SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN HOUSEHOLD SOLIDWASTE COLLECTION: REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL RISK FOR COLLECTION WORKERS. A REVIEW

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Household solid waste collection is labor-intensive and high-risk. Objective: To describe new technologies reducing occupational risks inherent to this activity. Methods: A literature review with (PRISMA) methodology compared the occupational risks solid waste collection workers face in developed and developing nations across Africa, Asia, and Europe that utilize door-to-door waste collection systems and the potential of IoT-based Smart WasteManagement Systems to mitigate these risks in household waste collection. The search was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results: Initially, 2417 items were found in the search databases, of which 24 were included. Door-to-door solid waste collection expose workers to multiple occupational hazards. Implementing IoT-based waste management technologies such as (systems to collect, send, and analyze data from waste collection points with sensors, processors, or communication hardware, presents a promising approach to mitigating these hazards and helping optimize collection routes, reducing physical strain and minimizing direct human contact with waste. However, implementing of these IoT technologies may face challenges, particularly the need to restructure the door-to-door collection system. Conclusions: The study highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to reduce occupational risks and improve working conditions for waste collection workers.</jats:p>