Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter introduces the background to summarize the study's purpose. This chapter also

includes the diagram of the Conceptual Framework, demonstrating the input, process, and

output, Objectives of the Study showing what the study aim to achieve, Significance of the

Study that highlights the significance and advantages of the study for the people and cities,

Definition of Terms to define the word's specific meanings of concepts used in the study,

and the Scope and Delimitation defines the study's boundaries.

Background and Conceptual Framework of the Study

About 9 million premature deaths in 2015 were linked to pollution, which remains a

major global health threat, especially for vulnerable populations.

Land pollution, caused by the accumulation of trash containing plastics, pesticides,

and heavy metals, alters soil composition and can generate hazardous secondary pollutants

(Texas Disposal Systems, 2024). In the Philippines, improper waste disposal, industrial and

agricultural activities, urbanization, mining, and logging are primary contributors to land

pollution (Radniw, 2019).

Region 6, including Iloilo, suffers from land degradation due to overuse of synthetic

fertilizers and pesticides, poor waste management, and damage from natural disasters. In

Iloilo, improper waste handling, unsustainable farming, and environmental impacts from

landslides and disasters are key factors (Radniw, 2019). In Lambunao, Iloilo, soil erosion

and ecological harm result from illegal logging, unsustainable agriculture, forest

conversion, and natural disasters like landslides and floods (Baclig, 2024).
 Traditionally, waste is managed using rubbish containers, but newer, more

sustainable methods are emerging. Waste management strategies and garbage bin usage

differ across countries. High-income nations like the US, New Zealand, and Denmark

generate at least twice as much waste per person as lower-income countries due to higher

consumption of packaged goods (Solid Waste Segregation, 2022).

Automated solutions like smart bins with sensors and GPS, using IoT technology,

have been developed to monitor and manage waste more effectively. Globally, various

international agreements address land pollution and sustainable land management. Key

accords include the Stockholm Convention, Rotterdam Convention, Basel Convention, and

Minamata Convention (Oandasan, 2023).

The Philippines enforces several environmental laws: the Philippine Mining Act of

1995 for responsible mineral resource use, the Philippine Environmental Code for resource

conservation and pollution prevention, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of

2000 (RA 9003), which mandates local waste management plans, segregation, sanitary

landfills, and recycling (Philippine Environmental Code, n.d.).

RA 9003 is actively enforced in Region 6. Lambunao’s Tax Ordinance No. 21-001

bans single-use plastics in markets and eateries, promotes reusable bags, and imposes fines

or business license suspension for violations. Although there is no single international law

solely targeting soil contamination, these national and global measures collectively help

reduce land pollution and promote sustainability. Limited access to modern pollution

control technologies challenges compliance for small businesses and local governments

(Philippine Environmental Code, n.d.). Community inaction hinders recycling and

segregation (Oandasan, 2023), while inconsistent law enforcement sustains pollution and

deforestation (Answering Critical Questions, n.d.).

To address existing waste management gaps, the researchers developed a smart,

solar-powered robot equipped with IoT-enabled GPS tracking and mobile alerts. This robot

uses sensors to detect trash and obstacles, collects waste efficiently, and provides real-time

updates through a mobile app. Users are notified when the robot’s container is full and can

track its location for timely disposal. The system also allows remote monitoring of the

robot’s status and maintenance needs, while collected data helps improve overall waste

management strategies.

This study aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their

specific targets. This study is closely aligned with 5 important goals: SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG

9, SDG 11, and SDG 12.

SDG 3.9, Good Health and Well-Being, aims to substantially reduce the number of

deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and

contamination. This study aligns with this since it helps protect public health by alerting

authorities when trash cans overflow, preventing the spread of disease from insects attracted to

garbage. SDG 9.4, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, aims to upgrade infrastructure and

retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater

adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all

countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. This study coincides

with this SDG considering that it is sustainable, efficient, and also uses clean energy for the

environment. SDG 11.6, Sustainable Cities and Communities, aims to reduce the adverse per
capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and

municipal and other waste management. This study aligns since it supports reducing cities’

environmental impact through improved waste management. Lastly, 12.4, Sustainable

Consumption and Production, intends to achieve the environmentally sound management of

chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international

frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize

their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The study contributes to the sound

management of waste and chemicals, minimizing their release into the environment and

reducing pollution of air, water, and soil.

