Blockchain Can Enhance Traceability in Global Waste Management

Waste management is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges globally. Reports show that 33 percent of solid waste produced in urban areas is not disposed of in an eco-friendly and safe manner. One such report mentions that risks associated with this could be mitigated using blockchain technology. Currently, the technology is largely utilized by the cryptocurrency sector.

Blockchain and IoT Together Can Be Beneficial For Waste Management

A paper published by MDPI, a publisher of open-access scientific journals, describes it as “a novel approach to environmental sustainability and accountability challenges in our modern world.” The paper is co-authored by Katarzyna Bulkowska, Magdalena Zielińska, and, Maciej Bułkowski.

Blockchain is simply a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records information in units called blocks. It works similarly to Google Docs, an online word processor. When the doc link is shared, everyone can access the data contained in the base document. Blockchain operates on a similar concept plus the information fed to a block cannot be manipulated.

The technology’s integration with waste management could become a significant part of the development of smart cities. The paper highlights that infusing the Internet of Things (IoT) with blockchain can be beneficial to this. While the former can collect data in real time, the latter would take care of security and immutability.

Given the tamper-proof nature of blockchain, it may prove to be better than centralized systems. The paper notes, “Unlike current centralized waste data management systems that are vulnerable to intentional or accidental tampering, these tracking capabilities improve the integrity of the process.”

Tracking specific types of healthcare waste may become easier through blockchain according to the study. This could enhance human safety as well. Sensors could be attached to garbage bags to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Data transmitted from sensors is then sent to the blockchain for tracking.

European Commission’s Green Deal is also mentioned as a part of the research in the document. The initiative was approved in 2020 with an aim to make the European Union (EU) carbon neutral by 2050. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the commission, envisioned it as a “man on the moon moment.”

The paper concludes that “blockchain technology could be a game-changer in waste management by addressing issues of mismanagement, environmental harm, and inefficiencies.”

Data from the World Bank, an international monetary body, highlights that nearly 2 Billion tonnes of solid waste is generated annually. The figure is anticipated to grow to 3.40 Billion tonnes per year by 2050. North America remains the largest per capita waste producer globally followed by Europe and Asia.

E-waste has become the fastest-growing segment of global waste production. Available data shows 53.6 Million tonnes of it was generated in 2019 with only 17.4 percent recycled. Additionally, 32 percent of global municipal solid waste (MSW) is recycled. As of now, there are over 3,000 active landfills in the United States.

Anurag is working as a fundamental writer for The Coin Republic since 2021. He likes to exercise his curious muscles and research deep into a topic. Though he covers various aspects of the crypto industry, he is quite passionate about the Web3, NFTs, Gaming, and Metaverse, and envisions them as the future of the (digital) economy. A reader & writer at heart, he calls himself an “average guitar player” and a fun footballer.