From the way we consume to how we dispose of things, digital technologies increasingly shape our habits and choices. AI, combined with digital transformation, has the potential to drive sustainable living and play a critical role in addressing the global waste crisis.

Where can AI tools be applied to transform waste?

The Problem: Deficit in Treatment Infrastructure 

Globally, more than 18 billion tons of solid waste are generated yearly. Waste generation is expected to accelerate by 50% by 2050. Today, waste disposal remains largely unformalized, and it often ends up disposed of illegally or in landfills. This exponential growth simply outpaces existing infrastructure capabilities.

Therefore, waste management practices urgently need to be formalised, and proper waste treatment will be massively considered as a lever to contribute positively to climate action.

Across the world, Waste Treatment Projects are struggling to meet demand. The deficit in treatment infrastructure is huge. Governments are falling behind on climate targets, SDG goals, and national infrastructure plans—not because they lack intent, but because the delivery systems are overwhelmed.

Artificial Intelligence to the rescue 

Bridging this infrastructure gap requires a multifaceted approach, such as including AI tools in the waste and circular economy loop.

AI-based sorting and collection will assist in solving the lack of accurate data on waste generation and composition, which hinders effective planning and treatment decisions

It offers tremendous data leverage to waste sector professionals, such as in Predictive Analytics, Process Automation, and AI-driven waste generation data, which provides valuable insights into citizen behaviour, preferences, and needs, leading to improved initiatives for recycling. 

AI platforms will help to track, monitor and assist in minimising illegal dumping

In Waste Treatment Plants, AI and robotics technologies can improve feedstock supply and meet the rising demands for recycled content by 1) Automating the clean-up and sorting of low-quality and mixed bales 2) Tracing and verifying the supply of recycled feedstock to keep suppliers accountable 3) Optimizing mechanical and chemical recycling processes to ensure high quality and yield

Waste sector professionals can build a more tailored system by focusing on actual infrastructure delivery. AI now frees up staff hours of formatting documents and drafting reports. They can stop chasing waste-related data since AI can extract key variables from hundreds or thousands of documentation pages.

Digital transformation addressing the gap

Seoul shows the way

Seoul installed "smart bins" equipped with IoT sensors, where ultrasonic sensors inside the bins detect the real-time fill level of the waste. Some smart bins are solar-powered compactors. They automatically compress the waste inside, increasing their capacity by 500-700%. This significantly reduces the frequency of collection needed. The sensors send real-time data on fill levels and bin status (e.g., temperature, operational status) wirelessly to a central monitoring platform. Volume-Based Waste Fee System" (VBWF), often referred to as "Pay As You Throw" (PAYT) has been implemented in Seoul. The smart bin utilises RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology and incentivises residents to reduce their waste generation and sort recyclables.

Impact: This has eliminated waste overflow, reduced litter on the streets, and allowed for more efficient collection schedules. The PAYT programme has helped decrease waste generated per capita.

How is the Middle East investing in smart bins that integrate with AI? 

The introduction of smart bins with IoT technology in the Middle East holds great promise for improving waste management practices. By leveraging technology, the region can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

The Middle East is actively implementing and expanding the use of smart bins with IoT technology as a crucial part of its digital transformation and sustainability agenda. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are heavily investing in smart city infrastructure, where efficient and sustainable waste management is a core component. AI & IoT-enabled waste solutions align perfectly with these visions.

Companies, including Beeah, Tadweer, Imdaad and NEOM have been deploying smart bins, and there are active pilot projects in residential, commercial areas, hotels, and public spaces. 

AI and digital transformation will definitely be a driving force in the waste sector, helping to bridge the waste infrastructure gap and achieve ambitious environmental goals globally, especially in regions like the Middle East. The market potential for software and hardware integration offers huge demand and is yet to be tapped, with global projected growth estimates at more than $3 billion by 2033.

Mohammed Riyaz is a senior project expert on waste management at Sia. As “Optimists for change”, Sia delivers innovative solutions, enhancing its services to support its clients in navigating the digital age with AI and digital transformation.