This study also aligns with Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda

(HNRDA), which our study is related in National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA),

specifically Clean Energy and Sustainable Communities - it aims to investigate alternative

energy sources and to establish scientifically crafted management solutions. The researchers’

study aligns with these factors because it uses alternative and clean energy sources like solar

energy and sustainable materials.

 Figure 1

Conceptual Framework of the Study

-Data from the -Data from the

Municipal Municipal
Environment and Environment and
Natural Resources Natural Resources
Office (MENRO) Office (MENRO)
regarding the amount regarding the amount
of garbage collected of garbage collected
in Lambunao from in Lambunao from
2023 to 2025. 2023 to 2025.

Input

Process Output

Note. The conceptual framework focuses on the data from MENRO with how much

garbage they collected in each barangay. All the variables that make up the framework are

listed in the input section. Additionally, a summary of the experiments, testing, and
investigations is provided in the process section. Finally, the output is modeled as the

outcome that the system produces in the output section.

Objectives of the study

This study aims to develop a Smart Waste Management System: A Solar-Powered

Robot with IoT-Enabled GPS Tracking and Mobile Alert Integration. This study aims to:

1. To determine how much waste is collected by the MENRO (Municipal Environment

and Natural Resources Office) within the municipality of Lambunao, Iloilo

2. To determine the reliability of the device to collect several wastes in terms of its

maximum weight (kg)

3. To determine the sensitivity of the device in terms of:

A. How long for the device to detect garbage in their assigned area using

infrared sensor

B. How long for the ultrasonic sensor to detect when the garbage bin is full

4. To determine the adapting mechanism of the device based on:

A. How long the solar energy lasts in nighttime

B. How long the device lasts in rainy seasons

5. To determine the difference in sensitivity of the infrared sensor in detecting waste in a

specific area by distance:

 A. 1 meter

B. 1.5 meters

C. 2 meters

Significance of the study

The researchers proposed this study to benefit the following sectors:

Local Government Units (LGUs): A solar-powered, IoT-enabled, GPS-tracked robot can

significantly help local government units (LGUs) by optimizing waste collection, reducing

costs, and improving public hygiene. The system can provide real-time monitoring of waste

levels, optimize collection routes, and alert authorities about overflowing bins or potential

hazards. This leads to more efficient waste management, reduced operational costs, and a

cleaner, healthier environment for citizens.

Waste Management Companies: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled smart waste management

robot can significantly improve waste collection for companies by optimizing routes,

reducing fuel consumption, and improving waste management efficiency. The system's

GPS tracking and mobile alerts can help waste management companies optimize collection

routes, minimize fuel consumption, and ensure timely waste disposal.

Environmental Agencies & NGOs: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled, GPS-tracked robot with

mobile alerts can significantly aid environmental agencies and NGOs by improving waste

management efficiency and promoting sustainable practices. This technology allows for

real-time monitoring of waste levels, optimized collection routes, and proactive

interventions for spills or overflowing bins, leading to reduced environmental impact and

more effective resource management.

Urban and Rural Communities: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled waste management robot can

significantly benefit both urban and rural communities by optimizing waste collection,

reducing environmental impact, and improving public health. In urban areas, it can

streamline waste collection routes, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and minimize

the presence of overflowing bins. In rural areas, where waste management infrastructure

might be lacking, the robot can provide a mobile and adaptable solution, especially in

remote or underserved areas.

Citizens and End Users: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled, GPS-tracked waste management

robot can significantly benefit citizens and end-users by improving waste collection

efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing overall cleanliness. This

technology can lead to a more responsive and proactive waste management system,

addressing issues like overflowing bins and inefficient collection routes.

