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The program introduces real-time monitoring of waste volume, enabling faster, more efficient, and data-driven waste collection and TPS management.

Site Selection and Waste Management Challenges in Bandung

Mr. Augie explained that Sadang Serang was selected because it lies within the same district as the previous implementation area. This facilitates the development of a consistent dataset to analyze waste generation dynamics within a localized region.

He added that waste volume in Bandung has increased rapidly, causing TPS sites to reach maximum capacity shortly after being emptied. This condition demands a monitoring system that provides more timely and precise information than conventional observation methods.

The Need for Real-Time Data in Decision-Making

According to Mr. Augie, real-time data is essential for adjusting waste collection fleets, scheduling transport, and evaluating community waste disposal patterns. The Smart Trash IoT system is now equipped with a Geographical Information System, allowing both officers and the public to visually monitor TPS locations and their fill levels.

This information helps anticipate potential waste overflow earlier and enables more efficient operational planning.

The system integrates ultrasonic sensors with an ESP32 camera module. The sensors measure the height of accumulated waste, while the camera captures real-time visual conditions inside the TPS container. The recorded data is automatically transmitted to a server and displayed through a mobile application and web-based dashboard.

The application presents TPS status indicators, daily volume trends, live photos, and alerts when the capacity approaches its limit. With these real-time features, TPS monitoring can be conducted remotely and continuously.

The Importance of Baseline Data and Community Education

Representatives from the Bandung Environmental Agency stated that the system addresses a critical need in waste management: the absence of accurate and structured baseline data for policy formulation. Previously, many operational decisions were made only after TPS conditions had escalated into problems and triggered community complaints.

“With integrated and automated monitoring, waste volume data can be obtained more quickly, allowing for more accurate analysis, prediction, and policymaking,” the representative remarked.

The Head of Economic Development (Ekbang) of Sadang Serang Subdistrict added that such technology is vital, especially as Bandung continues to face a waste emergency. Educating residents on proper waste disposal is challenging due to the diverse characteristics of the community.

A system that visually displays TPS conditions through a mobile application helps residents understand capacity limitations more clearly and encourages greater participation in adjusting their waste disposal behavior.

Contribution to Public Service Improvement

The Ekbang representative also emphasized the importance of accessible public services. An application that provides TPS photos, fill indicators, and automatic notifications can reduce potential complaints from residents. This technology also strengthens coordination between TPS personnel and local government officers, ensuring smoother waste management operations.

Data collected from pilot areas such as Sadang Serang is planned to be integrated into the Bandung City Command Center, enabling expansion at the city and provincial levels. With broader integration, the city will have a more consistent data foundation for developing responsive and effective waste management strategies.

Mr. Augie expressed his hope that Smart Trash IoT will be implemented across more TPS sites in Bandung, enabling more accurate and sustainable decision-making in waste management.

The implementation of Smart Trash IoT reflects ITB’s commitment to supporting government and community efforts in addressing waste-related challenges. Sustained collaboration is expected to contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more livable urban environment for all residents of Bandung.

Reporter and transporter: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)