DriVe2X Paper: Smart, Clean, and Efficient: The Future of Waste Management in Urban Areas

Effective waste management is essential for promoting sustainable urban development, tackling issues such as resource conservation, environmental protection, and reducing carbon emissions.

The DriVe2X paper highlights significant advancements in waste management technologies, concentrating on three transformative domains: optimisation techniques, the integration of electric vehicles (EVs), and the implementation of smart technologies. Optimisation methodologies, including vehicle routing problems (VRPs) and dynamic scheduling, have shown remarkable advancements in enhancing operational efficiency while significantly reducing emissions. The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) has become a compelling, sustainable alternative to conventional diesel fleets, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions while tackling infrastructure and economic challenges.

Additionally, the application of smart technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Geographic Information System (GIS), has revolutionised waste monitoring and decision-making, enhancing the alignment of waste systems with circular economy principles. Despite these advancements, barriers such as high costs, technological complexities, and geographic disparities persist, necessitating scalable, inclusive solutions.

This paper underlines the need for interdisciplinary research, policy standardisation, and global collaboration to overcome these challenges. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, municipalities, and businesses, facilitating data-driven decision-making, optimising waste collection processes, and advancing sustainability strategies within contemporary waste management systems.

Read the full paper: Moving Towards Electrified Waste Management Fleet: State of the Art and Future Trends