Smart Waste Management Systems in Rapidly Urbanizing Cities: A Multidimensional Analysis of Technological Innovations, Environmental Impacts, and Socio-Economic Dynamics

Abstract:

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.