Smart Food Waste Management Platform for Sustainable University Cafeterias Using Blockchain Technology

Abstract

The global food waste crisis poses significant environmental and economic challenges, particularly within institutional settings such as university campuses. At NSBM Green University, South Asia’s first green university, traditional food waste management systems are hampered by opacity and unverifiable data, impeding effective reduction strategies. This paper proposes a blockchain-based Smart Campus Waste Management Platform to revolutionize food waste tracking in campus canteens. Utilizing blockchain’s immutability, smart contracts, and integrated authentication, the system ensures secure, tamper-proof data management. It captures real-time waste data through authenticated manual inputs, processes it via a secure gateway, and records it on an Ethereum ledger, enabling precise sustainability reporting and data-driven interventions. The study details the system’s architecture, implementation with Ethereum and Solidity, and alignment with NSBM’s sustainability goals. Key benefits include enhanced accountability, optimized waste reduction, and reinforced green leadership, with future enhancements such as AI integration, scalability, and incentive mechanisms addressing potential challenges.