection processes in metropolitan cities involve several key stages [3]. Residents generate waste through daily activities, resulting in the production of household waste comprising various materials. Waste bins or containers are strategically placed in residential areas, commercial districts, and public spaces to facilitate convenient waste disposal. Waste collection schedules are established, specifying the days and times whenwaste collection vehicles will visit designated areas for pickup. Specialized waste collection vehicles, such as garbage trucks, move through predetermined routes to collect waste from designated bins. In some cases, residents are required to separate their waste into different categories, such as recyclables and non-recyclables. Waste collectors may also perform additional sorting. Collected waste is transported to transfer stations or intermediate facilities, where it may undergo further sorting and processing. Waste is then transported to landfills or recycling facilities, depending on its nature. Recyclables are sent to recycling plants, while non-recyclables may be disposed of in landfills. The final step involves the proper disposal of waste, adhering to environmental regulations and waste management policies. Overall, an effective waste collection process in metropolitan cities integrates strategic planning, scheduled collections, sorting, and proper disposal to ensure the efficient management of diverse types of waste generated by a densely populated urban environment [4]. Advancements in sensors and wireless communications have paved the way for the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) networks in numerous smart city applications. Waste management can also harness the power of IoT to ascertain the quantity and composition of waste, transmit these data to waste collection organizations, and formulate optimized routes for efficient waste collection. Indeed, IoT can automate and improve the entire waste collection process [5]. In the context of MSW, the predominant use of road transport emerges as a notable environmental issue, accounting for a substantial portion exceeding 95% in both oil and fossil fuel consumption. This results in a considerable carbon dioxide (CO\({}_{2}\)) footprint, marking it as a significant contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases. According to [6], In Europe, the transportation sector contributes to over 27% of the overall CO\({}_{2}\) emissions. Specifically, within this sector, road transport stands out as the most significant source of pollution. This alarming statistic underscores the pivotal role of road transport in environmental pollution, with tangible health implications such as lung cancer, asthma, allergies, and various respiratory problems, highlighting the pressing necessity for the adoption of sustainable waste management practices.