Enhancing E-waste management in smart cities with smart contract technology

Abstract

The ever-expanding problem of electronic waste recycling necessitates a robust approach involving blockchain technology to ensure transparency and accountability in the lifecycle management of e-waste. Existing centralized systems fall short in terms of providing essential attributes such as transparent data, immutability, and security, hindering the effective monitoring and control of electronic devices throughout their supply chain. These systems also struggle with challenges like managing the entire lifespan of electronic products, securing data access, selecting reputable stakeholders, and handling the substantial data volumes generated during various supply chain stages. The E-Waste Tracking System integrates blockchain into the existing e-waste management framework, ensuring the traceability, accountability, and transparency of e-waste throughout its lifecycle. By employing smart contracts and cryptographic techniques, the system enables secure and immutable recording of e-waste transactions, including collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal. The decentralized nature of the blockchain ensures that all stakeholders, including consumers, recyclers, regulatory authorities, and manufacturers, can access on real-time, trustworthy information about e-waste movements and treatments. The E-waste tracking prototype is developed as a user-friendly web application, ensuring accessibility across various devices and platforms. The system's architecture is built upon permissioned block chain, enhancing security by restricting access to authorized participants only.