Waste Management

Molecular recycling is the source of much of the stuff that gets 3D-printed, and in UbiquiCity even the garbage bins are programmed to sense their contents and call for pickup. However, this can only be taken for granted in the Ubi Zones. The success of waste management efforts are more clearly seen here, where a whole network of sensors and systems exists to take care of such things.

In the Sprawls, there is limited connectivity and no automated trash service: waste is a regular problem as many of the inhabitants simply don't care and can't afford automated solutions. In response to this, some enterprising companies have set up "cash for trash" centers, and others send out trash-collecting drones. The collected garbage is used for recycling common materials, which are resold for profit at material houses and 3D-printing shops.

The Squatter Towns are practically landfills -- with people living in them.