Towards a Citizen-Driven Smart App for Managing Temporary Waste Dumps

Abstract

This paper addresses the growing challenges of solid waste management (SWM) in cities with limited infrastructure, highlighting its environmental, health, and economic implications. Given that this is a design-based research study, this paper presents a proposed framework for a smart application that aims to transform citizens into active partners in the process of reporting illegal dumps and full bins, while providing an effective incentive system. The proposed application is based on citizen empowerment and open data, offering an alternative to complex, sensor-based technologies often unsuitable for local needs in low-infrastructure environments. The paper follows a design-based research methodology that includes the stages of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation, with a detailed explanation of the data flow within the system. The analysis shows that this principle enhances the efficiency of the collection process, reduces unregulated waste disposal, and improves transparency, contributing to the development of a sustainable waste management system and supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.