Title: Smart waste management with IoT: a pilot project for cost-efficient solutions in the city centre of Bratislava

Authors: Vanda Klučariková; Tobias Knayer; Natalia Kryvinska

Addresses: Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava 25, 82005, Slovakia ' Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava 25, 82005, Slovakia ' Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava 25, 82005, Slovakia

Abstract: The internet of things and its applications have been exponentially coming to the forefront over the past years. Waste management is one of the areas where IoT has a potential of making a significant difference to our everyday lives. While a variety of smart waste management solutions has already been studied and applied, majority of them are focuses on larger-capacity bins with lower frequency of collection. Contrariwise, this work concentrates on a lower-volume bins with daily frequency of collection - bins administered by Municipality of Bratislava, mainly located in the city centre. We study the current waste management situation, as well as potential costs and benefits of a particular smart waste management solution. A solution provided by a Bratislava-based provider of smart waste management solutions, is used as an example of possible IoT applications to the discussed bins. We conclude that given our assumptions, implementation of such a solution would be beneficial. Based on the results of our analysis, we also define limitations of the solution that may be overcome through adoption of recommended measures.

Keywords: IoT; smart waste management; cost-benefit analysis; CBA; pilot project; cost-efficiency; real-time data.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWGS.2026.151903

International Journal of Web and Grid Services, 2026 Vol.22 No.1, pp.90 - 127

Received: 25 Apr 2025
Accepted: 18 Dec 2025
Published online: 25 Feb 2026 *

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