Blockchain Model for Tracking Plastic Waste Using Smart Contracts to Reduce Emissions

This research focuses on the design and development of a blockchain-based plastic waste tracking system aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in plastic waste management. The system utilizes Hyperledger Fabric as a permissioned blockchain platform and integrates smart contracts to manage transactions between organizations, including waste generators, collectors, sorting warehouses, and final processing warehouses. This system records each stage of the plastic waste journey, from creation to final processing, in a permanent, transparent, and immutable manner. The testing results demonstrate that the system can accurately record the status and history of waste, manage transfers between organizations, and process plastic waste into recycled products. Moreover, the system shows a significant potential for carbon emission reduction, with an estimated reduction of up to 50% compared to traditional plastic waste management methods, such as incineration or landfilling. The study also explores how the implementation of blockchain can support global efforts in mitigating the environmental impacts of plastic waste. The blockchain-based system also provides real-time monitoring, ensuring that each transaction is verified and recorded immediately, contributing to more effective management. The implementation of smart contracts further guarantees that waste-related activities are executed automatically when predefined conditions are met, reducing administrative overhead. The study also explores how the implementation of blockchain can support global efforts in mitigating the environmental impacts of plastic waste. Ultimately, this system presents a scalable solution that could be adopted in various regions to improve global waste management strategies.