Volunteer GIS (VGIS) based waste management: A conceptual design and use of web 2.0 for smart waste management in Dhaka City

Waste management is a major issue for rapidly growing megacities in developing countries. Unorganized and poor management system leads towards negative environmental impact, and lowering livability of these cities. How-ever, there are scope for integrating general people in the waste management to improve overall performance. In such context, the aim of this study is to develop and detail, a volunteer GIS based smart waste management system for Dhaka city; in order to ensure active participation of the citizens in resolving poor solid waste management conditions. The study concentrated in developing a Geoweb (Web 2.0) design for collecting waste related problems from the citizens. VGIS concept is developed using web-server and VGIS interface, with JavaScript and Google Maps APIs. The developed Geo-web would allow to report waste related problems (e.g., Illegal waste dumping) by the citizens using geo-tagged marker over a customized Google Map. Additionally, the website would also be used to disseminate waste collection schedule, contact information of the waste collectors for different wards in the city. The system would provide a common platform for citizens' active participation in waste management, and also help bridge the gap between citizens and local government, thus would open opportunities for active e-governance. Successful implementation of the system can help reducing solid waste management problems and create awareness among the citizens regarding waste management and use of internet in improving their surroundings.