Rapid urbanization has intensified pressure on waste management systems globally, exacerbating environmental degradation and resource inefficiency. This study evaluates the efficacy of smart waste management (SWM) systems in three megacities—Lisbon (Portugal), New Delhi (India), and Beijing (China)—representing diverse urban, economic, and regulatory contexts. Through a mixed-methods approach integrating life cycle assessment (LCA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and social survey data, we assess SWM technologies (IoT-enabled bin monitoring, AI-driven route optimization, and decentralized recycling hubs) across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Results indicate that SWM reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 28–42% and operational costs by 15–30% compared to conventional systems. However, adoption barriers include high initial investment, digital literacy gaps, and fragmented governance. The study proposes a context-adaptive framework to scale SWM in urbanizing regions, emphasizing policy integration, community engagement, and technology co-design. These findings contribute to advancing circular economy goals and sustainable urban development in the Global North and South.

Emerging economies are experiencing unprecedented urbanization, with 60% of the global urban population growth projected to occur in Africa and Asia by 2050. This growth has outpaced waste management infrastructure, leading to informal dumping, public health crises, and resource loss. Smart Waste Management (SWM) offers potential solutions, but its implementation in low- and middle-income contexts is hindered by technological mismatch, governance gaps, and limited community engagement. This study presents a comparative analysis of SWM initiatives in three rapidly urbanizing cities—Lagos (Nigeria), Santiago (Chile), and Mumbai (India)—spanning 2018–2023. Using mixed methods including longitudinal case studies, participatory action research, and life cycle costing, we evaluate: (1) the adaptation of SWM technologies to local resource constraints; (2) institutional barriers to scaling, including policy fragmentation and funding mechanisms; (3) the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) and informal waste workers in co-designing solutions; and (4) environmental and socio-economic impacts over a 5-year horizon. Findings reveal that contextually adapted SWM—combining low-cost sensors, mobile-based monitoring, and informal sector integration—reduces waste collection inefficiencies by 40–55% and greenhouse gas emissions by 22–38% compared to conventional systems. However, success depends on tailored policy frameworks, micro-financing models for small-scale operators, and digital literacy programs. The study proposes a "Modular SWM Framework" that balances technological innovation with local capacities, emphasizing incremental scaling and inclusive governance. These insights contribute to filling the knowledge gap in SWM implementation strategies for emerging economies, where urbanization rates outpace institutional development.

Rapid urbanization globally has intensified waste generation and resource scarcity, demanding sustainable infrastructure and systemic solutions that align with circular economy principles. This study examines three urban contexts—Amsterdam (Netherlands), Cape Town (South Africa), and Bangkok (Thailand)—to evaluate how tailored infrastructure systems address waste and resource challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach, including infrastructure performance audits, life cycle assessments (LCA), and stakeholder interviews, we analyze three key systemic solutions: (1) integrated waste-to-energy (WtE) networks in Amsterdam, (2) decentralized recycling hubs in Cape Town, and (3) biomass waste valorization systems in Bangkok. Results indicate that Amsterdam’s WtE infrastructure reduces landfill dependency by 78% and generates 12% of the city’s district heating, while Cape Town’s decentralized hubs improve recycling rates by 40% in informal settlements. Bangkok’s biomass systems convert 35% of agricultural and food waste into biogas, supporting 5,000 households with cooking fuel. Common success factors include policy integration, multi-stakeholder governance, and community co-design, while barriers include high upfront costs, technological capacity gaps, and cultural resistance. The study proposes a "Circular Infrastructure Framework" emphasizing context-specificity, scalability, and resource cascading, contributing to evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban waste and resource management in diverse urban settings.

Urban waste management is at a critical juncture, facing increasing pressure from population growth, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of integrated urban waste management systems (IUWMS) as a pathway toward a circular economy. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we explore technological innovations, policy frameworks, and socio-economic factors that drive sustainable waste management and resource recovery. Case studies from North America, Europe, and Asia illustrate best practices in waste valorization, smart infrastructure deployment, and community engagement. Our findings highlight the importance of systems thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and adaptive governance in transitioning from linear to circular waste economies. The study concludes with policy recommendations and future research directions aimed at scaling up sustainable waste management solutions globally.

Urban solid waste management (SWM) systems are critical to sustainable urban development, as they directly impact public health, environmental quality, and resource utilization. With the accelerating pace of urbanization and population growth, the volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated worldwide has reached unprecedented levels, posing severe challenges to urban ecosystems and human well-being. This paper presents a comprehensive environmental assessment of SWM systems using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which offers a holistic perspective to evaluate the environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of waste management.

It evaluates key environmental indicators including global warming potential, energy consumption, and water use across various waste management practices such as landfilling, incineration, recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion. The study integrates multiple case analyses from cities in North America, Europe, and Asia to highlight region-specific challenges and innovations. By comparing and contrasting these cases, we can identify the most effective strategies for different urban contexts.

Results indicate that integrated waste management systems, particularly those combining waste-to-energy (WTE) with high recycling rates, offer the most promising environmental outcomes. Such systems not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also recover valuable resources and energy, contributing to a circular economy. The findings support policy recommendations aimed at improving waste system sustainability through technological innovation, public participation, and regulatory frameworks, providing a scientific basis for decision-makers to formulate effective waste management policies.