Health Departments: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled waste management robot can

significantly assist Health Departments by enhancing waste collection efficiency, reducing

contamination risks, and providing valuable data for public health initiatives. The system's

real-time tracking and alerts help prioritize medical waste collection, while the robot's

ability to handle different waste types and identify potentially hazardous materials

improves safety and efficiency.

Educational Institutions: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled smart waste management system

can greatly benefit educational institutions (K-12) by improving waste management

efficiency, promoting environmental awareness, and potentially reducing operational costs.

The system's features, including GPS tracking, mobile alerts, and waste segregation

capabilities, can be tailored to meet the specific needs of schools and contribute to a

cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Future Researchers: A solar-powered, IoT-enabled waste management robot with GPS

tracking and mobile alerts can be a valuable research tool for future waste management

systems. It can provide data for optimizing collection routes, predicting landfill capacity,

and developing more efficient waste management strategies. The robot can also help

improve waste segregation, reduce reliance on manual labor, and promote a cleaner

environment.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined according to their function in the study.

Garbage (n.) - refers to waste materials, unwanted items, or refuse that are discarded by

individuals or businesses. It includes items such as food scraps, broken objects, packaging,

and other materials that are no longer useful or needed (Zaidi, 2025).

In this study, garbage refers to solid waste materials that will be collected from

public areas during the waste monitoring period.

Global Positioning System (n.) - The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based

radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation of satellites broadcasting navigation

signals and a network of ground stations and satellite control stations used for monitoring

and control (Satellite Navigation - Global Positioning System (GPS), n.d.).

In this study, the global positioning system (GPS) will be used by the authorities for

locating the device that already has alerted about the almost overflowing garbage.

Global System for Mobile Communications (n.) - is a digital mobile communication

standard applied widely in Europe and other parts of the world (Awati et al., 2025).

In this study, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) will be used as a

way of communicating with the authorities, specifically the garbage collectors, that the

device has already reached its capacity limit.

Land Pollution (n.) - defined as the introduction of harmful materials (pollutants) into

land, is referred to as land pollution. This includes the dumping of garbage, toxic

chemicals, and waste (Deepa & Artem, 2023).

In this study, land pollution will be the problem addressed by the researchers by

creating a device to solve this accumulation of harmful waste materials that will be found

on land surfaces.

Pollution (n.) - is the process of making land, water, air or other parts of the environment

dirty and not safe or suitable to use (Bradford, 2023).

In this study, pollution will be a major problem for researchers to create solutions

on preventing this phenomenon from increasing its destruction against the environment.

Solar Energy (n.) - Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. Solar energy

can be harnessed directly or indirectly for human use (Solar Energy, n.d.).

In this study, solar energy will be used as a source of clean energy to efficiently

power the device – especially its sensors.

Trashcan (n.) - Also known as a waste bin or litter box, is a container that holds garbage

(Limited, 2022).

In this study, a trashcan is a container that will be used to store waste materials and

combined it with different sensors for the prevention of overflowing garbage and to create

an efficient way for the garbage collectors to clean rubbish.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

This study aims to design and evaluate a solar-powered smart trash can equipped

with automated waste detection, movement, and communication features. Specifically, it

will focus on testing the reliability of the ultrasonic sensor in detecting the trash level inside

the bin. When the accumulated trash reaches the maximum allowed level, the system will

automatically send an SMS notification to the appropriate waste authorities through a GSM

module and trigger the locking mechanism to prevent further trash input. The study will

also examine the effectiveness of the infrared sensors in avoiding obstacles while the

device moves autonomously. Additional features to be evaluated include GPS tracking for

real-time location monitoring, and an automated lighting system that activates at 6:00 PM

to ensure visibility during nighttime. The trash can will be powered by a solar panel with a

rechargeable battery to ensure continued operation during cloudy weather and nighttime.

