Dynamic cargo routing on-the-Go: The case of urban solid waste collection

Efficient collection of urban solid waste is a growing problem for cities and urban areas. Optimizing service routes based on actual waste bin fill level information can result in significant cost savings, reduced emissions, and improved city image. Fill level sensor installation and networking at an urban scale poses unique challenges. We describe Dynacargo, an innovative smart city application that leverages RFID technology in the waste bins and delay-tolerant networking (DTN) in roaming vehicles acting as mobile sinks. Dynacargo collects and transmits waste bin status information to the backend systems utilizing already existing network infrastructures and single-hop communications thus, reducing associated costs and time for installation, operation, and management of the necessary networks and ICT systems.