🗑️ WasteWise: Smart Waste Management System

WasteWise is a comprehensive solution for urban waste management, featuring a mobile app for citizens and collectors, a web admin dashboard for oversight, and an IoT-ready backend for real-time monitoring.

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🏗️ Project Architecture

• Backend: Node.js, Express, MongoDB, Socket.io (Real-time updates)
• Mobile: React Native (Expo), Redux Toolkit, Lucide Icons
• Frontend: React (Vite/Tailwind) - Admin Dashboard

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🛠️ Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:

• Node.js (v18 or higher)
• MongoDB (Local instance or MongoDB Atlas URI)
• EAS CLI (npm install -g eas-cli) for mobile builds
• Expo Go (On your mobile device for testing)

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📡 Backend Setup

The backend serves both the mobile app and the web dashboard.

1. Navigate to Folder:

   cd backend

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Environment Variables: Create a .env file in the backend folder:

   PORT=5000
   MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_atlas_uri
   JWT_SECRET=your_secret_key
   CLIENT_URL=http://localhost:5173

   For the full set of required variables, copy backend/.env.example and fill in your real values.
4. Run Dev Server:

   npm run dev

5. Seed Test Data (Important for first-time setup):

   node seed_test_data.js

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🔐 Env Setup

Use the same backend keys in both places:

• Local development: create backend/.env from backend/.env.example
• Render production: set the same variables in the Render service environment

Required values include MongoDB, JWT, CORS URLs, Cloudinary, and Brevo API:

• BREVO_API_KEY=<your Brevo API key>
• BREVO_SENDER_EMAIL=<your verified Brevo sender email>
• BREVO_SENDER_NAME=WasteWise
• BREVO_API_TIMEOUT_MS=15000

Do not commit your real .env file to git.

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📱 Mobile App Setup

The mobile app handles garbage reporting, reward tracking, and bin discovery.

1. Navigate to Folder:

   cd mobile

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Configure API URL: Open src/utils/constants.js and update the BASE_URL with your Local IP Address:

   export const BASE_URL = 'http://192.168.x.x:5000/api';

   Tip: Find your IP by running ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac).

4. Run Development Server:

   npx expo start

5. Open on Device: Scan the QR code with the Expo Go app.

📦 Building the APK

To create a standalone installable file:

1. Login to Expo: eas login
2. Build: eas build -p android --profile production
3. Download: Download the APK from the link provided after the build finishes.

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💻 Web Frontend Setup (Admin/Collector Site)

1. Navigate to Folder:

   cd frontend

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Run Dev Server:

   npm run dev

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🧪 Common Fixes & Troubleshooting

• EADDRINUSE (Port 5000 busy): Another process is using the port. Run npx kill-port 5000 to clear it.
• Network Error in Mobile: Ensure your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi. Check that your Windows Firewall isn't blocking port 5000.
• Camera/Location Crash: Ensure you are using a physical device. Emulators often struggle with camera permissions.
• Points not showing: Use the seed_test_data.js script in the backend to populate your account with initial data.

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📜 Repository Structure

• /backend: Express API, Mongoose Models, Controllers.
• /mobile: React Native app source code.
• /frontend: Admin Dashboard web application.
• /backend/uploads: Store for reported garbage images.