The study will evaluate the smart trash can’s overall performance based on its

ability to detect when it is full, send real-time SMS alerts, avoid obstacles, and operate

efficiently using solar energy. The goal is to improve waste collection methods by reducing

the risk of overflowing bins, minimizing manual supervision, and maintaining bin visibility

during nighttime through automated lighting. By integrating waste-level detection, location

tracking, autonomous mobility, and solar-powered lighting, the study promotes practical
innovation in public sanitation. This research also aims to support sustainability by

reducing human labor and encouraging responsible waste disposal through smart and eco-

friendly technology.

Construction and testing of the device will take place over three months, from

August to November 2025, in Brgy. Poblacion Lambunao, Iloilo. Since the necessary

things are not available in the market locally, the necessary materials will be obtained

through online channels. Evaluators will include school personnel, local community

members, and representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources

Office (MENRO).

Statistical analyses will include calculating the average response time of the

ultrasonic sensor in detecting when the trash reaches its maximum level, and evaluating the

consistency of the SMS alerts sent via the GSM module. The accuracy of the GPS tracking

system and the obstacle avoidance feature using infrared sensors will also be analyzed

through performance trials. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and percentage success

rates, will be used to interpret the data. Data analysis will be conducted using Jamovi

Statistical Software (version 2.5.6).

Several factors will be delimited in this study, including environmental conditions

such as weather and sunlight availability, which may affect solar charging efficiency, and

variations in GPS and GSM signal strength that may influence real-time tracking and

message delivery. The trash level detection system using the ultrasonic sensor will be

limited to recognizing when the trash has reached the internal sensor’s location — it will

not measure the exact height or weight of the trash. The obstacle avoidance system will rely

solely on infrared sensors, and its performance may vary depending on surface types,
lighting, and environmental interference. Only common, non-hazardous, dry waste types

typically found in public spaces will be tested. This study will not assess the long-term

durability of the device, its cost-efficiency for large-scale production, or its integration into

full municipal waste management systems. By identifying these boundaries, the study aims

to present a focused and realistic evaluation of a smart, solar-powered waste management

solution designed for localized use.

This study will adopt a developmental research approach within a quantitative

framework, focusing on the systematic integration of smart features in a functional trash

bin prototype. Data collection will involve trial runs, sensor testing, and evaluation of the

device's reliability, responsiveness, and usability in real-world conditions.

References

Awati, R., Ndungu, S., & Mixon, E. (2025, May 27). What is GSM (Global System for

Mobile Communications)? Search Mobile Computing.

[Link]

Answering critical questions on mining in the Philippines. (n.d.).

[Link]

on-mining-in-the-philippines

Baclig, C. E. (2024, June 1). Dying lands: Desertification taking another form in PH.

[Link]. [Link]

taking-another-form-in-ph

Bradford, A. (2023, March 17). Pollution facts and types of pollution. Live Science.

[Link]
Gagwani, D. (2023, November 12). Land pollution Definition, Causes & Effects.

[Link]. [Link]

[Link]

Limited, G. G. I. (2022, May 22). What is a trash can - Knowledge. GHD Enterprises.

[Link]

Oandasan, S. V. P. (2023, June 23). Influencing factors affecting the implementation of

republic act 9003(Ecological solid waste management act) in the province of Laguna.

EPRA Journals. [Link]

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1152. (n.d.). [Link]. [Link]

environment-code

Radniw. (2019, July 10). Pollution Philippine Clearing House Mechanism. Philippine

Clearing House Mechanism. [Link]

Satellite Navigation - Global Positioning System (GPS). (n.d.). Federal Aviation

Administration.

[Link]

navservices/gnss/gps

Solar energy. (n.d.). [Link]

Solid waste segregation remains major challenge in PH: DENR chief. (2022, May 30).

Philippine News Agency. [Link]

Texas Disposal Systems. (2024, October 9). Land pollution: Causes, effects, and

prevention-TDS. [Link]
Zaidi, Z. (2025, April 9). Garbage: Overview, definition, and example. Cobrief.

[Link]

example